History:

The origins and membership of The Town Criers was (and still is) a tough nut to crack. I tried to trace their origin several years ago and this is what I found. Corrections would be greatly appreciated:

The Town Criers formed as a quartet including Ron Stephenson on guitar and vocals, Ed Wing on lead guitar and vocals, Bill Patterson on bass and vocals, and drummer Jim Moody. The four Atlanta natives began performing folk and bluegrass at local dances and soon at colleges and clubs around Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. The band also incorporated rock and pop influences into their act but usually kept things folky. David Boyce joined the band on guitar for a short period of time, but wasn’t around long enough to record any material. His autograph is seen on early Town Criers releases. 

During this initial phase, The Town Criers recorded and released their first two singles; "Gather Them Rosebuds" and "Dog Song". Both singles have prominent folk and bluegrass elements. A newspaper from Alabama raved about the group being a rising talent around this time. The Town Criers would continue performing live for a couple years and eventually recorded their first album "Live" somewhere down south around 1966. It was most likely released a year or two after it was recorded though. The album showcases their folk, bluegrass, and pop influences that laid the foundation of their future sound. It also includes comedic poetry that Ed Wing would perform at every show and on several albums. 

In 1967 the group added guitarist Corky McCorkle to the lineup. This relegated Ron Stephenson to switch from rhythm guitar to playing a variety of other instruments inclduding banjo, percussion, and occasional 12-string acoustic guitar. Later that same year, The Town Criers released their first full fledged rock tracks on the single "I Walk With The Sun" and "She Loves Me". The single was also released as "I Think Of You And Cry" and "She Loves Me". The single was distributed through three labels and charted locally. A switch of multiple drummers then occurred at some point, as Benny Joe Devine replaced Jim Moody. Moody might have been replaced by drummer Bobby Jones for a short period until Devine joined.

The band then recorded their first studio album titled "Souvenir Album" in 1968 or 1969. The album features the aforementioned single along with originals by their producer Hod David and their musical director and producer Skip Brooks. 

In 1970, The Town Criers recorded their sought after album "Let's Do It!". This recording was yet another live show. The album has been sampled several times by acclaimed rap producer J Dilla and features the debut of the group's stab at a psychedelic sound while covering top 40 hits. The Town Criers were accompanied by Skip Brooks on piano and organ on the album but he was not credited as an official member. After the release of “Let’s Do It!”, both McCorkle and Patterson left the group. Skip Brooks then finally joined as a full member after years of assistance and close association to the group. Ron Stephenson took over bass guitar duties as Skip Brooks started to perform rhythm guitars along with his keyboard duties. The four piece lineup recorded the group's most advanced work "4". The title is a metaphor, since not only was this the group’s fourth album released, but the lineup of the band had gone from six to four. The album featured three original compositions by Skip Brooks, two King Crimson covers, and lead vocals from each member. The album was a departure from their previous work, containing more advanced instrumentals, a more proggressive edge, and more complex songwriting.

Details on the group after this point become murky. In 1972, the group released an album titled "The Year Of The Toad". It consisted of one side of country rock and another of comedy and poetry. This was most likely the band's last album as a foursome. The Town Criers bought and operated their own lounge, The Town Crier Play House, sometime in the early 70's. It was there they recorded and distributed "Town Criers In Concert" in late 1972. The group disbanded sometime later.

It's possible more albums by this group exist and are undiscovered online. As stated, The Town Criers have received attention by samplers, musicians, and record collectors due to their unique sound and harmonies. Songs like “Shaker Life” off of “Let’s Do It!” and their rendition of the King Crimson “Peace / Theme” off of “4” garnered very positive reputations online. 

Possible Full List Of Members:

*Ron Stephenson: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Percussion, 12-String Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Rhythm Guitar (1963-197?)

*Ed Wing: Vocals, Lead Guitar, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Banjo (1963-197?)

Skip Brooks: Vocals, Keyboards, Organ, Rhythm Guitar, Piano (1967-1970 as a guest, 1970-197? as a full member)

Benny Joe Devine: Vocals, Drums, Percussion (1969 - 197?)

*Bill Patterson: Vocals, Bass (1963-1970)

Corky McCorkle: Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Vocals (1967-1970)

*Jim Moody: Drums, Percussion, Vocals (1963 - 1969)

David Boyce (?): Guitar (196?)

Bobby Jones (?): Drums (196?)

*original member