One of the questions you may ask when reading this, why didn’t I attend any professional concerts until I was out of high school? Two reasons mainly. Money was the first reason. I put the funds that I had into computers and technology at the time. Keep in mind that this was not a lot of money, but that’s how I used what money I had.
The other reason, I did see many concerts. My fathers band, The Gunsmokes, provided all the free entertainment I could handle. Throughout my childhood I went with the band to various venues and fairs. It was great to be able to go to various fairs and have the run of the place. There were perks to being with the band! So now you may be wondering about this band.
Charles Young Sr. (my father) started the band, The Gunsmokes, in 1972. This was formed with my brother Charles Jr. (CJ) on lead guitar and vocals, Paul Farthing on bass, and Barry Wietzel on drums. As with many local bands, the lineup changed over the years, but my father and brother were the lead players.
The Gunsmokes played venues around central Maryland mainly. Occasionally playing on the Eastern Shore, southern Maryland, and southern Pennsylvania. Once they were established, they played exclusively at private clubs, private parties, weddings, and fairs. Basically anywhere a band normally plays, except bars. My father hated the riff-raft that came through public bars and refused to play them. And he didn’t need to.
The Gunsmokes were playing at minimum twice a weekend, usually 4-5 times a weekend. Many other bands played twice a month. The band played Top 40 and country/western. Also while performing they had a couple skits and jokes they would put on. This wasn’t ground breaking music by any means, but the crowds really enjoyed it and the band had a good time performing. This is entertainment was about in the 1970’s and 80’s. You went out and had fun. Everyone had a good time.
My father died on-stage, May 19, 1991. Playing music until literally his last breath.
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