A Recording of the Gay Blades D&B Corps

[s***@gmail.com]

Not sure what to make of this. I was looking at some things on Ebay
with the search words "drum corps" and happened to come across a
listing of an album from Drums Along the Riverside recorded in 1962 in
MA. Among the corps there (as the Ebay listing says) were the Gay
Blades (!). LOL.
Isn't it funny and interesting how the meaning of "Gay Blades" had an
entirely different meaning then than it does now?
Actually it would be very interesting to find out more information on
this drum corps called Gay Blades (yes... LOL I'm still grinning).
Fascinating. Anyone have any information about them? Guess I could get
the album and find out for myself possibly or contact the seller of
the album.
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=226412170
Have fun!
Roger
Houston, Texas
Freelancers '81,'82,'84 pit

My father, Roland A. Cassey was a Washington Carver Gay Blade. He still talks about how good they were. And he still likes to go Drum Corps comps in Clifton, NJ. He's 78 now. God bless him. Glad to see how many people appreciate those bands. I loved reading all the comments here. It made me happy. :)

[l***@gmail.com]

Not sure what to make of this. I was looking at some things on Ebay
with the search words "drum corps" and happened to come across a
listing of an album from Drums Along the Riverside recorded in 1962 in
MA. Among the corps there (as the Ebay listing says) were the Gay
Blades (!). LOL.
Isn't it funny and interesting how the meaning of "Gay Blades" had an
entirely different meaning then than it does now?
Actually it would be very interesting to find out more information on
this drum corps called Gay Blades (yes... LOL I'm still grinning).
Fascinating. Anyone have any information about them? Guess I could get
the album and find out for myself possibly or contact the seller of
the album.
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=226412170
Have fun!
Roger
Houston, Texas
Freelancers '81,'82,'84 pit

Nothing funny about The George Washington Carver Gay Blades, from Newark New jersey, during the late 50's and mid 60's. I should know, I was there. I watched them as a young boy growing up with 2 uncles as members. I vowed to join one day. When they rehearsed in the local playground, you would swear that the entire black population of the city was there. That day came at the age of 18. I was a second generation "Blade". This was an all-male, all-black Senior Drum and Bugle Corps. They were the pride of Newark. This young men worked hard and dedicated themselves to be the best ever. They were Champions of The Red Carpet Circuit in 1959, 1960, and 1963. (I stand to be corrected). They were unbelievable! The "Blades" were professional marchers. They marched like machines! And that sound!!! They played some of the most difficult music around at that time...The Ten Commandants, Samson & Delilah, What kind of fool am I?, Temptation...and I could go on and on. Please spare your gay jokes, because they are very insulting. There is not enough space for me to share that history. But I will guarantee you one thing my little chickadees...if you happen to get an opportunity to give an ear For 'THE GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER GAY BLADES"...your listening experience will be rewarded

[l***@gmail.com]

Not sure what to make of this. I was looking at some things on Ebay
with the search words "drum corps" and happened to come across a
listing of an album from Drums Along the Riverside recorded in 1962 in
MA. Among the corps there (as the Ebay listing says) were the Gay
Blades (!). LOL.
Isn't it funny and interesting how the meaning of "Gay Blades" had an
entirely different meaning then than it does now?
Actually it would be very interesting to find out more information on
this drum corps called Gay Blades (yes... LOL I'm still grinning).
Fascinating. Anyone have any information about them? Guess I could get
the album and find out for myself possibly or contact the seller of
the album.
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=226412170
Have fun!
Roger
Houston, Texas
Freelancers '81,'82,'84 pit

Lastly, I know Ray Troxell. He is a scholar and a gentleman. Everything he said was true, Ray was an excellent corpsman. Played solo soprano, (I think). He had keen musical knowledge, was a an excellent and patient instructor. I marched with The Garden Statesman also. I played on the drumline with Ray senior, known as Mr. T. MrT eventually became the director of the corps. Hey Ray, this is John Cherry. My uncles were, John, (Sonny), and Jerry, (peanut). I know you remember the Cherry family

[l***@gmail.com]

