Mansfield, 1967-74
The Wildlife was formed by Mansfield musicians Tom Zinser and Terry Van Auker. Both Tom and Terry were veterans of several local bands, Tom having been the leader of Tommy Z and the Sleepers. The most popular early lineups included Bob Ross on bass, Lou Basso and Jim Krause as singers, and a drummer. In '67 they travelled to New York City and got an audition for Columbia records. Columbia agreed to sign them but only on the condition they dump Lou Basso. Reluctly they did, and the group recorded 5 sides for Columbia, although some of the recordings used studio musicians. One of the Wildlife songs, the ace folk-rocker "Time Will Tell" was a re-recording of the Tom Zinser penned song that had appeared on the Sleepers 45. Back in Ohio the group was very popular on the teen club scene and toured the state and region extensively, playing a variety of songs that concentrated more in the style of harder blues rock than exhibited on the 45s. In '69 drummer Bobby Tousigant, fresh from his experience with Crazy Elephant, came on board, and the shortly afterward they changed their name to Owen-B.
Discography
My Friends / Share (O-B 1831/2)