The Casuals

Nashville's first Rock n Roll Band, started in 1956.

History[edit | edit source]

Formed by James "Buzz" Cason in 1956, they released several singles over the next decade. In 1959, The Casuals became the Casual Teens and toured as Brenda Lee's backup band. Recording under that name they did a single 7" on a Decca imprint. Using the Casuals name they recorded for many labels including locally Dot Records and Minaret.

Members[edit | edit source]

1958 Lineup:

Joe Watkins - Saxophonist

Buzz Cason - Vocalist

Chester Powers - Accordionist and Pianist

Bill Smith - Drummer

Richard Williams - Vocalist and Pianist

Johnny McCreery - Guitarist

L to R: Snuffy Smith, Billy Smith, Buzz, Richard Williams, Wayne Moss, Joe Watkins

1960 lineup:

Snuffy Smith - Double Neck Bass

Billy Smith - Drummer

Buzz Cason (Gary Miles) - Vocals

Richard Williams - Keyboard & Vocals

Wayne Moss - Guitar

Joe Watkins - Tenor Sax

Releases[edit | edit source]

1957:

"My Love Song For You/ Help Me" (7" single) on Nu-Sound Records, cat# 45-801, and then Dot Records, cat. # 45-15557

"Pardners / We Go Together" (7" single) on Black Hawk Records, cat.# 45-500

"Till You Come Back To Me / Hello Love" ‎(7", Single) on Dot Records, cat.# 45-15671

1959, as the CasualTeens: "Need You So/ She's Swinging" (7" single) on Felsted, cat.# 45-8529

1963: "Money (That's All I Want) / Big Hammer (John's Other Henry)" (7" single) on Minaret Records, cat.# MI 109, and released in Canada by Sparton Records, cat.# 4-1161-R

1964: "Mustang 2 + 2 / Play Me A Sad Song" (7" single) on Sound Stage 7, cat.# 45-2534

1965: "Promise Her Anything (But Give Her Love) / Walk" (7" single), arr. by Ray Stevens, on Monument cat.# 45-905

1966:

"Walk Away/ If you Don't" (7" single) on Monument, cat.#MN 45-937, released in Japan on Union Records, cat.# US-198

"You Belong To Me / When Marty Throws A Party" ‎(7", Single, Promo) on Monument, cat.# MN45-981 DJ