AmboyDukes CD cover for the album, Best of Amboy Dukes

The Amboy Dukes were an American rock music band of the late 1960s and early 1970s from Detroit, Michigan, best remembered for their hit single "Journey to the Center of the Mind", and for launching the career of Ted Nugent. Nickname: Motto: Urbs In Horto (Latin: City in a Garden), I Will Location in the Chicago metro area and Illinois Coordinates: Country United States State Illinois County Cook & DuPage Incorporated March 4, 1837 Government  - Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) Area  - City  234. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Acid rock is a form of psychedelic music and was the first form of it to achieve popular acclaim. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Heavy metal (sometimes referred to simply as metal) is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. ... This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... 1920s vintage Polydor export label with its double-horn gramophone logo In 1954 Polydor Records introduced their distinctive orange label. ... Warner Bros. ... Image File history File links AmboyDukes. ... Image File history File links AmboyDukes. ... For other uses, see Rock music (disambiguation). ... The 1960s decade refers to the years from January 1, 1960 to December 31, 1969, inclusive. ... The 1970s decade refers to the years from 1970 to 1979. ... Nickname: Motto: Speramus Meliora; Resurget Cineribus (Latin for, We Hope For Better Things; It Shall Rise From the Ashes) Location in Wayne County, Michigan Coordinates: Country United States State Michigan County Wayne County Settled 1701 Incorporation 1806 Government  - Type Strong Mayor-Council  - Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick Area  - City  143. ... Theodore Ted Nugent (born December 13, 1948) (a. ...

History

Ted Nugent, then 17, formed the band when he moved to Chicago in the 60's. Nugent had heard of a Detroit Rolling Stones cover band called Amboy Dukes that had just broken up, and took the name for his new band. The The Detroit Amboy Dukes had actually themselves stolen the name from a Brooklyn street gang of the same name (see Louis Buchalter). A book called The Amboy Dukes about teen-ager gang lifestyle was published in the 1940s. Written by Irving Shulman, it was circulated widely in mass market paperback and considered "hot stuff" in that more innocent time. It was filmed in 1949 as "The City Across The River," starring a young Tony Curtis. In interviews Ted Nugent said he has been given the book on many occasions but still hasn't gotten around to reading it.[1] Theodore Ted Nugent (born December 13, 1948) (a. ... Nickname: Motto: Urbs In Horto (Latin: City in a Garden), I Will Location in the Chicago metro area and Illinois Coordinates: Country United States State Illinois County Cook & DuPage Incorporated March 4, 1837 Government  - Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) Area  - City  234. ... This article is about the rock band. ... A cover band (or covers band) is a band that plays only cover songs. ... Brooklyn (named after the Dutch city Breukelen) is one of the five boroughs of New York City. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Roger Moore and Tony Curtis in The Persuaders! Tony Curtis (born June 3, 1925) is an American film actor. ... Theodore Ted Nugent (born December 13, 1948) (a. ...

