the Belltones

Columbus, early 1960s

The Belltones were a four member vocal group. The members were Jim Holmes, Jim Souslin, Gary Thresher, and Bob Timmons. The group were all students at Columbus Business University (later renamed Bradford School, closed in 2020).

The group recorded a 45 for Olimpic, with a vocal group sound on both sides. The songs were written by Jim Souslin, who also played guitar. According to the label, the backing band is Jimmy Jamaal and his combo. Jamaal and his band - an organ trio, according to a Cincinnati paper - were from Cincinnati. The record was probably recorded at Olimpic's new studio there.

There are two pressings of the 45, one with block print label name, the other with the stylized font.

There are no refereneces to the members being in any groups after the Belltones.

Discography:
(Please Try) To Understand Me / Swingin' Little Chicky - Olimpic 241, 1963