The Morticians - A Brief History

The 1960's might be a thing of the past, but the pop and rock music that was so much a part of the American culture then remains popular today with people of all age groups. Not only do Baby Boomers continue to rock-out to this music that they grew up hearing, but younger people have also come to enjoy the sounds of classic rock and roll. And the band that has been synonymous with 60's music in the Central Texas area is The Morticians!

For long time residents of Waco and McLennan County, the name Morticians brings back special memories of high school days when the band played in the area from 1965-1968. The group's popularity was strong because of its uncanny ability to sound just like the record. In those days, the group consisted of five students from Waco's Richfield High School who played for fun in their spare time.

Following graduation, the original members pursued other careers, which for some included music. (The band's original bass guitarist, Benny Hester, has become a noted recording artist in the field of Christian music.) In 1982, Joe Hall, original lead guitarist for the band, reformed the group with a new ensemble of musicians who have maintained the 60's sound and distinctive name. The band has continued to delight audiences ever since. The Morticians have been a perennial favorite through the years at Waco's Summer Sounds concerts, and were voted the Central Texas Area's Best Local Band several times in the Waco Tribune Herald's Annual Reader's Poll, including 2003, 2004, and 2005. They were also voted "Best Oldies Band" for 2007 and 2008 by the Central Texas Music Association, and has been inducted into the CTMA's Hall of Recognition!

The Morticians are: Alan Smith(lead vocals), Becky Posey (lead vocals), Joe Hall (lead guitar), Jerry Echols (drums), Buddy Edwards (guitar and keyboards), and Mark McKethan (bass).

Significant Performances

Opening Act for The Platters Waco, TX(1988)

Mortician's Rock and Roll Valentine Party, Waco, TX (annually since 1989)

Wildflower and Music Festival, Richardson, TX (1993)

Brazos Nights Musical Concerts, Waco, TX (1993,1994)

Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo, Waco, TX (1993, 1994, 1996, 1998)

Baylor University's Homecoming Extravaganza, (1995-1997)

Baylor University - Miracle on 5th Street (first dance on campus) 1996

Waco's Indian Spring Park Summer Sound Series (annual appearances)

Cleburne Hot Air Balloon Festival, Cleburne, TX (1996)

Waco Restaurant's Association Taste of Waco (1996-1997)

Dr Pepper Museum Sock Hop, Waco, TX (1997)

Clifton Freedom Fest, Clifton, TX (1997)

Waco Freedom Fest, Waco, TX (1997)

Summer Fun Concert for Youth Connection - Waco Hippodrome Theater (1999-2000)

Oldies 95 Reunion Party, Waco, TX (2001)

Symphony 6000 6K Race and Fun Run, Waco, TX (2001)

Westfest Preview Party, West, TX (2002)

New Year's Eve Riverboat Party for Youth Connection, Waco, TX (2002, 2003)

Fair Oaks Ranch Anniversary Party, Boerne, TX (2003)

Waco Tribune-Herald - Voted Best Local Band (2003, 2004, 2005)

VikingFest, Waco, TX (2004)

River Sounds - Summer Concert Series (Bosque River Stage) Waco, TX (2004 - 2008)

Baylor vs. Texas Tech football game - Alumni Assn - Waco, TX (2005)

Voted Best Oldies Band (2007, 2008) by Central Texas Music Association

Inducted into CTMA's Hall of Recognition - (2007)

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