The White Summer Band
75THE WHITE SUMMER BAND
I had the good fortune to make a modest living playing music for twenty years. I got to travel extensively; and bring joy to multitudinous numbers of people. I am a drummer, singer and songwriter.
The White Summer band was a Michigan rock group that I formed in 1973. It remained quite active on the music scene until we disbanded in 1991.
The White Summer band rarely took a break from performing live during those years. We also worked on writing songs and recording them. Eventually, five recordings (albums) were made of our original music. For these last twenty years, we play together once every other year at a White Summer Reunion Concert.
The White Summer band saw quite a few lineup changes over the years. Two of its members were in the group from 1976 to 1991—Jimmy Schrader and James Watkins (your author).
Jimmy Schrader was born blind. As a consequence, three things happened: He developed preternatural hearing; He was gifted by God with an incredible natural talent to play a guitar; And since he was unable to join in on many activities most of us did as youngsters, he practiced his guitar eight hours a day for many years.
JIMMY SCHRADER
I met Jimmy Schrader in 1976. The White Summer band had already produced one album of all original material. The group needed a new guitarist. I happened to run into another musician I know, and he said, "I know a guitar player and he is fantastic! But he is having a hard time finding a band."
I asked my friend why that might be, and he replied, "Well, he is blind, you see, and most people don't want to lead him around. He doesn't use guide dogs or canes. So, if you go on the road you would have to lead him everywhere you go, and everywhere he needs to go."
I pondered this for a minute and decided all I cared about was his musicianship. So I asked, "Where is this guy?"
THE AUDITION
I got the telephone number for Jimmy Schrader and gave him a call. He was interested so I went to his house to meet him (in Benton Harbor, Michigan—my hometown as well).
Jimmy Schrader had a very protective family (including a decidedly unfriendly Airedale). I went down into his basement and he picked up a 1957 Fender Stratocaster; plugged it into a 200 watt double-stacked Marshall amp—wide open! And he began to play—all by himself—as loud as a freight train. He explained that this was the only way he could get "the sound" he wanted.
It took me about 30 seconds to decide. I had, by then, seen many of the greatest rock bands in the world in concert but Jimmy Schrader was the most spectacular guitar player I had ever heard. I hired him on the spot and it was the best decision I have ever made.
THE KING: JIMMY SCHRADER
For quite some time, after Jimmy Schrader joined the White Summer band, our fans called him "The Blind Man." I also noticed that, as we traveled on the road, strangers in towns hearing us for the first time called us "The Band with the Blind Guitar Player."
Over time, this faded out and Jimmy Schrader acquired a new moniker: "The King." As in, the king of guitar. And the band was simply "White Summer."
We had tough times and we had great times. We toured a lot and we recorded a lot. And The King and I became best of friends—as we still are today.
THE WHITE SUMMER BAND
A friend of mine sent an email to me that said: "I saw your band, White Summer, on YouTube. Man, you guys sucked when you were young!."
I went to investigate, since I was not aware of the White Summer band having any videos on YouTube. To my horror, I found two kiddie bands with videos on YouTube—one from Canada and one from Australia—that were using our name! I wrote to them, asking to stop using our name, but received no response.
The real White Summer band had made a few videos in the past, but they were either lost or of poor sound quality. We did have lots of recordings, both of our five albums and of live performaces.
A friend of mine, Scott Raymond, who is a very talented architect (and formerly a champion ballroom dancer), heard me lament this problem and he created four videos of our music and uploaded them onto YouTube.
Three of these videos utilize original tracks from our last album: "Dreams Come True;" "To Be With You;" and "Last Chance." The first two were written by Jimmy Schrader and James Watkins; the third song was composed by Jimmy Schrader with one of our former bass players, John Sidoti.
The final video used a live recording of the White Summer band playing an extended version of the great Jimi Hendrix blues song "Red House" that was recorded on a simple cassette player in a nightclub. "Red House" features Donnie Brown from Greenville, Mississippi—the blues capital of the world—on bass guitar; Danny Frye from Sandwich, Massachusetts on keyboards; James Watkins on drums and vocals; and Jimmy Schrader on blistering guitar.
