By Jim “Fish” Michie
On a fall Friday night in Ruleville, Mississippi, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the local football game approached its climax. The excitement among students was palpable, almost rivaling that of the game itself, especially with The Reets set to perform at the sock hop. Hailing from nearby Cleveland, Mississippi, The Reets brought a vibrant energy to the Ruleville Youth Center, filling the air with the sounds of British Sterling and Jade East. The mingling of post-game football players, still in their damp uniforms and ill-fitting sport coats, created a lively backdrop as they greeted each other with congratulatory pats and handshakes. Nearby, a group of aspiring young musicians watched intently as the band prepared their equipment, eager to learn from their idols.
The moment arrived as Alston Meeks, the lead guitarist, launched into the iconic riff of "Kicks," a popular tune by Paul Revere and the Raiders. Teddy Buckley's bass line provided a compelling counterpoint, enhancing the excitement. With red and blue lights illuminating the bandstand, the crowd erupted in unison, rushing to the dance floor as the performance took off.
This scene was a common occurrence throughout the Delta in the mid-1960s. The Reets consisted of Jimmy Pambianchi, Alston Meeks, Don Turnipseed, Teddy Buckley, and Ricky McWhorter, all of whom were students at Cleveland High School. Each member emerged as a significant figure in the Delta music scene, largely due to their involvement in The Reets. Don, Teddy, and Ricky were part of the Wildcats Marching Band at CHS, while Pambianchi was a passionate blues enthusiast, and Alston had already established a reputation for his musical prowess. The youth of the Delta craved the sounds of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Otis Redding, and other prominent acts of the 1960s, and The Reets were the band that fulfilled that need.
Formed in 1965 while still in high school, The Reets included Jim Goudelock, who served as the equipment tech and light operator. Goudelock recalled that the band only played songs they truly enjoyed; if a majority did not agree on a selection, it would not make the setlist, regardless of its popularity. He noted that it typically took a couple of songs for the band to find their rhythm during a performance, but once they did, the experience was magical. The late Duff Dorrough, a respected guitarist, singer, and songwriter from the Delta, spoke highly of The Reets, emphasizing their collaborative spirit. He remarked, “If Alston Meeks’ lead guitar and Don Turnipseed’s drumming were obvious focal points, Ricky McWhorter and Teddy Buckley’s backup harmonies and later trumpet playing were just as vital to the band’s overall sound.”
Pambianchi emerged as the quintessential soulful rebel vocalist of the mid-1960s, delivering powerful renditions of British Invasion hits as well as medleys of songs by The Temptations, The Rascals, and The Four Tops. One standout moment in their repertoire was a rendition of James Brown’s “This Is A Man’s World,” featuring Alston's rapid lead guitar intro and Jimmy's heartfelt vocals, which captivated audiences at their high school shows. Dorrough fondly recalled how the band’s focus would shift during performances, highlighting each member's unique contributions: Turnipseed's dynamic drumming, the harmonious interplay between Ricky and Teddy, Pambianchi’s emotional delivery, and Alston’s fast-paced lead guitar work. Hank Martin later joined the group, bringing with him mature vocals and trumpet skills that signaled the band's evolution.
Although The Reets recorded only one studio 45 RPM single, “Why Can’t Time Stand Still/Til You Brought Me You,” at Lyn Lou Records in Memphis, their legacy continues to resonate. They have maintained a presence on various online platforms, reflecting their lasting impact on the 1960s generation in the Mississippi Delta. A fan-created Facebook page has garnered positive feedback from members across the nation, illustrating the band's significant influence.
“No doubt about it, they were our musical heroes,” summed up Dorrough, reflecting on The Reets' enduring legacy in his youth during the 1960s.
