FM
History
A party band if ever there was one, the Swingin' Medallions came out of the Greenwood, South Carolina area.. They were first formed under the name Pieces of Eight in the late 50's, and changed the name to The Swingin' Medallions in 1965 after signing with Smash Records. Their musical roots came from the early rhythm and blues acts. The musical style of the band had been described as garage music, beach music, frat rock, R&B, or shaggin' music. The original members were: John McElrath (keyboards), Jim Doares (guitar), Carroll Bledsoe (trumpet), Charles Webber (trumpet), Brent Forston (sax, flute), Steven Caldwell (sax), James Perkins (bass), and Joe Morris (drums). The group was the "King of The Frat Party Bands" and is chiefly known for its garage classic, "Double Shot (of My Baby's Love)". The song became a million seller in 1966, and has been a party classic for college students for decades. "She Drives Me Out Of My Mind" and "Hey, Hey, Baby" were top 40 hits in 1966 and 1967, but "Double Shot" remains the signature song of the Swingin' Medallions. The band shortened its name to The Medallions in the 70's, the name under which it performs today. The band has had numerous personnel changes through the years but has remained extremely popular, especially in the American South. The Medallions still regularly perform today .