Also known as: Sparkles, The
Origin: Levelland, TX, USA
This long-lasting ensemble formed in 1957 and originally hailed from the small town of Levelland, TX, just west of Lubbock. Original members included Stanley Smith (guitar), Carl Huckaby (guitar), Bob Donnell (bass), Gary Blakey (drums), Johnny Waller (piano) and brothers Jesse (saxophone) and Guy Balew (vocals). They laid down their first tracks in 1958 with now legendary record producer Norman Petty, but the material never made it to vinyl prompting a splintering of the group. The band eventually reformed as a foursome with original members Smith and Blakey, and Charlie Hatchett (guitar) and…