The original songs feature Jimmy Schrader on guitar and bass guitar; Danny Frye on keyboards; James Watkins on drums and vocals on "To Be With You;" and Steve Douglas from Cincinnati, Ohio singing lead vocals on "Dreams Come True" as well as "Last Chance."
Please enjoy the music!
"DREAMS COME TRUE" BY THE WHITE SUMMER BAND
"TO BE WITH YOU" BY THE WHITE SUMMER BAND
"LAST CHANCE" BY THE WHITE SUMMER BAND
JIMI HENDRIX "RED HOUSE" (LIVE) BY THE WHITE SUMMER BAND
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Wow! James, those were the days, you must have had a blast. Those Welsh genes will out.
Great to know this side of you James. We are a family of music lovers and musicians. My daughter sings and my son in law plays bass and drums with a jazz group fr Seattle.When you plan a trip to the Isles, plan to jam! I'll be 'bragging' a bit about an artist hubber i know.
Wow James. You are famous :) I am impressed. Still love Hendrix and Hubby often listens to Red House, on, I think, Are You Experienced?.
Thanks for sharing James. I like Hendrix. Last year my family & I visited The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and we spent some time listening to tracks from the past. It was fun!
Rock on dude!
satomko— Coming from a Hendrix afficionado as your self, this is high praise indeed! Thank you, sir!
Gypsy Willow— Oh yes! The Welshman in me comes out! I will confess: I had a great time creating the magic that is music.
"Those were the days my friend; we thought they'd never end We'd sing and dance; forever and a day We'd live the life we choose; we'd fight and never lose . . . "
IslandVoice— I've not yet been to Hawaii. But when I do come I'll bring my drumsticks with me and be prepared to croon! Thank you for your kind remarks.
ethel smith— "Have you ever been experienced? Wellellell— I have!"
What a fantastic album that is! I'm famous alright—A legend in my own mind.
Thank you for listening!
DynamicS— You are welcome! I do rock on—once a year we have a White Summer Reunion Concert. This year it is in St. Joseph, Michigan, Friday, June 26th—next week. In fact, one of our fellow Hubbers is coming to the show!
Thank you for your comments.
This is just great!!. listening away as I write this.
very cool. I was thinking of "Time of the Season" by the Zombies.... don't know why...some of your songs sound familiar, part of my 'consciousness'. thanks.
easy1— Thank you for listening and the compliment!
lefseriver— I love that Zombies song. Used to play it. We had 1000 songs on our songlist—a record as far as I know. In concert we would follow a serious set list but in clubs we picked them as we went and were known as the all request band. We would play stump the band. Name a tune, we'll try it!
If you are in the Midwest or Southeast it is possible you heard a couple of our songs on the radio. We did get quite a bit of airplay—briefly. :D
James, WOW, excellent. One of my favorite hendrix songs. Where can we get an album? Congrats.
Impressive. Great sounds.
I would love to be playing like this.
Keep on hubbing!
thinking out loud— Thank you very much. Amazon carried the albums some time back but not anymore. I did find this: http://www.amazon.com/White-Summer-WHITE-SUMMER/dp I can produce them here at home. Maybe I'll figure out to put them up on Amazon myself. Some music from our first album, 15 years earlier, is on youtube also. But there are two other young bands (in Canada and in Australia) on there using our name! Oh well, thanks for visiting! I am glad you liked it. (I could make a CD for you and send it to you if you like.)
eovery— Thank you for the appreciation. Are you a musician?
Thanks for the Hub Jim, you know I really enjoyed "Freedom" by Hendrix. With Rick and Jimmy both on guitar; seems to me like it was one of the best White Summer, Jimi Hendrix covers.
