Deep South concert set for Independence Day

By Jacob Brooks
The Daily News
Published/Last Modified on Monday, June 29, 2009 2:48 PM CDT


Bogalusa’s Cassidy Park will sound a bit like the 1970’s next weekend.

Deep South, a band the came out of Bogalusa in 1976, will hold a 30-year reunion and free concert at the park July 4.

“We are all very excited,” said Claudette Rogers, a vocalist for the band.

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According to Rogers, members of Deep South were celebrities in their own right in the mid 70’s not only in the Bogalusa area, but surrounding cities such as Covington, Franklinton, and Slidell. With managers Ralph “Delo” Burns and Robert “Tuxedo” Jones, Deep South was promoted locally to perform at clubs including the Bogalusa Country Club, at summer rock festivals, and the highlight was performing a few times at the Washington Parish Free Fair. Later under the new management of Dennis and Denard “Shadow Man” Kates, Deep South traveled further away to perform often at venues in Baton Rouge such as Club Breezeway and Smack Water Jack, as well as New Orleans area’s premier club, The Melting Pot. Deep South was once the opening act in Baton Rouge for famous bands and artists such as Brass Construction and Johnny “Guitar” Watson.

We also rubbed shoulders or performed for known artists such as Kool and the Gang and Pleasure, Rogers said.

In 1977, Steve Wonder, was housed in Bogalusa while recording the album “The Secret Life of Plants” at the Studio in the Country. Deep South had the pleasure to perform at Stevie’s private birthday party held at McKenize Sampson’s home. Deep South also recorded two songs titled, Deep South and A Touch of Soul. Finally, as members desired to pursue other life dreams, the band dissolved with the last performance in Bogalusa at the American Legion on New Year’s Eve 1979.

Members including Carl “Gabby” Rogers, percussionist; Michael “Spoon Head” Bagent, guitar, keyboard, vocals; Bruce “Bootsy” Watson, lead vocal, trumpet, guitar; Neville “Sweet D” Davis, bass; Renard “Star Child” Martin, saxaphone, keyboard, bass guitar, wind instruments, vocals; Eric “Kool” Lonzo, guitarist, vocals; Lundon Johnson, vocals and keyboard; Ralph “Pretty Tony” Rogers, drums, vocals; Anthony Smith, base guitar; Reggie Houston, saxaphone; Patrice “Vanilla” Bickham, featured vocalist; and Claudette “Chocolate” Rogers, featured vocalist; and Melvin “Heatwave” Fields, featured vocalist.

The concert begins at 5 p.m.

Copyright © 2010 Daily News

Comments

    Claudette Rogers wrote on Jul 6, 2009 11:11 PM:

    " On behalf of Deep South, "Thank You" for the love we received upon our return!!! It was an honor to be back among home folk. Deep South would like to thank The Mayor, The Daily News, Dunaways Printing and other supporters for helping to make this Free concert possible for Bogalusa citizens. May The Eternal GOD bless you and keep you until we meet again!! Giving is contageous! People of Bogalusa, PLEASE GIVE LOVE TO EACH OTHER, you'll be amazed at how GOD will rain down blessings in return. "

    Robert J. Booth wrote on Jul 4, 2009 12:34 PM:

    " Bogalusa, Please be on your best behavior! Remember back when we all got together and just simply had a great time (without guns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) This an Outstanding Band. In my opinion, They should have made it top the top of the charts!!! "

    L.M.B. wrote on Jun 30, 2009 10:43 PM:

    " It will be great to have the guys and ladies from "Deep South Band" to perform together after 30 years. It will show the young people how to better utilize their time and gifts rather than killing one another. CONGRATS TO "DEEP SOUTH"!!!! "

    Bruce Sampson wrote on Jun 30, 2009 4:32 PM:

    " The private party for Stevie Wonder mentioned in this story was at McKinley Sampson's house (not Mackenzie). Just FYI. "

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