MICKEY ROONEY JR AND HIS COMBO: Mickey Rooney Jr. - Guitar and lead vocals Carmine Sardo - Guitar and vocals John Blanchard - Bass Guitar Russell Haney - Drums
THE ROONEY BROTHERS: Mickey Rooney Jr. - Guitar and lead vocals Tim Rooney - Vocals Ted Rooney - Bass Guitar and Vocals
SONG: Clark Garman - Lead Guitar Mickey Rooney Jr. - Rhythm Guitar Rob Lewine - Bass Guitar Shelly Scott - Drums Joey Covington - Drums Lance McDonald - Bass Guitar
Mickey had his first taste of show business as one of the original Mousketeers for Walt Disney. He and his brother Tim were hired in 1955 due to their ability to sing, dance and act. After appearing the Mickey Mouse Club for a year, their contracts were terminated after the mischievous boys got into a hassle with the studio's paint department. Six years later, he hosted "The Andy Hardy Theater" on local TV when he was 17-years old.
His musical ability landed him his first feature film opportunity as Mickey Rooney and his Combo provided the music for the 1967 MGM movie Hot Rods to Hell. The band was formed around two childhood friends, Mickey Rooney Jr. and Carmine Sardo. Friends since grade school, they started to play together in High School and eventually formed the band that would record three songs, "It Certainly Ain't a Nice Thing", "I'll Be There" and "The Choice is Yours". It is said that Mickey Rooney Jr. made up the "Chicken Walk" song on the spot when meeting with the MGM studio executives prior to filming the movie.
All of the band members are still alive and well, Mickey Rooney Jr. lives in Hemet California and still performs occasionally. Carmine Sardo went on to become a successful business owner and also performs as a part-time studio musician. He keeps his musical skills sharp by jamming with local LA bands on occasion. Russell Haney is doing well and lives in the Los Angeles area. Unfortunately Bass player John Blanchard is in a CA State prison, serving time for murder.
Mickey Rooney Jr. went on to record with his brothers Tim and Ted as the Rooney Brothers in the late 60's and recorded numerous records. In 1969 Mickey also was featured as a guitarist in the California surf band The Sunrays just before the band broke up. He went on to record with numerous legendary musicians and in 1969 he co-founded the rock band "Song" which proved that Mickey could write and play any style of music and do it well. Parnered with Clark Garman "Song" lasted through 1971. Ted Rooney also joined the band as Bass player just as the band broke up.
In 1978 Mickey put out a solo album on the AVI label called "Crazy Ideas". Two of the songs from this were also released as a single 45rpm, Moonlite Masquerade/Crazy Ideas. His brother Tim is credited for writing "Heartbreak in Your Eyes" along with his mother B.J. Baker for background vocals. Mickey also wrote some incidental music cues for a 1980 film he appeared in, Honeysuckle Rose. Later on in the 80's he played bass guitar with Willie Nelson's band which was also featured in the same movie.
In 1982 the album "Mickey Rooney Jr., Music Man" was released by AVI Records. It was really a re-release of "Crazy Ideas" with one new song "Istanbul Blues" added. Mickey played in countless bands through the 80's and even ended up recording a hit with the artist Torill, a disco era hit single named Out of Town.
Mickey Rooney Jr. in one of music's most unrecognized and gifted guitarists, songwriters and vocalists and this is clear once you listen to his versatile recordings. He has played and have been involved with some of the best talent in the industry with names like Gary Paxton, Carmine Sardo, Barney Kessel (his step father), Clark Garman, Dan and David Kessel (step brothers) and numerous others.
sending blessings to you Mick JR.. i always think of TIM...and Betty..both incredible beautiful souls..who have forever touched my heart! how in the heck are you holding up kiddo? i realize you have been through so much... tons of prayers sent your way from the heartland sincerely LAura
thanks for the add...was wondering if my brother joe gamache has tried to get a hold of you ?and was wondering if you remember my second cousin jon david?from a band called SMOKE.
Hi Mickey, I hope all is well with you. May I make a request?? I would love to hear "Heartbreak In Your Eyes".Maybe you can put it on myspace:) I always enjoyed being on the dance floor with Tim,while you were playing...I miss those days,but cherish my memories with Tim.I was so blessed by his love and friendship. God Bless You Mickey!
Spring is here finally and the signs are everywhere. The robins are out and about and soon flowers will be in bloom. I hope you get the chance to get outside and enjoy the weekend.
