In the Beginning was "Word Up"....
The band started back in 1993 when Hal came up with the
idea for a 70's soul, funk, R&B and disco band that would play music that
was popular, dance oriented, and that no other bands were playing. The
first problem was finding a singer who could entertain the crowd as well as
sing. Hal would be the drummer, longtime friend Jimmy would play conga's and
percussion, and Brian (Skinny) would be a great choice for a guitar player.
At this time Hal and Brian were playing together in a
country band. We knew enough musicians to fill in the other positions (bass and
keyboards) we just needed a singer. One day while sitting at The Highlander, in
Midtown, having a beer, or two, Hal and Jimmy met Howard Rogers. Howard was an
instant friend, but it wasn't until Hal and Howard were out in Buckhead that Hal
heard someone singing with the band. "What a great voice", he said.
When he looked up it was Howard hamming it up on stage.
The next morning Hal called Jimmy and said "I
found our singer". Then Hal called Allen to play keyboards but Allen had
sold all his keyboard equipment and was now playing the bass, so he was now our
bass player. He called Rob, who he had sold his keyboard equipment, and Rob
wanted in. So now we had a band, but could we get enough songs ready to play
out? Would people like what we played? We still needed a name. After throwing
around many rejected names Howard came up with The Educators and the band became
known as: "Howard
Rogers and The Educators"
Here's a photo of Howard:
The band was a hit, people loved hearing a band play
different music for a change. Most of all they loved Howard and his on stage
antics. The band went on for about a year and a half with some member changes,
and then just after the new year of 1995 tragedy struck, Howard died in his
sleep. Hal decided that the band must go on.
Original band members:
Hal-Drums, Jimmy- Percussion, Alan- Bass, Rob-Keyboards, Brian-Guitar,
Howard-Vocals
After about six months, Alan left and was replaced by
Dave on Bass. Dave was with us for a short time, then Alan returned.
Late in 93 Jimmy left the band and Ted took over on
percussion. Shortly after that Howard passed beyond this mortal coil (died) and
was replaced By Maxwell. Then Alan left again and was replaced by
Russ Johnson. Then Maxwell left and was replaced by Jeffrey.
Later that year Ted and Brian decided to do other
things, so two guitar players were added, Johnny Stingray and John Stockdale.
This was the 'Russ Johnson' era, a defining period for the band, we typically played
Buckhead bars twice a month, usually starting at 11pm and playing until
they shut the doors. It was crazy and great. We were playing the Metro PIzza the
night the Braves finally won the first world series ever, and it was an unforgettable
and loony night!
This configuration lasted for about a year, until "creative artistic
differences" split the band; Hal and Rob decided to start over and get new
guys. This is when for a short time there were two bands, The
Educators and The New Educators.
Under the 'New" bandname, Hal and Rob got Jimmy
B. back on percussion, Bernie on bass, Noel on Guitar, and Adam to front
the band on vocals. Bernie lasted about six months, until just after the
Olympics and then was replaced by Larry. A little while later Rob decided
to call it quits, and devote his full attention to a successful career as a porn star.
So we found a new keyboard player named Norwood who lasted for a few months, and was replaced by Greg . He didn't last very
long and about the same time Adam decided to leave, so we found Hoyt to play
Keyboards and Angelo to sing. Now you are up to date with the picture on the
homepage of the Website. Since then, Larry left so we found Todd. Hoyt and Noel
left so we found Owen and Dave. Dave left so we found Rick.
And now Owen left so we added Bob Miceli.
(Editor's note: Johnny Stingray, former guitar
player, retooled his skills and learned sax. He's been sitting in
occasionally for the last few years
In the current incarnation of the band, Larry has rejoined
the circle, Marcus Fussell replace Bob Micelli, and Tony Waite has become the best
guitarist the band has ever enjoyed.
Yes we have been through a lot of band members, Except
on Drums. Hal is the original drummer and continues to keep the band going
no matter what the adversity. Jimmy is also an original member, but he did leave
the band for about a year.
So after adding a new singer, five years later and
about 25 other band member changes, we have what we have today.
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