David Wheeler— You are welcome, brother. I loved our version of "Freedom." I actually have two different recordings of us playing that recorded on reel-to-reel that I have had transered to a CD. You're right, with those two playing together, it was hot! Nice to hear from you!
Remember when we use to do "The Answer" and "Tryin Anyway"? I was just on another Hub watching Marino; it sure brought back some memories.
David Wheeler— Why, sure I do. I could play them right now. I have recordings of both of them from a rehearsal in Riverside. Remember that?
You know I was just thinking that I had heard one of White Summer's songs from one of the later albums as part of a sound track in a teen movie? Can't remember for sure, you got some info?
Great hub, I enjoyed learning this about you. in on loving the hendrix. :)
David Wheeler— I think it was "dreams come true" but I don't remember what movie it was.
Iðunn Why, thank you. We love Hendrix. We are playing our annual reunion concert next week in Michigan and we have nine Hendrix tunes on the set list—out of 30. :D
that sounds wonderful. you have a great band. I am slowly but surely finding time to explore more Hubs and I'm so glad I ran across this one. delightful! much joy to you all at your reunion concert.
Iðunn Thank you. I read about 40 Hubs a day! I am usually 3-5 days behind them, though. Thank you for the blessing.
Wonderful getting to know this side of you and your talents. Am listening to the last youtube tape as I am writing this. What a treat!
Peggy W— Thank you very much for taking the time to listen to my music. I know it is about 23 minutes worth. I was advised that maybe one song per Hub might go over better but once my songs were on YouTube I couldn't resist the opportunity to get them all on the Hub Pages immediately. I appreciate you leaving your comment.
You Rock!
advisor4qb— A higher compliment you could not make! Especially since I now know you are a professional singer yourself. Thanks!
What a neat story history about your band! I was going to listen to your music, but the clicks are not working - I do think it might be my computer. Will look for you on YouTube too! Thanks for sharing. And glad you joined my fan club too!
frogyfish— I am glad you enjoyed the story. It is distressing the videos wouldn't play for you. I double checked them just now and they do play on my computer. Hmmm . . . I don't know what to think!
You guys sound great! I am surprised you are not famous!
James....I am amazed.....this is awesome stuff...there is nothing like performing....you guys rocked it! Thanks for sharing this! :)
Loved the music!Dig the art on the album's cover,long after this journey is over,the music will live on like that pyramid!
Dr Nancy Kenyon— Thank you for saying so! I was surprised, too, at the time. But now, well, I accept it as just the way the ball bounces.
Tom Cornett— Coming from a fellow musician, this praise means a lot to me. I am so happy that you listened and left these wonderful compliments. Thank you so much!
Brute— AH! Chichen Itza! That is where I got the name, "White Summer." I was reading a book in the early 70s by Dr. John C Lilly. I think it was called, "The Center of the Cyclone," and there was a little spot in there where he participated in a Mayan religious ceremony (astral projection was his thing). Anyway, the purpose of the ceremony—which involved either peyote of psilocybin mushrooms—was to reach the highest plateau of human consciousness that one could venture to without dying. Any further and one would severe the silver chord connecting the body to the soul forever. Anyway, I wasn't into all that but I thought to myself that music took me to that place. The Mayan words for that place translated to "White Summer."
Thanks for sharing that. I myself played music in high school (jazz, marching, and symphony) and I regret leaving it behind; both the music and experiences. I envy your adventure.
puppascott— I played the trombone in school! I wanted to play sax; but they said I had the "lips" for trombone. A conspiracy me thinks! Thanks for listening and commenting
My pleasure.
I'm sure a teacher could be suspended for saying that today.
French horn, mellophonium, and coronet/trumpet. Come to think of it, I've always been a brass man.
James, I can see why they called him "The King"! I'm listening to Red House and his guitar is certainly talking! Your band sounds great! Thanks for sharing this!
You guys are really very good. Why do you only play once a year now?
Hmm.. did I hear you say Welshman? ;0
Thank you for sharing your music here. I truly enjoyed it.
k@ri— They don't call him the King for nothin'! The man speaks through his guitar. Thank you for your gracious words.
Connie Smith— Thanks for the compliment! Let's see . . . I quit playing because my wife at the time was pregnant and that's what she wanted. I knew I had to quit cold turkey, so I sold all my equipment—mountains of equipment, drums, a huge sound system, a massive light show, a bus, a truck.
My guitar player never did stop playing. He is in a band that plays around Central Florida still today, and they take a week off every year so Jimmy can do this reunion with us.
We don't rehearse for these reunion gigs; I don't have any drums to practice on; I borrow drums for the gig. So, ever since we split up, we get together once a year to jam for old time's sake and we have an excellent turnout still. Maybe I should get back in it.
A. M. Gwynn— I am of Welsh ancestry, yes! Sharp eye. You are welcome and I am glad were pleasured by it.
James,
Thanks for sharing. Enjoying the great music at the moment!
Betty
Betty Wilson— You are welcome! Thank you for listening and leaving word.
Ah....I can see why a pregnant woman would want her husband to quit the band -- all those groupies. Still, it sounds like your love for the band outlasted the wife. Why are we women so stupid sometimes?
WOOHOO! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! Another faucet of fabulous indeed James! Jimmy's playing makes me ready to head to Florida too :)
Call me crazy Connie but I think James is so dynamic and adventurous, he wanted it all. One thing to drive women wild, another to have the family life and kids. Right James? Then let's see, you did the entrepreneur gig with undoubtedly a whole string of other careers - just because you could and were great at them all... Are we blessed with your writing on hp because you're trying the "retirement" thing? Or just in transition?
Somehow though, I don't see you going backwards but rather, into something that will make the world small - traveling around it offering your dynamic talents and energy to the entire global community - on your terms - hmmm - yet another conversation I'd like to have :)
Superb! Thank Scott for us please. And continue to be you and shine dear Sir - you do brighten the world!
Connie Smith— HA! You have a good sense of humor. My wise old Dad told me, "Son. If you give up your lifelong dream for a woman, she will be happy at first. But deep down she'll lose respect for you as a man and eventually leave you." She did, a few years later.
SEM Pro— You make me blush . . . I am flattered. I did want it all, yes. My family was very important to me. And I loved my wife dearly. :(
My aviation company failed after 14 years—about four months ago. I have nothing else to do, so I decided to write, which is something I have always had a desire to try. I am not retired. I am broke and lost everything (meaning savings and IRA I had to cash out and is spent now) except my home (so far), car, and personal belongings (including my artwork, so far).
But I am not worried. I am happy. And I am ready to jam!
Then I stand corrected - and I am truly sorry you gave up your dream for a woman who was unworthy. Your wise old Dad was right but I would express it differently: if any woman wants her man to give up his dreams, rather than encouraging and supporting him to expand them, you are better off without her. The same holds true reversed.
I know though, it is tough to find that "perfect mate". That's why I thought you might enjoy hearing about my own Dad - he was as dynamic and incredible as you are and did find that "right" woman who joined him on his path and made it easier for him to climb the highest mountains. Rare too, he chose her. Usually it's the other way around > a man chases a woman until she catches him :0
I'm ready to hear and enjoy you - JAM AWAY!
SEM pro— Thank you for your kindness and encouragement. I would like to hear more about your Dad. have you written a Hub about him?
Yes Sir - you found it and there's a response waiting for you there.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!
SEM Pro— Thank you, dear. See you soon!
My timing is always off. I was in Florida last week instead of next week. I would have loved to see you guys perform. BTW, your dad was a wise man.
Connie Smith— There is still time! I live in Florida but we are playing in St. Joseph, Michigan (my home town); right on the bluff overlooking the beach of the mighty lake.
