BULLS
Sam, David, Morris, B. L. playing the Valdosta Inn Place circa 1968
David, B.L., Morrris, Sam. Flat bed truck set up in front of the Valdosta Court House for the release of the group's 45 RPM record.
B. L. Smith on drums at the record release.
David Soper on guitar at the record release.
Both sides received air play on Valdosta radio stations.
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The Bulls formed primarily to play at the Valdosta Holiday Inn. They started upstairs at "Rosa's Cantina" three nights a week. Due to their popularity the bookings became six nights a week. Later large crowds necessitated a larger place so Frank Strickland, the owner, built a separate night club behind the Holiday Inn and dubbed it "The Inn Place". The Bulls played there six nights a week for the next couple of years. They also played occasionally at the Moody AFB Officer's Club and NCO Club on Sunday nights. When "The Inn Place" decided to bring in other bands for variety the Bulls went on the "road". The band played the Tifton Country Club, the Adel VFW, Moody AFB clubs, Twin Lakes Tavern in Lake Park, the Long Branch Saloon in Valdosta, the Moose Club in Valdosta, as well as private parties. The band broke up in 1974. B.L. Smith and Morris Smith went on to book gigs with Bill Adams, who played bass, piano and a Hammond B-3 organ and. This configuration of the Bulls played for another two years at the Knights of Georgia in Valdosta.
Pictures and Information Courtesy of David Soper, 2005.
© - DaveandAndy 2008