The Celtics

A late 50s, early 60s combo playing rock n roll and R&B.

History

Several newspaper listings mention them as "recording stars" though no recordings are found on internet databases. They appear in the program for a 1960 Father Ryan Talent Show, sponsored by the Key Club, where they finished first. Judges include George Nordhaus from WLAC, Rally Stanton from WKDA, and Bud McGlaughlin for the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Singing of America. First prize award was 100 and "an audition with a record company to cut a record."

In conversation with Terrence Cooksey, he remarked how The Celtics worked as the backing band at Globe Studios downtown, helping his friend Bobby Russell cut demos in the early 60s.

Kenny Winkler passed away in 2011. According to his obituary, "Kenny was a guitar player in several local bands over the years, including: The Counts, The Chessman and Key Largo. He had a passion for Chet Akins "thumb picking" guitar music. He was also an avid golfer and retiree of the U.S. Postal Service." Louis Robeson passed away in 2006 after a long succesful career as an educator and schools administrator.

Members

1960 lineupː

Kenny Winkler

Terrance Cooksey

Donnie Green

Ray Williams

Louis Robeson

Later membersː

Larry Perigo

Jack Colton

External References

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/louis-robeson-obituary?id=31499509

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tennessean/name/kenneth-winkler-obituary?id=22725787

Commentsː

Tom Fetherling

I first meet Kenny at West Nashville Heights Church of Christ back in the mid fifties. We became good friends in the late fifties when he had the Celtics. I bought a guitar and played a little with the band. I made them a nice case to keep all the amps in. Kenny's cousin, Wayne(also a postman as was his father and Kenny's father) was my friend at Cohn High School and worked at Krogers with me. Wayne and myself would always tag along when they had a play date.

I got married and we lost contact. In 1975 I was at a dance at the Springfield Country Club and when the band started playing I looked up and there was Kenny. I bought him drinks all night.

We crossed paths again in 1987. I got the band that he was in at that time to play at our 30th reunion.

I will never forget the good times we had in the late fifties.-Tom Fetherling, The Villages, Florida

Larry Perigo

I met Kenny in 1960 and we were instant best friends. While riding with him in his "new Impala" I was singing along with a song on the radio and he told me he played the guitar. I only thought he played football. (he was a real high school football star)

We ended up at his house with him playing the guitar and me singing.. and did this many times afterwards.. He invited me to sing a song with his band called "The Celtics". This was the beginning of my musical career. Later while I was a member of a band called "The Continentals" we were auditioning for a guitarist and I recommended Kenny. He actually replaced Jimi Hendrix who was our guitar player while we were the house band at the Del Moroco Club on Jefferson Street in 1963-64. We played in this band together for a couple of years. He encouraged me to take the postal exam and I bacame a letter carrier for 5 years. I was honored to be his best man in his first marriage.

I last spoke with Kenny via telephone about 5 years ago and we promised to keep in touch and get together but this never happened. In 1977 my career brought me to Hilton Head Island, SC where I have lived since and I am still a full time musician. I am the leader of a band called The Headliners (theheadliners.com). Thank you Kenny for starting on my life's path. I'm sure I am just one of many that have been influenced by your kindness. -Larry Perigo

I met Kenny in 1960 and we were instant friends. He was 20 and I was 18. He heard me singing along with a song on the radio while riding in his "new" Impala and told me he played guitar. We went to his house and he played and I sang. He invited me to sing a song with his band "The Celtics" and that was the beginning of my musical career. Later while I was a member of a band called The Continentals we were searching for a guitarist and I recommended Kenny. He actually replaced Jimi Hendrix who was our guitar player while we were the house band at the Del Moroco Club on Jefferson Street in 1963. We worked together for a couple of years. I was honored to be the best man at his wedding. He also encouraged me to take the postal exam, which I did and I worked as a mail carrier for 5 years. I last spoke with Kenny via phone about 5 years ago and we promised to get together and keep in touch but unfortunately that did not happen. It has been almost 51 years since I met Kenny and I am still a full time musician. My career led me to Hilton Head Island, SC in 1977 and I am the leader of a band called The Headliners. (theheadliners.com)

Kenny was a tremendous talent and by the grace of God I met him and he put me on my life's journey. Thank you Kenny. I'm sure I am only one of many that you influenced. -Larry Perigo

Buddy Troxel

Kenny was a tremendous guitar player that really loved life. We had some great times together in the Counts and remained friends for over 40 years. I am glad I got to see him last fall.