I would really like to attend. I could even do a review as a hub! Hmm....wonder if I could take that as a tax deduction based on my hubpages business lol? If so, I'll have to request that everyone makes a few clicks (so I CAN call it a business) as I haven't made even one penny on mine. Rock on, James! BTW, please feel free to call me Connie. Connie Smith is my pen name lol.
Connie— Tricky pen name there! I think research is perfectly tax deductible. And a review would be nice. SEM Pro is honoring us with her presence! It is a nice place to visit. I'll give you two links to see for yourself.
http://images.google.com/images?q=st.%20joseph%20m
www.czars.com
Wow! You never cease to amaze me with your many talents! Your music sounds great.
I'm sorry to read though that you had to give up everything about your music because of your wife. I'm sorry too that everything did not last even if you did that.
Well at least you still have your once a year gigs. Music will live forever in one's heart.
Go on playing and singing and writing and everything else that you heart tells you James. I'm glad I met you here in hubspages.
jill of alltrades— It has been my pleasure to make your acquaintance here in Hub Pages. Thank you for your compliments. I do appreciate your encouragement. While life always has some bumps in the road, I have been blessed beyond imagining. And I am happy, joyful and peaceful.
I'm getting ready for the gig!
Wow.. you're great. I enjoyed the song very much :)
febriedethan— Thank you so much! I am glad you liked the songs. It means a lot to me.
I told you i will listen your songs.Amazing ,if you were in EUROPE you had some platinum and golden albums for sure.
gusripper— Thank you so much for appreciating our music. Maybe I will re-release some of it in Europe! Your words warm my heart. And my heart is in my music.
ALMOST TIME :) YOU ARE FEATURED!!! http://www.czars.com/index.php
"...affectionately known as 'Whiteheads'"? That's a whole lot better than "Deadheads" lol - I was a fan of Casey Jones and had a friend that played all the time and was AWESOME - could pick with both hands, but still wouldn't call myself that :)
Friday June 26/09 WHITE SUMMER [time]
"White Summer is a rock band originally from Benton Harbor, Michigan. During an 18 year run White Summer recorded five albums of all original music and performed thousands of live shows. While their recording career produced only a cult following of fans affectionately known as "Whiteheads" the live performances never failed to generate tremendous excitement and applause while drawing large crowds far and wide in The United States.
Since 1991, the members of White Summer have pursued separate interests. However- and to the delight of their die - hard fans - they get together for one reunion concert every year. These concerts take place in Florida 2 out of 3 years and in Michigan every 3rd year. To this day, their reunion concerts attract SRO audiences."
Can hardly wait!!!
What fun. Thanks for putting this together.
Thanks for the videos and music. The blues sound and the rock sound are both good. I've bookmarked this one.
SEM Pro— What a pleasure it was to meet you at the concert! I am grateful that you came. I hope the rest of your trip is joyful and peaceful. You are a sweet and brilliant lady with an outstandingly optimistic outlook on life.
Frieda Babbley— Thank you and you are welcome!
Patty Inglish, MS— You are most welcome. It is a honor to be visited by such an esteemed guest. Thank you for your kind words.
Well enjoy it I did! You guys were tight! Your friend Jimmy reminded of Alvin Lee, but brassier, and balsier.
muley84— Thank you, brother! Alvin Lee and Jimmy could both tear it up alright. I don't know about Alvin, but Jimmy still can jam. I appreciate you for listening and leaving your kind words.
That is a really interesting story and great music. Thanks for sharing that.
I want to thank you guys for all the great music. I remember back in the late 70's early 80' coming & listening to your music in a small town called Millburg at Chiefs Bar. Till this day I still have a cassette that you recored for me (1982). You have had a great career at playing music & I hope that people will always remember White Summer as a great band. Jim Schrader is the king of the blues in my eyes & your drum playing & song writing will always be remembered by me. I wish you guys all the best!
chicamom85— Thank you very much for saying so and you are welcome.
Tom Neff— It has been years since I have heard from you, old friend. Hey, can I get a copy of that cassette? I would like to hear it because it might be our lost 4th album—long story. You are welcome and thank you for your kind words.
