Hitchcock Railroad
Muncie, Indiana
1970-1973

 

Michael Branson - singer, grew up in Muncie Indiana, sang in several bands around Muncie, finished in Hitchcock Railroad. John Hiatt - guitar, started his career with Hitchcock at 18. Grew up in Indianapolis, moved to Muncie. Rex Williamson grew up in Anderson, In. Rich Adams attended Ball State grew up in Crawfordsville, In. Chris Vandegriff grew up in Muncie, In. Jeff Harmer grew up in Muncie, In. Bill Jones grew up in Muncie, In.

Personnel:
Michael Branson - lead singer
Rich Adams - lead singer
John Hiatt - lead guitar
Jeff Harmer - Bass Guitar; 1970-72
Chris Vandegriff - Bass Guitar; 1972-73
Bill Jones - drums
Rex Williams - keyboards
Richard Sipes - Lead Guitar after John Hiatt left in 1972

Influences:
Blues, Paul Butterfield, Texas R&B, Edgar Winter, Johnny Winter, Allman Bros.

Equipment:
Rogers drums; Voice of the Theater cabinets, with Crown DC amps; Shure mikes; Hammond B-3 with Leslie; Moog Synthesizer; Fender Telecaster, with Ampeg amps; Fender Jazz bass, Ampeg amps.

Rehearsal Space:
Rex Williamson's garage, Anderson, Indiana

Band Vehicles:
1956 School bus painted purple and silver.

Fashion Statement:
hippie grunge

Best Gig:
Outdoor concert - Purdue University/1972.

Gig from Hell!:
Alley Oops Lounge, Marion , Indiana

Last Gig:
Burris H.S. Prom May, 1973
Comments:

I feel very lucky to have played with John Hiatt in the beginning of his career. Even then he showed a talent that was beyond anything any of us had. His guitar work was exceptional and when he quit we lost much of our good sound. I only wish that John would have started writing songs for us in those early days. Some things just aren't meant to be I guess - Mike Branson

 

 

Where are they now?

Mike Branson - teaches Social Studies, Colorado Springs, Co. flies his own plane. Bill Jones lives in Muncie, In and is an administrator for a major corporation there. Rex Williamson, lives in Andrson, In., and still plays music in the local area. Chris Vandegriff unknown, Rich Adams unknown, Jeff Harmer, (California?) unknown, John Hiatt major music song writer and performer for 25 years. Top writer and very respected in the music world today.

Update 12/9/00
Chris Vandergriff lives in Greenwood, IN and is soon moving to Cincy. He has over the years played in several bands, but mainly he works for computer companies.

 

 

Information contributed by Mike Branson
additional information courtesy of Holly Vandergriff

 

 
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