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Nick & the Jaguars Biography

nick-and-the-jaguars
  • Years Active: 1980s-1990s
  • Genre: Rock & Alternative

This Pontiac, MI-based instrumental trio had a lineup of two guitars and a drummer -- leading them was a teenaged fireball named Marv Weyer, and Nick Ferro played the drums. Formed while all three players were still in school, they were notable not only for being out in front of future surf guitar legends such as Dick Dale by several years, but also for being the first white act signed by Motown Records, a deal brokered when Ferro's dad, Gus, brought them to the attention of Berry Gordy Jr. during the company's first year of operation. Their debut single, "Ich-i-bon #1" b/w "Cool and Crazy," got a release on the Tamla label in August of 1959. They also saw action in the studio (as the Biscaynes) for Gordy's Ridge label, and backed up the Ferros on their doo wop release of "Come Home My Love" b/w "Tough Cat," for Fortune Records circa 1958. Marv Weyer went on to carve out a name for himself as a top rockabilly and country guitarist, and was still going strong at the start of the 21st century. The Jaguars were history by the start of the 1960s, but near the end of the century, the Gories paid tribute to their work and sound with a fresh rendition of "Ich-i-bon #1," titled "Ichiban" and appearing on the Outta Here album. ~ Bruce Eder, Rovi

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