Thee, the eccentric 60's garage-rock outfit, emerged from the culturally diverse border town of Del Rio, Texas, sporting a name that defied convention. In an era of segregation, the band managed to bridge the gap between the Latino communities of San Felipe and Del Rio through their boundary-pushing music. The journey began when a young Ruben Resendez, under the tutelage of his neighbor's older brother, picked up the guitar and formed his first band, The Extremes, at a mere 12 years old. In 1966, the stars aligned as Juan Jimenez and Juan Raul Rodriguez, both prolific songwriters, left their band "the Optical Illusions" to join forces with Ruben and recruited drummer Eddie Garza from another local act called "the Chocolate Grapvines" as well as rhythm guitarist Bruno Lozano. The band also prompted a name change and settled on the enigmatic "Thee."
The band's mesmerizing sound resonated throughout local sock hops, church events, and venues across towns like Uvalde, Brackettville, and San Antonio, even crossing borders to captivate audiences in Mexico's legendary Boys Town. Their talent caught the ear of local DJ and promoter Lamar McDaris. McDaris, or "James" as the boys called him, decided to manage the band and wrangle the boys in an old station wagon to record at Jeff Smith's Texas Sound Studios in San Antonio, Texas. The band recorded an original, "Time With Her," a song first sparked collaboratively by Juan Jimenez and Juan Raul Rodriguez, with Ruben, Reggie, Eddie, and Bruno filling the gaps and the flip being a cover of the Bee Gees' "To Love Somebody." The single was a local hit and sold about 400 units, gaining them more local attention.
By the summer of 1970, Thee's curtains closed as the boys graduated high school and went on to pursue full-time jobs or enter college. Although Thee's journey was short-lived, Thee left an indelible mark on Del Rio's musical tapestry, a legacy that still endures to this day.
credits
released April 5, 2024
Ruben Resendez - Bass
Juan-Raul Rodriguez - Organ
Reginaldo Gonzalez - Lead Guitar
Juan Jimenez - Vocals
Bruno Lozano - Rhythm Guitar
Eddie Garza - Drums
Experience the dynamic fusion of 60's garage-soul with cultural resonance from Thee, the enigmatic band hailing from Del Rio, Texas, whose infectious sound broke barriers and captivated audiences across borders.
supported by 28 fans who also own “Time With Her / To Love Somebody”
The vinyl release is phenomenal quality. I was not sure what to expect but for something that was never released, it is like it was done yesterday. Well done and such a great tribute. mqcarpenter