By Nick Warburton
Readers will be familiar with the American early 1970s rock band Jo Jo Gunne, helmed by former Spirit members Jay Ferguson and Mark Andes.
However, the first band to use the name Jo Jo Gunne was in fact a little known British R&B outfit, formed at Debrome school in Feltham, Middlesex in early-to-mid 1965.
In a completely updated feature Nick Warburton uncovers the complete story of the first Jo Jo Gunne:
http://thestrangebrew.co.uk/articles/jo-jo-gunne
Hi, I came across your page article on UK Jo Jo Gunne. I was the bass player for awhile in 1969, I’m in the photo (2) where we are wearing the buckskin Jackets and with Dave Wendells on Guitar. My Nickname thanks to Wendells at that time was Okie. An Okie is a hillbilly simpleton from Oklahoma, Wendells was too stupid to know that I knew he was taking the piss out of me by calling me “Okie” I kept quiet as I tagged along with the band to Germany and as I had nowhere to stay in London at that time I got a bed for the entire trip! after that Wendells and I backed Billy J Kramer whereupon I split and moved on. The caption on the 2 photos says I am called Ocke !! thats funny, someone misinterpreted The “Okie” nickname/insult laid on me by Wendells. I live in Denver Colorado (40 years now )www.mrdavidbooker.com I was Bo Diddleys sideman for awhile, I have backed Rufus Thomas, Solomon Burke, Sir Mack Rice and Dr John.I have opened for Los Lobos John Mayall (twice) Albert Collins and many more .. Very Best to all . I remember Mick Wheeler and Paul Maher and Wendells (who could forget that arsehole LOL)