The J. Geils Band

The J. Geils Band /ˌdʒeɪ ˈɡaɪlz/ is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Worcester, Massachusetts, under the leadership of guitarist J. Geils.

The band played R&B-influenced blues rock in the 1970s before moving towards a more new wave sound in the 1980s. Since its initial break-up in 1985, the band has reunited several times.

Their biggest hit was their 1981 single, "Centerfold," which charted No. 1 in the United States in early 1982.

Career

The band started as an acoustic blues trio in the mid 1960s, with vocalist and guitarist John Geils, bassist Danny Klein (Dr. Funk) and harmonica player Richard Salwitz (stage name Magic Dick).

The band formed under the name 'Snoopy and the Sopwith Camels,' while Geils was attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute for a couple of semesters. In 1967, the band switched focus, starting to play electric guitar and bass and recruiting drummer Stephen Jo Bladd and fast-talking ex-disc jockey singer Peter Wolf, born Peter Blankenfeld, (originally from the Bronx). They became the J. Geils Blues Band, later dropping the word "Blues" from the band name. The following year, former fan Seth Justman joined as an organist. The group signed to Atlantic Records in 1970.

J. Geils

John Warren Geils Jr. (born February 20, 1946), popularly known as J. Geils, is an American musician.

Early life

Born in New York City, Geils grew up in Far Hills, New Jersey, where he graduated from Bernards High School. He moved to Massachusetts in 1964 and studied engineering at Northeastern University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Career

Musician

Geils is primarily known as a blues-rock and jazz guitarist. He was the lead guitarist and founder of a rock band, J. Geils Band. He has also recorded with several jazz musicians.

Motorsports

After the band dissolved, Geils founded KTR Motosports, in Ayer, Massachusetts, to service vintage sports cars. He sold the company in 1996 but remains active in it.

Personal life

Since 1982, Geils has resided in Groton, Massachusetts. The town honored him by proclaiming J. Geils Day on December 1, 2009.

Selected discography