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Starlite Playboys

About the Group

About The Group

The Starlite Playboys appear to be a band that formed while they were serving their country in the United States Air Force. The group was stationed at Johnson Air Base in Sumugiwa, Japan.

On Friday nights, they entertained the folks at the Rocker Club. Tuesdays saw them at the Officers Club.

The Starlite Playboys were also heard over the Armed Forces Network in Tokyo.

A 1954 article noted they were also appearing on television, over the "NBC-TV" as well as the JOKR (Japanese Broadcasting Co.) networks.

Their personal appearances took them on several tours of the island, and audiences included not just the servicemen and women, but also the local Japanese who were interested in hearing country music.

We found an interesting note about this group in that 1954 article. It noted that when the band did radio, television and personal appearances, an 8-year-old kid by the name of Chipper Price given the spotlight, doing vocals and steel guitar.

Timeline & Trivia Notes
Group Members:

  • Dusty Skeets, electric and rhythm guitar
  • Johnny Taylor, bass
  • Red Baker, electric lead guitar
  • Fred Woodson, fiddle
  • Jimmy Morrison, rhythm guitar
  • Neal Gray, the leader of the band and steel guitar
  • Chipper Price, vocals and steel guitar

Credits & Sources

  • Cowboy Songs No. 32; March-April 1954; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT.