The J. Geils Band

The powerhouse blues-rock sextet The J. Geils Band was one of the premiere American studio and concert acts in the '70s and '80s. Led by manic frontman Peter Wolf, the band included guitarist J. Geils, keyboardist Seth Justman, bassist Danny Klein, harmonica player Magic Dick, and drummer Steven Jo Bladd. The group played countless gigs in New England bars and rock ballrooms before signing to Atlantic records, honing a tight and taut sound captured on its breakthrough 1970 debut album that remains one of the best recordings made by a local rock outfit. The group recorded a series of sweaty albums and enjoyed big record sales throughout the '70s. But its biggest commercial success was in the 80's when “Freeze-Frame” was a top ten hit and “Centerfold” climbed to the top of the charts in 1981 and made the group rock video heroes. Wolf left the group in 1983 to pursue a solo career, and the group disbanded soon after his departure. It has since reunited for the occasional gig and tour. (by Dean Johnson)