The American Music Company, 1989 (aka. The Offbeats)

The year was 1959. The band was The Offbeats. At the age of 14, Danny had "auditioned" for his second band...and got the gig. He replaced original guitarist and good friend Bobby Hancock. But the audition resulted in being more than a simple guitar player of a band. The members of the band and Danny became best friends, buddies; basically brothers, and continue to remain that way today. Band members Ernie Gorospe (bass), Jerry Wallmark (drums), John Broaddus (sax), Ronnie MacDonald (vocals) and Dick Heintze (organ) along with Danny on guitar, became the closest of friends and musical partners. When the band broke up in 1967, each member persued a career and continued to play music on and off in other bands. Both Ernie and John continued to work for the United States Federal Government. Dick joined the United States Army and became conductor of the U.S. Army Orchestra. Jerry worked for his brother's mechanical contracting company. Danny continued his musical career while working in his trade, metalurgy.

Danny moved to Nashville in the late 1960's. He later returned to the Washington D.C. area in the early '70's to front the Redneck Jazz Explosion. Danny's album _Redneck Jazz_ included long-time friend Bobby Hancock on rhythm guitar and Dick Heintze on piano. Dick passed away in 1981, having been stricken with "Lou Gerigh's" disease. In 1980, the original members of The Offbeats (Ernie Gorospe, Jerry Wallmark, John Broaddus, and Bobby Hancock) got back together to play the oldies but goodies The Offbeats had played years earlier as the day's Top 10. This time the band played under the moniker of The American Music Company. In 1984, Bobby Hancock left the group again because a career direction led him to Florida. Once again, Danny rejoined his friends and former bandmates, while still maintaining his own musical career. Also, an old friend of the band, Billy Windsor (The Reasons Why), joined to handle rhythm guitar and lead vocals. In 1989, Denny Martin also joined The American Music Company to add another voice to the band along with Billy's vocals. Ernie handled backup vocals, along with John and Jerry. Danny was vocally silent, preferring his guitar to be heard instead of him being seen.

Back problems forced Jerry to quit playing drums by 1990. Also, Danny and Billy left the band due to Danny's record deal and tour obligations. In 1992, The American Music Company officially disbanded after 12 years of playing those Golden Oldies. December 1993 brought the band together again for a Christmas gig at a local American Legion hall. With a break in Danny's recording and touring schedule, Danny and Billy, along with Jerry, John, and Ernie, played their last gig together not only as The American Music Company, but as long-time pals and original members of The Offbeats.

Keeping the "family" together, 1997 brought together two generations of musicians to carry on the American Music Company / Offbeats tradition. Ernie and John (and occasionally Jerry) team with the next generation: Stephen Windsor (Billy's son), who now handles vocals and guitar; Steve Gorospe (Ernie's son), who handles guitar and vocals; and Jason Avery, who handles drums and vocals. Occasionally good friends and incredible guitarists Jay Monterose (Vintique) and Joe Kogok come and join the band on various gigs.

Be sure to read about the latest happenings of The American Music Company Band at www.amcband.com.

Danny always said that if it wasn't fun then it wasn't worth it. The American Music Company "family" continues on, and continues to prove that Danny right...because it sure is fun!

Narration edited and approved by Ernie Gorospe, bass player for The Offbeats / The American Music Company.