History
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History |
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A slight reshuffling of musicians led to
Ernie moving over to bass as Henry and Chuck left the band to move west.
Dick Heintze joined the band on Hammond B-3. Within a few months, Bobby
had to leave the group and a 14-year old unknown guitar slinger named
Danny Gatton took over Bobby's
guitar duties. A young singer and songwriter named Ronnie MacDonald joined
to handle the vocal and frontman duties.
Back problems forced Jerry to quit playing drums by 1990. Also, Danny and Billy left the band due to Danny's record deal with Elektra Records and tour obligations. December 1993 brought the band together again for a Christmas gig at a local American Legion hall. With a break in Danny's recording and touring schedule, Danny and Billy, along with Jerry, John, and Ernie, played their last gig together not only as The American Music Company, but as long-time pals and original members of The Offbeats. Dick Heintze, Billy Windsor, and Danny Gatton have since left this earth to jam eternally.
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The
year was 1958. The band was The Offbeats. , Henry Pujol (bass),
Bobby Hancock (guitar), Chuck Blonde (sax), Jerry Wallmark (drums), John
Broaddus (sax), and Ernie Gorospe (guitar) were playing at all the local
hot spots and dance halls in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
In 1960, this version of The Offbeats went into a small recording
studio and recorded history - two tunes
called "Beggarman" and "Trouble In Mind". Band members
Ernie Gorospe (bass), Jerry Wallmark (drums), John Broaddus (sax), Dick
Heintze (organ), Ronnie MacDonald (vocals), and Danny Gatton (guitar),
became the closest of friends and musical partners. When the band broke
up in 1967, each member pursued a career and continued to play music on
and off in other bands. Both Ernie and John continued to work for the
United States Federal Government. Dick joined the United States Army and
became conductor of the U.S. Army Orchestra. Jerry worked for his brother's
mechanical contracting company. Danny continued his musical career while
working in his trade, metallurgy. The members of The Offbeats remained
the closest of friends throughout the years. 
In
1980, the original members of The Offbeats (Ernie, Jerry, John,
and Bobby) got back together to play the oldies but goodies The Offbeats
had played years earlier as the day's Top 10. This time the band played
under the moniker of The American Music Company. In 1984, Bobby
Hancock left the group again because a career direction led him to Florida.
Once again, Danny rejoined his friends and former bandmates, while
still maintaining his own musical career. Also, an old friend of the band,
Billy Windsor (The Reasons Why), joined to handle rhythm guitar
and lead vocals. 
Keeping
the "family" together, 1997 brought together two generations
of musicians to carry on The American Music Company Band (aka.
The Offbeats) tradition. Ernie and John regrouped with the band's
next generation: Steve Windsor (Billy's son), who now handles vocals
and guitar; Steve Gorospe (Ernie's son), who handles guitar and vocals;
and Jason Avery, who handles drums and vocals.