Early Bands of Anchorage

by Gary R. Smith
(Grand Junction, CO. USA)

The Five Pages

KFQD Serenaders

Swanson and Smith Band

Heine Swanson

My father, Gene Smith, moved up to Alaska in the 1930's. He was a musician, played sax and trumpet, and formed one of the earliest bands in Anchorage. The KFQD Serenaders.

(I've attached pictures)

The band played live on KFQD through out WWII, as well as playing local clubs including the Elks.

My dad played up into the 70's. I even have pictures in my 1963 WAHS (West Anchorage High School) annual of him playing at one of the school dances.

In 1961 I started performing in local bands. The first was with John "Jackie" Goodman, Cradoc "Dick" Bagshaw, Fred Johnston, Larry Monroe and Darryl Smaw. That band was called the Von Essex's and was the first band to play at the "Royal Pad".

One of Ron Moore's friends was Darwin Lamm. Darwin had a number 1 record in 1960, and came to Anchorage and performed at the Pad. We were the band that backed him there.

After John Goodman left town and joined the Navy, I formed the band "The Five Pages". That band included Don Huhndorf, Cradoc Bagshaw, Larry Cleveland, Bob Smith, and Caesar Romero.

We mostly played the military clubs on Elemendorf and Ft. Rich.

We did play on the roof of the Bun Drive in. Ron Moore had a battle of the bands night.

I left Anchorage in 1964 but have continued a career in music.

We had great time back then.

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Comments for Early Bands of Anchorage

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Oct 09, 2020
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Band 1968 and 1969
by: Anonymous

I did see you play at the Bun, it was so awesome!

What about the Blue Chip Stock band? They played at a couple of our school dances. Yay East high school and at the base.

Aug 18, 2019
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The Heartbeats
by: Lonnie Tyone

I was wondering if anyone remembers hearing a band that was from Anchorage called the Heartbeats?

A Note from Anchorage Memories

Lonnie:

Yes, we certainly remember the Heartbeats. In fact, they were friends of ours. And we have an interview with John - Check out our Coke Show Page right now.

Have fun

Feb 07, 2018
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Chick Adams Trio
by: Mike

Do you remember a band called the Chick Adams Trio?

One of our Anchorage Memories website visitors told us that her dad, Roy Bruner, played drums and trumpet for the band.

The Chick Adams Trio had a weekly 1 hour live show on KTVA channel 11 from 1956 to 1957.

Any information about the Chick Adams Trio will be appreciated.

Sep 09, 2016
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"Cool"
by: Mary J Dougherty

I want to take the opportunity to say how interesting this story is.

There are things about Anchorage that I'm still learning. Thank you!

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