Not sure what to make of this. I was looking at some things on Ebay
with the search words "drum corps" and happened to come across a
listing of an album from Drums Along the Riverside recorded in 1962 in
MA. Among the corps there (as the Ebay listing says) were the Gay
Blades (!). LOL.
Isn't it funny and interesting how the meaning of "Gay Blades" had an
entirely different meaning then than it does now?
Actually it would be very interesting to find out more information on
this drum corps called Gay Blades (yes... LOL I'm still grinning).
Fascinating. Anyone have any information about them? Guess I could get
the album and find out for myself possibly or contact the seller of
the album.
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=226412170
Have fun!
Roger
Houston, Texas
Freelancers '81,'82,'84 pit

GREAT COMMENTARY RAY!...LOVE YOU MAN!

[j***@gmail.com]

I marched with the Gay Blades as well as St. MARTIN TROUBADOURS PLAYED Solo Soprano

[j***@gmail.com]

The other rifle was Jesse,
Chet, Herbie and Harold Wright russel Brown gary bonds, timbale terry so many names i forgottown

[h***@gmail.com]

Not sure what to make of this. I was looking at some things on Ebay
with the search words "drum corps" and happened to come across a
listing of an album from Drums Along the Riverside recorded in 1962 in
MA. Among the corps there (as the Ebay listing says) were the Gay
Blades (!). LOL.
Isn't it funny and interesting how the meaning of "Gay Blades" had an
entirely different meaning then than it does now?
Actually it would be very interesting to find out more information on
this drum corps called Gay Blades (yes... LOL I'm still grinning).
Fascinating. Anyone have any information about them? Guess I could get
the album and find out for myself possibly or contact the seller of
the album.
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=226412170
Have fun!
Roger
Houston, Texas
Freelancers '81,'82,'84 pit

NOTHING FUNNY ABOUT THE "GAY BLADES". They were an all African American male member WORLD CLASS SENIOR CHAMPION drum and bugle Corps during a time when a young black man wasn't allowed to be a part of anything inspirational or educational, but just getting knocked upside the head by white cops just for being alive. Guess what? Those young men endured and overcame more obstacles than you can imagine. Most of its members are no longer living. May they R.I.P. When I was a small boy growing up watching my uncles march, I vowed to join one day. My day came. I am highly offended by anyone jesting about that corps, so stop your silly grinning and show some respect Mr joker. My name is John Cherry. I marched with the George Washington Carver Gay Blades back in 1965 until they merged with another all white member corps around 1970, (no offense, but I forget that merger corps name. They were from the Morristown area). Together, we became known as the Garden Statesmen. I was a tenor drummer until I went in the service during The Viet Nam war. You would not laugh after Carver finished walking all over you on that field during their prime.The George Washington Carver Gay Blades brought pride and repsect to our community! Here was 100 young African American young men, staying out of trouble and avoiding prisons. Sorry for getting so emotional, but some people are just jack asses! You should learn some history!! (lol that!)

[j***@gmail.com]

🤗🤗Well hello drum Corp world my name is James Jordan and yes still kicking. I was one of the original Gay Blades played soprano. First we started out thru the Masonic temple in Newark,NJ.I also played with another group called Twentieth Century of Newark.If you know me or if can help any one e-mail ***@aol.com.

[h***@gmail.com]

Hey JJ how are you doing? This is John Cherry. I was on the drumline with you. I played tenor drum and you played bass. Remember The Cherry brothers?

[v***@gmail.com]

Hello drum corps family my name is Jerry Crute and I was in Gay Blades from 64 - 66 in the color guard line. At my first contest at Shea Stadium I missed a count during the competition and ran to catch up. My name was changed to the road runner and everyone in the corps called me BEEP-BEEP ! ! !. I am presently retired and living in Orlando, Florida. ***@yahoo.com

[e***@gmail.com]

Hi there Ray, JJ and Cherry... This is Diane Sives here. I was a member of the Garden Statesmen. Glad to see you are still around. I remember Broadus had a record of the Gay Blades. They were a fine sounding corps. I never saw them march though unfortunately.