August 17: John "The Chief" Seiter, who played drums and sang background vocals for Spanky And Our Gang, is 66 today.

"Chief" Seiter was known for wearing over-sized hats and long braided hair.


The band, originally from Chicago, derives its name from Hal Roach's popular Our Gang comedies (AKA Little Rascals) of the 1930s. Lead singer Elaine McFarlane was nicknamed "Spanky" because one of the band members, said that she resembled Our Gang star George "Spanky" McFarland.


The group disbanded after an October 1968, tragedy when lead guitarist Malcolm Hale died of carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty space heater at age 27.


Press links below to view You Tube videos:
-- "Sunday Will Never be the Same"
-- "I'd Like to Get to Know You"
-- "Give a Damn"