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The Gentrys were a rock band from Memphis, Tennessee, that were active from the early 1960s to the early 1970s. The band was formed in 1963 and consisted of five members: Larry Raspberry (lead vocals, guitar), Jimmy Hart (bass), Bruce Bowles (keyboards), Bobby Fisher (drums), and Larry Wall (saxophone). The Gentrys gained popularity with their 1965 hit single "Keep on Dancing," which reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was a cover of a 1963 hit by The Avantis and was produced by Chips Moman, a legendary producer and songwriter who worked with many famous musicians, including Elvis Presley. After "Keep on Dancing," The Gentrys had several other minor hits, including "Spread It on Thick" and "Cinnamon Girl," which was a cover of a Neil Young song. The band's music was primarily influenced by the British Invasion bands of the time, such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The Gentrys disbanded in the early 1970s, and some of the members went on to pursue solo careers or work as session musicians. Jimmy Hart, the band's bassist, went on to become a professional wrestling manager and is best known for his work with the World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE). Despite only being active for a short period, The Gentrys left a lasting impact on the Memphis music scene and are remembered as one of the city's most successful rock bands. The Gentrys I (1963 - 1966)
The Gentrys II (1969 - 1970) (reformed)
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