The Pre-Nugent, Amboy Dukes formed in Detroit in 1965 and nearly had a British guitar player as its lead. James Patrick "Jimmy" Page was originally named the lead guitar after responding to an advertisement in Pop Weekly magazine. Jimmy Page, a session musician in England never actually joined the band since he did not want to give up his lucrative career as a session musician. Jimmy Page would turn down another band, the Yardbirds, even though it was at the urging of his friend and fellow guitarist Eric Clapton. Eric Clapton, who was leaving the band, had recommended Jimmy Page to the Yardbirds, but Jimmy Page not wanting to end his stable music career for the unknown initially turned the Yardbirds down. Jimmy Page recommended his friend Jeff Beck to the Yardbirds to replace Eric Clapton, shortly before deciding to join the now stable Yardbirds as first a bassist, then moving to rhythm guitar along side Jeff Beck's blistering lead. The Amboy Dukes then found guitarist Ron Medeiros who recently moved to Detroit from the Boston area music scene. In 1966 Ron Medeiros left the band to form his own band the Tangerine Zoo. After Ron Medeiros departure, the band broke up going their separate ways. Vocalist Bob Lehnert took the name and when contacted by a young Ted Nugent agreed to let him use the name providing he could sing vocals. Ted Nugent agreed, but changed the name to The Nugent Amboy Dukes when he formed the group in Chicago in 1967. Lehnert left the group over "creative differences" in 1967. This lead to several band shake-ups and instability, despite signing a record deal with Mainstream Records and releasing numerous albums and singles. James Patrick Jimmy Page, OBE (born 9 January 1944) is an English guitarist and record producer. ... James Patrick Jimmy Page, OBE (born 9 January 1944) is an English guitarist and record producer. ... Distinguish from Yard Birds. ... Eric Patrick Clapton CBE (born 30 March 1945), nicknamed Slowhand, is a Grammy Award winning English guitarist, singer and composer, who is one of the most successful musicians of the 20th century,[1] garnering an unprecedented three inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ... Eric Patrick Clapton CBE (born 30 March 1945), nicknamed Slowhand, is a Grammy Award winning English guitarist, singer and composer, who is one of the most successful musicians of the 20th century,[1] garnering an unprecedented three inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ... James Patrick Jimmy Page, OBE (born 9 January 1944) is an English guitarist and record producer. ... Distinguish from Yard Birds. ... James Patrick Jimmy Page, OBE (born 9 January 1944) is an English guitarist and record producer. ... Distinguish from Yard Birds. ... James Patrick Jimmy Page, OBE (born 9 January 1944) is an English guitarist and record producer. ... Geoffrey Arnold (Jeff) Beck (born June 24, 1944 in Wallington, Greater London, England) is an English guitarist and songwriter. ... Yardbirds album cover The Yardbirds were an early British rock band, noted for spawning the careers of several of rock musics most famous guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. ... Eric Patrick Clapton CBE (born 30 March 1945), nicknamed Slowhand, is a Grammy Award winning English guitarist, singer and composer, who is one of the most successful musicians of the 20th century,[1] garnering an unprecedented three inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ... Yardbirds album cover The Yardbirds were an early British rock band, noted for spawning the careers of several of rock musics most famous guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. ... Geoffrey Arnold (Jeff) Beck (born June 24, 1944 in Wallington, Greater London, England) is an English guitarist and songwriter. ... Theodore Ted Nugent (born December 13, 1948) (a. ... Theodore Ted Nugent (born December 13, 1948) (a. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ...

The Amboy Dukes released a number of albums with Mainstream Records. Having run their course with Mainstream Records, they signed with Polydor Records around 1970. At this time Amboy Dukes song titles would display such period flavor as "Why Is a Carrot More Orange Than an Orange" and "The Inexhaustible Quest for the Cosmic Cabbage"; the latter number was a multi-part epic that incorporated both Béla Bartók and The Beach Boys. The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... 1920s vintage Polydor export label with its double-horn gramophone logo In 1954 Polydor Records introduced their distinctive orange label. ... Béla Bartók in 1927 Béla Viktor János Bartók (March 25, 1881 – September 26, 1945) was a Hungarian composer, pianist and collector of Eastern European and Middle Eastern folk music. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...

The band quickly grew tired of Polydor Records and signed with Frank Zappa's DisCreet (Warner Brothers) label. They released two more albums and then broke up. 1920s vintage Polydor export label with its double-horn gramophone logo In 1954 Polydor Records introduced their distinctive orange label. ... Frank Vincent Zappa[1] (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American composer, guitarist, singer, film director, and satirist. ... Warner Bros. ...

While the other Amboy Dukes receded into obscurity, Nugent, as the "Motor City Madman", became a very successful and quite visible solo musician, hunter, and political controversialist. Hunting is, in its most general sense, the pursuit of a target. ... The Politics series Politics Portal This box:      Politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions. ...

The disparity in career outcomes has led to differing recollections among the former Dukes about what happened during the band's lifetime. Nugent claims to have been the leader of the band, and at times the "babysitter" for the rest of the band, and that when he took a few months off the band fell apart. And despite the apparent drug references of many of their songs, Nugent fervently denies significant drug use.

