The Fendermen released an album May, 1960 and titled “Mule Skinner Blues”. Their only hit was of the same title. During that period, band member Jim Sundquist (24 years) played lead guitar on a late 50s Fender. Phil Humphrey (24 years) played a late 50s Fender Telecaster, doubling on rhythm and vocals. Their album was released on Soma Records (MG 1240) and today is very collectable.

An interesting thing about the band is they only had one hit and several songs on the album just used lead and rhythm guitar without drums or bass. The sound of Jim’s Strat was very clean, bright and twangy. I enjoyed his playing and hearing him use his bridge pickup for many solos. Jim and Phil had bands in Wisconsin where they got together in late 1959. In 1962 Phil toured and recorded with a band call the “Carroll Brothers” featuring Pete Carroll on lead Guitar. The album was called “College Twist Party” (Cameo 1015). They can be seen backing up Chubby Checker on early Rock & Roll films. During the mid 60s, Phil reformed the band and called it “Phil Humphrey and The Fendermen”. They played night clubs in Sea Isle City and Wildwood, New Jersey. I remember asking many questions about their equipment and how to play “Caravan”.

There were many night clubs in Ocean City, New Jersey too, and lots of great guitarist to listen to. Next door playing was Pete Carroll, Roy Buchanan, Robbie Robertson with Levon and the Hawks (The Band), Elliot Randall Band, Billy Windsor (singer with Danny Gatton) and my group playing at Tony Mart’s. I’d sneak into the clubs to watch the bands play and during their break would ask them all kinds of pickup and guitar questions. The Fendermen were the first nightclub band my dad took me to see. It sure left an impression!