The Jordan Brothers

The Jordan Brothers are a musical group.

Origin

The 30-year career of the Jordan Brothers began on Halloween Eve in 1954.

Growth

Their career evolved into 42 recordings on 15 different labels. Appearing on Dick Clark's American Bandstand three times, the Jordans were headliners on Clark’s 49-day “Caravan of Stars” that toured the United States and Canada. Traveling in one of two 40-seat busses, Frank and Joe Jordan were accompanied by the likes of The Coasters, The Drifters, The Skyliners, Bobby Rydell, La Verne Baker, Paul Anka, Annette Funicello, Jimmy Clanton and several members of the Duane Eddy’s Band, including Jim Horn and Jimmy Troxel. The Jordans were featured on Jerry Blavat’s WFIL “Discophonic TV Scene” and apperared on East Coast TV programs, especially in the Tri-State area.

New members

The group later recruited brothers Bobby and Lew to round out the quartet. Their recording of “Gimme Some Lovin'” in 1966 was their biggest hit, and charted at No. 1 in Boston, Baltimore and other r&b citadels. Other recordings included “Things I Didn’t Say,” “Dream Romance” and “We’ll Make It.” ^[1]

The group broke up, but on September 17, 1986, at the Art and Ethnic Center in Pottsville at the Schuylkill County Council For the Arts the Jordan Brothers regrouped as the Jordan Brothers Plus One Band to perform live at this one-time event. In October 1986, the Schuylkill County Commissioners proclaimed “Jordan Brothers Month.”

The brothers later regrouped, recruiting 21-year-old Johnny Jordan, son of drummer Bob, as the new bass player.

Tribute

The Jordan Brothers have been presented with an engraved plaque at the Municipal Building in Frackville, Pennsylvania, with text reading:

With a career that spanned from 1954 to 1985 the Frackville Brother’s musical adventure evolved into a phenomenal forty-two recordings on fifteen different labels. They appeared with host Dick Clark on “American Bandstand” and were featured on Jerry Blavat’s WFIL “Discophonic T.V. Scene.” Statewide performances included “The Coal Region’s” local dance halls, Willow Lake, Lakeside Ballroom, and The Alley. Some of their greatest hits included “Heart” and “Beach Party”. Their biggest hit “Gimme Some Lovin” came in 1966.

Together again

In 2010, Frank and Joe Jordan reunited on stage at the Cressona Fire Company, backed by the band Diaspora. The benefit was organized for Debbie Roadcap, granddaughter of Willow Lake owners Tom and Dot Smith.

References