The Lyndells

The Lyndells began life in 1964 in the college town of Rolla, Missouri. Gary Cooper (lead guitar), Larry McFerrin (bass), Bill Gilbert (drums), and Bill Keys (keyboard and trumpet) were pals with a mutual interest in music and officially formed the band. Bruce Ward joined as lead singer in 1966. Steve Curfman replaced Bill Keyes on keyboard, Bill Barnes did stints on drums as Bill Gilbert became the group’s manager, bringing the group on more of a regional scale with larger bookings at other Missouri colleges. The original Lyndells first recorded at the college radio station KMSM in Rolla, Missouri and released on Bill Ward's Farad Records (2). A single was also recorded live at Theta Chi Fraternity in Rolla. After a brief name change to The Last Exit (2), 1968 was the end of The Lyndells. Cooper, Gilbert and McFerrin were graduating and Bruce Ward headed to the Army. Two years later, Ward, Cooper, and Gilbert hooked up in Rochester, NY for one last summer of music as Eastern Time Zone, soon after recording "Green Cathedral" and "Lookin'" for a 7-Inch release, their only release.