A Brief History It was the Fall of 1957 in the small town of Geneva , NY when Ron Alberts, Ralph Gillotte, and Wilmer Alexander Jr. first got together to start a band. As the group started to perform, something clicked not only with the band members but with audiences. In the 1960’s, The Dukes were in constant demand, performing for over capacity crowds, 7 to 9 times a week. Being one of the most popular bands in the New York state area gave them the opportunity to open for and/or to perform with some of the most popular national acts of the day, such as, The Association, Screamin` Jay Hawkins, the Bellmontes, Johnny Cash, Dionne Warwick and Blood, Sweat and Tears. In the year 1969, Wilmer and the gang went to New York city and recorded their 1st and only album, the self titled “Wilmer Alexander Jr. and the Dukes”. The single off of this album was “Give Me One More Chance” (written by guitarist Doug Brown). The song became an instant hit and climbed up the Billboard charts. Soon after, the Dukes started playing all over the country. As they say, nothing lasts forever (or so they thought), in 1974 Wilmer Alexander and the Dukes disbanded. All the members went their own ways and never looked back. It was a unique time for bands, they were glad to be a part of a great musical era, but times change. In 1988, Wilmer was not in good health and Ron Alberts’ sister had the idea to have a reunion show to raise money to help with Wilmer’s medical bills. A show was booked – SOLD OUT. Another show was added also SOLD OUT. Maybe there was a place for the Dukes after all. The two reunion shows gave birth or rebirth to the band that lives today, now called the The Legendary Dukes. The Legendary Dukes has been going strong since those first two shows and has gotten stronger and busier as the years go by. We’ve had our set backs too. In February 1999, the original organist Ralph Gillotte, “The Master” of the Hammond B-3 organ passed away. We were not sure if the band would continue. Ralph was an important part of the Dukes sound. After much deliberation and a serious search, we found a new keyboard player, Ted Lincoln. Ted has done fantastic job. Now we’re at our second crossroad, July 2004, Ron Alberts, the last remaining member of the original – Wilmer and the Dukes, is retiring. We wish him all the best. We meet another challenge and again a serious search for a replacement if the Dukes want to continue. Drummer Joe Pizzo is filling in the drum spot now, and he’s has some big shoes to fill. As we tumble into the beginning of a new millennium, rest assured that no matter what happens, one thing remains constant… |
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