The other members of the band, such as Gary Hicks, viewed the band differently. They say guitarist Hicks and singer Drake were the main songwriters and the de facto leaders of the Amboy Dukes; Nugent was not the "leadman". In an interview , Drake deprecated Nugent's creative role in the Amboy Dukes, and mentioned some rather embarrassing personal details about Nugent. From Drake's point of view, Nugent was the one who needed babysitting - he was a spoiled brat and none too intelligent. Hicks did emphasize that Nugent was the only member not involved in drug activity and promiscuous sex with groupies, so on that matter everyone is in agreement.

Band line-ups

The Pre-Nugent Detroit band was as follows:

• Ron Medeiros (Lead Guitar)
• Dave Opatic (Guitar)
• James Jackson (Bass)
• Ben Vineyard (Drums)
• Bob Lehnert (Vocals)

1967

The Nugent Amboy Dukes began in Chicago and moved back to Detroit. Before landing a record deal, the members were as follows:

• Bob Lehnert (original vocalist 1965-67)
• Ted Nugent (Guitar)
• Gary Hicks (Guitar)
• Dick Treat (Bass)
• Gail Uptadale (Drums)

1968

After a band shuffle for signing a deal with Mainstream Records of New York, the band members were: The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... NY redirects here. ...

• John Drake (Vocals)
• Ted Nugent (Lead Guitar, Vocals)
• Gary Hicks (Guitar, Vocals)
• Rick Lober (Keyboard)
• Bill White (Bass)
• Dave Palmer (Drums) ex The Galaxy Five ex The Citations

Journey to the Center of the Mind saw another member shake-up:

• John Drake (Vocals)
• Ted Nugent (Lead Guitar, Vocals)
• Gary Hicks (Guitar, Vocals)
• Andy Solomon (Keyboard, Sax, Vocals) ex The Apostles
• Greg Arama (Bass) ex The Gang
• Dave Palmer (Drums)

Migration saw another line-up:

• Rusty Day (Russell Edward Davidson) (Vocals, Harmonica) ex Rusty Day & The Midnighters
• Ted Nugent (Lead Guitar, Vocals)
• Gary Hicks (Guitar, Vocals)
• Andy Solomon (Keyboard, Sax, Vocals)
• Greg Arama (Bass)
• Dave Palmer (Drums)

Discography

• The Amboy Dukes, The Amboy Dukes' first album, was released in November 1967 Mainstream Records 56104 mono and S/6104 stereo. It crept into the top 200 and its highest was #183. It contained the debut single "Baby Please Don't Go" which did not chart.

• Journey to the Center of the Mind, The Amboy Dukes' second album, was released in April 1968 on Mainstream Records 56112 mono (promo only) and stereo S/6112 stereo. It creeped into the top 100 and its highest position was #74. The single of the same name peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 pop chart. The album and song were classic examples of acid rock; for example, the original album cover depicted fifty different kinds of marijuana-smoking devices.
  1. "Mississippi Murderer" – 5:12
  2. "Surrender to You Kinks" – 2:52
  3. "Flight of the Byrd" – 2:49
  4. "Scottish Tea" (instrumental) – 4:01
  5. "Dr. Slingshot" – 3:08
  6. "Journey to the Center of the Mind" – 3:33
  7. "Ivory Castles" – 3:21
  8. "Why Is A Carrot More Orange Than An Orange" – 2:25
  9. "Missionary Mary" – 2:34
  10. "Death Is Life" – 2:08
  11. "Saint Phillips Friend" – 3:32
  12. "I'll Prove I'm Right" – 1:38
  13. "Conclusion" – 1:57
  14. "You Talk Sunshine, I Breathe Fire" – 2:44

• Migration The Amboy Dukes' third album was released in fall 1968 on Mainstream Records stereo only S/6118. It failed to chart. In the UK, it can be found in mono, catalog number is London/Mainstream HAT 8393.

