News Update: Donna Davis’ Sixties Song Sleuthing and the “Tobacco A-Go-Go” Harvest of North Carolina Garage Bands
January 2025
In a fascinating deep dive into North Carolina’s rich musical history, Donna Davis has unearthed a treasure trove of forgotten Sixties garage bands that once thrived in the state’s thriving music scene. Her latest project, Tobacco A-Go-Go, brings to light a significant and often overlooked chapter of American rock ‘n’ roll — the era of North Carolina’s garage bands that blended raw energy with the cultural pulse of the time.
For decades, North Carolina was a hotbed for local rock bands during the 1960s. With the rise of the counterculture movement and the explosion of garage rock, young musicians across the state formed bands that played in dimly lit clubs, school dances, and community halls. While many of these acts remain relatively unknown outside of their local scenes, their influence was profound. Davis, a self-taught music historian and archivist, has dedicated her recent work to exploring and preserving this era.
Her passion for Sixties music and forgotten gems of the past led her to sift through old record crates, scrapbooks, and interviews with surviving members of these obscure bands. The result is Tobacco A-Go-Go, a collection of songs and stories that shines a light on the raw, untamed energy of the state’s garage rock scene. “There was a special magic in the air back then,” says Davis. “Young kids with no formal training, just the will to create something that spoke to them and their peers. And it wasn’t polished or sanitized; it was real.”
The name Tobacco A-Go-Go evokes both the cultural context of the Sixties and the economic roots of North Carolina, a state known for its tobacco production. This combination of music and industry serves as a metaphor for the spirit of garage bands in the region — gritty, determined, and full of soul. It’s a love letter to the bands that performed in smoky bars and underdog venues where they weren’t given much attention by the mainstream media, but their music resonated deeply with anyone who had a taste for the raw sounds of youth rebellion.
The project brings together tracks from more than two dozen obscure North Carolina bands, many of which are now only remembered by a few local music fans. Bands like The Daze, The Fabulous Invaders, and The Tropics all find a place in Davis’ collection. These groups, often cobbling together their instruments from thrift shops or homemade sources, created songs that were far ahead of their time in both sound and attitude. Despite the lack of widespread recognition, many of these tracks are revered among collectors, some of which have fetched high prices at auctions due to their rarity.
One standout feature of Davis’ research is the detailed profiles of the musicians behind the bands. In interviews with surviving members, Davis uncovers personal stories of young musicians driven by passion and a desire to make their mark. Many of these individuals have since drifted away from music, and their tales paint a picture of a world very different from today’s polished and commercialized music industry. “They were driven by the music, not the fame,” says Davis. “They didn’t even think about the idea of a recording contract or making money. They just wanted to make noise and have fun doing it.”
While North Carolina’s garage bands didn’t have the same national recognition as their counterparts in cities like Detroit, Los Angeles, or New York, they carved out a space for themselves within the state’s unique musical identity. Local radio stations played an important role, giving airtime to these unknown bands who would otherwise not have been heard. Some of these bands even became regional sensations, with a dedicated fanbase that continued to grow throughout the Sixties.
The influence of the Sixties North Carolina garage bands extended beyond the confines of their local scenes. Davis points to how their music was part of a broader cultural shift in the country. “This was a time when the boundaries of music were being pushed, and you had everything from the British Invasion to the rise of psychedelic rock, folk music, and the beginnings of what would eventually become punk rock,” she says. “The garage band movement, particularly in North Carolina, was a part of that revolutionary moment in music history.”
While Davis’ project has focused on resurrecting forgotten tracks, Tobacco A-Go-Go also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of garage bands in general. Many of the songs she uncovered are still influencing musicians today, especially those in the indie rock and lo-fi scenes. Bands that value authenticity over commercial success have taken inspiration from these raw and unpolished sounds, ensuring that the spirit of the Sixties garage band continues to live on.
The release of Tobacco A-Go-Go has drawn interest from music aficionados, collectors, and local historians alike. Davis has even been invited to speak at various venues and universities, where she shares the fascinating history behind the music and its cultural significance. The project also includes a companion book, which dives deeper into the stories behind the bands and the people who shaped North Carolina’s vibrant musical scene.
Looking back, Donna Davis believes that Tobacco A-Go-Go is just the beginning. “There’s so much more out there,” she says, “so many more songs, stories, and pieces of history waiting to be discovered. The Sixties in North Carolina were a time of great musical experimentation, and there are still many untold stories.”
For now, Tobacco A-Go-Go stands as a powerful testament to the forgotten sounds of North Carolina’s garage band era. As it garners more attention, it serves as a valuable reminder of the creativity, rebellious spirit, and enduring legacy of the Sixties music scene in one of America’s most overlooked musical landscapes.
Leave a Reply