1961 - This Broken Heart / Lonely Christmas (Set-Co)
1962 - My Lonely Senior Year / Lonely Footsteps (Set-Co 109)
1962 - Tears Of Love / Angel In My Heart (Set-Co 110)
Biography :
In 1957 two brothers, Dick and Ron, decided to join the fun. Starting
with one old guitar, a bass drum the size of those used by marching
bands and a snare drum, they practiced while searching for others that
were interested in making music. The band settled with six-members who
are considered the original Eschelons and were featured on the band's
first record. They are: Vic Hill, Jack Hazewinkel, Jim VanPutten, Al
Bishoff, Dick Beatty, and Ron Beatty.
(l. to r.) Jack Hazewinkel, Vic Hill, Dick Beatty, Jim VanPutten, Marty Chirgwin. and Ron Beatty.
In 1961, The Eschelons cut their first 45. Both sides of the single,
"This Broken Heart" b/w "Lonely Christmas" were composed by Ron Beatty.
They were recorded at Ted Mader's studio in Downtown Grand Rapids, one
of several recording studios in town. Dick and Ron's stepfather came
through for them by financing the 45 which was released on the SET-CO
label, an acronym for his business, the Stalter Edge Tool Company. The
single was pressed at the American Record Pressing Company in Owosso,
Michigan.
"This Broken Heart" reached # 16 on WGRD's Fabulous "50" chart in
January of 1962, shortly before the band underwent a major lineup change
compliments of their biggest Grand Rapids rivals, the Kingtones. Gil
King from the Kingtones joined up with the Eschelons adding keyboards
to the band and when Vic Hill decided to leave the band , The Eschelons
added two girls, Cheri Woudstra and Sue Greiner.
(l. to r.) Ron Beatty, Jack Hazewinkel, Dick Beatty, Jim VanPutten, Al Bischoff, Gil King, Cheri Woudstra & Sue Greiner.
Gil King assumed both roles on the second single by the Eschelons.
"Lonely Footsteps" and "My Lonely Senior Year" were recorded in 1962 .
The second 45 was once again released on the SET-CO label. Ron Beatty
was listed as the vocalist on both of the songs that were written and
produced by Gil King. "Lonely Footsteps" was the local hit, reaching #
12 on WGRD's Fabulous "50" chart on May 12th.
(l. to r.) J. Hazewinkel, A. Bischoff, G. King, R. Beatty, C. Woudstra, J. VanPutten & Sue Greiner.
Cheri Woudstra left the Eschelons in June of 1962. The band's final
single was recorded in Gil King's home studio. "Angel In My Heart" was
written by Ron Beatty and "Tears Of Love" by King. The 45 was again
released on the SET-CO label with both sides listed as being produced
and directed by Gil King. "Angel In My Heart" reached # 41 on WGRD's
Classic "50" chart in the late fall of 1962, but the original members of
the Eschelons had already begin to splinter due to high school
graduation, marriage, and other factors.