• You Talk Sunshine, I Breathe Fire - buoyed by the success of the "Journey" 45, in 1968 they released this non LP, Mainstream 693. It didn't chart.

• The Best of the Original Amboy Dukes released after The Amboy Dukes left Mainstream Records, Mainstream S/6125, failed to chart.
  1. "Journey to the Center of the Mind"
  2. "Baby Please Don't Go"
  3. "Psalms of Aftermath"
  4. "Colors"
  5. "Down on Philip's Escalator"
  6. "Night Time"
  7. "Mississippi Murderer"
  8. "Scottish Tea"
  9. "Dr. Slingshot"
  10. "Flight of the Bird"
  11. "Why Is a Carrot More Orange Than an Orange"
  12. "Saint Philip's Friend"
  13. "You Talk Sunshine, I Breathe Fire"
  14. "Migration"
  15. "Prodigal Man"
  16. "Good Natured Emma"
  17. "For His Namesake"
  18. "Loaded For Bear"

• Marriage on the Rocks/Rock Bottom (1970)

• Survival of the Fittest Live (At the Eastown Theatre, Detroit) as Ted Nugent and The Amboy Dukes in 1971 - Polydor 24-4035. Charted highest #129.
  1. "Survival of the Fittest"
  2. "Rattle My Snake"
  3. "Mr. Jones' Hanging Party"
  4. "Papa's Will"
  5. "Slidin' On"
  6. "Prodigal Man"

• Call of the Wild was released in 1973 on Frank Zappa's DisCreet label after the band left Polydor - Discreet 2181 - didn't chart.
  1. "Call of the Wild"
  2. "Sweet Revenge"
  3. "Pony Express"
  4. "Ain't It the Truth"
  5. "Renegade"
  6. "Rot Gut"
  7. "Below the Belt"
  8. "Cannon Balls"

• Tooth, Fang & Claw released in 1974 was the last album - Discreet 2203 - didn't chart.
  1. "Lady Luck"
  2. "Living in the Woods"
  3. "Hibernation"
  4. "Free Flight"
  5. "Maybellene"
  6. "The Great White Buffalo"
  7. "Sasha"
  8. "No Holds Barred"

1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar (the link is to a full 1967 calendar). ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... Year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the 1968 Gregorian calendar. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... Top 100 may refer to: Billboard Hot 100, the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine Triple J Hottest 100, an annual favourite song list, based on the votes of Australian youth radio station Triple J listeners The Top 100 Crime Novels of All... The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. ... Acid rock is a form of psychedelic music and was the first form of it to achieve popular acclaim. ... A Cannabis sativa plant The drug cannabis, also called marijuana, is produced from parts of the cannabis plant, primarily the cured flowers and gathered trichomes of the female plant. ... Year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the 1968 Gregorian calendar. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... Year 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar) of the 1968 Gregorian calendar. ... The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... Marriage on the Rocks/Rock Bottom is the fifth album by Amboy Dukes, released in 1970. ... 1971 (MCMLXXI) was a common year starting on Friday. ... 1973 (MCMLXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday. ... Frank Vincent Zappa[1] (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American composer, guitarist, singer, film director, and satirist. ... Frank Vincent Zappa[1] (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American composer, guitarist, singer, film director, and satirist. ... Polydor Records is a record label once headquartered in Germany. ... 1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday. ...

Trivia

• It is rumoured that "JB Special" was to be the single, but was scrapped when Journey to the Center of the Mind was perfected. It can also be found on the Capitol label, as it was a record club hot pick.

• In the UK, Migration, can be found in mono, catalog number is London/Mainstream HAT 8393

Capitol Records is a major United States-based record label, owned by EMI. // The Capitol Records company was founded by the songwriter Johnny Mercer in 1942, with the financial help of movie producer Buddy DeSylva and the business acumen of Glenn Wallichs, (1910-1971) (owner of Music City, at the...

See also

• Ted Nugent

Theodore Ted Nugent (born December 13, 1948) (a. ...

External links

• classicbands.com
• Motorcitymusicarchives.com
• The recording of Survival of the fittest