DUKES OF YORK
Dublin, GA
This band was managed for a while by Lindsey Swida, a promoter from Dublin. The group opened for the Bushmen, another great band from Georgia, at one of Swida's shows. The group were regulars at the old American Legion.
Dr. Van Haywood from the Dukes of York was a classmate of Joey Adams of the Bushmen in dental school in Augusta, GA. Van Haywood, a Dublin High School graduate of 1967, grew up a very talented musician. In addition to being a member of the world-class Dixie Irish Marching Band, he played in two different music groups, both that Dublin High School alumni of that era probably remember. The first was called "Malibus of Ricky Hayes," which was made up of bass Jerry Pinholster, lead guitarist Charles Lee and drummer Ricky Hayes. That band gained popularity performing at dances held in the "Shanty," across the street from the old Dublin High on Calhoun Street. Eventually, Steve Scarborough would join the band on keyboard and Mike Warren as the drummer, under the band's new name, "The Dukes of York." The group played regularly at dances held in the National Guard Armory, and performed after football games at the old American Legion post, then located on North Jefferson Street. The Dukes became quite a sensation in Middle Georgia during their time. In addition to local performances, the band played all over Georgia and Florida, and also served as opening acts and backup bands for several popular artists of the day.
(pics and info courtesy Lindsey Swida)