Effective period / Period of releases: 1965 - 1966

Members: Vince Authement, Frank Rodie, Robert Ezell

From Shreveport, Louisiana USA
Robert Ezell (lead guitar, harmonica),
Vince Authement (lead vocals),
Frank Rodie (organ, vocals),
Tom Colquitt (rhythm guitar, vocals),
Freddie Rogers (drums),
Dale Rodie (bass).
The Rodie brothers' father co-owned Walker and Rodie music store...making for an advantageous connection.
The band played high school dances and college fraternity parties around town
as well as out-of-town shows in Monroe and Baton Rouge.
Tom and the Cats hooked up with local record store/record label owner Stan Lewis,
who issued the band’s three 45s.
Released in 1965, their first 45 includes “The Wine Song.”
Tom and the Cats' first 45 also appeared on California Records, a label based out of Denmark.
Judging by other records on the label, it seems they licensed a few 45s originally released by Stan Lewis.
For their version, California created a picture sleeve depicting a cartoony Beatles-inspired guitar player (Tom?)
perched upon a chimney flanked by four cats (The Cats!).
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DISCOGRAPHY:
- Jewel Records 750 (1965)
TM 1389 What’s Happenin’ Baby (Authement – Ezell – Rodie) (Su-Ma BMI)
TM 1390 The Wine Song (Authement – Ezell – Rodie) (Su-Ma BMI)
*also released as California 1435, made in Denmark
- Paula Records 242 (1966)
TM 1627 Walkin’ Man (Frank Rodie) (Su-Ma BMI)
TM 1628 Summertime Blues (E. Cochran – J. Capehart) (American BMI)
- Paula Records 253 (1966)
TM 1784 Nothing in This World (Vince Authement) (Su-Ma BMI)
TM 1785 Good, Good Lovin’ (Brown – Shubert) (Lois BMI)
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Refer to the photograph.
Start at bottom left, move upward to top left,
then right top down to right bottom:
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Bottom Left: Robert Ezell, lead guitarist, harmonica, vocalist (mostly Bob Dylan).
Middle Left: Vince Authemont, main vocalist on all recordings and most songs.
Top Left: Frank Rodie, keyboards, vocals.
Top Right: Tom Colquitt - the Jolly Green Giant - rhythm guitar, vocals. He's six feet, six inches tall.
Right Middle: Freddy Rogers, drummer.
Right Bottom: Dale Rodie, bass, brother of Frank Rodie.