This is great, James! You music is great! Having grown up near Chi Town, I have the blues in my soul! Hope you concert went well!
Jodi Hoeksel— Thank you! I appreciate your thoughtful remarks. The concert was a ton of fun. I grew up close to Chi Town meself.
James, I just read the review of your concert posted by SEM Pro. Sounds like a fabulous time! I loved the playlist! :D
k@ri— Cool! I'm glad you loved the songlist. We had a ball. SEM Pro is an outstanding writer and it was a pleasure to meet her. I actually met another Hubber! And she is cool as the day is long. :D
Wow, cool ..thanks James
msorensson— Thank you and you are welcome.
"Well listen, someday you’ll hear a rush of wings.So distant, a sound of secret things.There, look there, up in that rusty skyYonder, sweeps the dragonfly."
Just remembering the past,
David Wheeler
David— You know I always loved that song. Thanks for the reminder of fond memories.
Wow, James!! I'm impressed! I had no idea! Rock on, my friend.
habee— Thank you, dear! Congratulations on winning AEvans poll for top Hubber of 2009! That is quite an accomplishment. I see that I came in third as "most humurous." :D
I'm still not sure what to make of that.
I liked "Red House", but it is hard to concentrate on the music with Catherine DeNeuve to look at... LOL
carolina muscle--- Yes, that Catherine is hard to turn away from. Sharp eye there, my friend. I'm glad you enjoyed the song. I'm going to come over and check out your latest Hubs.
I like the vocals, yes Singing and being in a band WILL/WOULD BE MY DREAM COME TRUE...I love singing on youtube as dymphna29.....wow writing and music -2 of my very favorite things :D
schoolgirlforreal— Well, thank you very much. I am going to check you out on YouTube as soon as I can. My sound is not working presently. So, you are a songwriter? That is fascinating.
"To be with you" still amazes me in its calming, wonderful sound. Is there a video to Mother Earth? It should be on here as well...simply beautiful. Still got the Cd's. Miss you guys...(:
doppleganger— Thank you, Star, for saying such nice things about my song. It is near and dear to me. I miss you too.
Yes, there is a video to Mother Earth!
All I can say is AWSOMENESS!
primpo— Thank you!! Thank you very much! :D
SHUT UP!! Thank you for sending me this. Brought back some good and fun times.
Jimmy is the best. What happened to him? Do you still have contact with the band? I still communicate with my back up singers. We have a very special bond. You know us musicians have a little extra on the inside that nobody else understands...well, maybe God.
I also backed up...Johnny (I walk the line) original. But I never met any of those famous guys. They laid down tracks with the band, and the studios brought in extra instruments and singers later.
White Summer was a great name and a great band. I know you.
anndavis25— You are welcome! Thank you very much for coming over here to one of my music Hubs about my band. I am honored that you came.
Jimmy and I and one Randy Brown on bass played a White Summer Reunion Concert the night after Thanksgiving, 2011, in my hometown of St Joseph, Michigan, at Czars Nightclub. It was a sold out show and we had an absolute ball. In fact, I think I should write about it and post a few songs on here from the live video we shot that night. My son Adam got up and played drums part of the night too so I could play frontman. :D
I have always remained close friends with Jimmy Schrader. He is in an excellent Rock Band in Florida named Bad Mannerz. We do have a very special bond.
You sang on "I Walk the Line!" Amazing! It is a great pleasure to "meet" you.
Thank you for your gracious compliments.
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missed your reunion at czars....when and where is the next one? have not seen u guys in a ages...
Jim Gillespie— Hey man! It is great to hear from you. It has been a long time. I hope all is well.
We have no solid plans to do another White Summer Reunion Concert. Every two years we have done one since the band broke up in 1991. So that would make the next one next summer (2013).
Thanks for coming by and saying hello.
satomko Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago
I enjoyed your rendition of "Red House." It's one of my favorite Hendrix songs, and you really do it justice.