Columbus East High School - Altis Yearbook (Columbus, IN)

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The King; Rock bands Inflame crowds Echoes of country, blues, and rock 'n’ roll still live in the famous loca- tions where The King” performed. The hottest teenage idol ever thrilled fans with his curved lips, slicked back hair, tight leather pants, and gyrating hips. Until his death, August 16, 1977, at the age of forty-two in his Memphis estate, Graceland”, Elvis was the King” of rock 'n’ roll. He discovered a new form of rock 'n’ roll as he shook to the hard rock music and sent shivers up the spines of his great spectators with How Great Thou Art”. Also girls hearts melted to the popular song Love Me Tender”. The King swiveled to other popular songs such as Shake, Rattle, and Roll”, All Shook Up”, Jailhouse Rock”, Blue Suede Shoes”, and many more. Elvis succeeded to arouse teenage dollars when in 1958, he joined the military service where he became known in films like, G.I. Blues”, “Kissin’ Cousins”, “Girls, Girls, Girls”, Double Trouble”, Paradise, Hawaiian Style”, Fun in Acapulco” and others. Presley’s talent was instinc- tive and natural. Audiences screamed and fans applauded to his exhilarating music. Southern Rock 'N’ Roll. But even after his death, Presley’s lyrics still hum in the minds of those who loved him, and his style will continue to be copied by hundreds of beginning artists. Most popular teen-age idol in the rock V roll era, The King, arouses an enthusiastic crowd. Physically drained, after recent illness, Elvis still creates a strong emotional state at his lat- est concert. Student Life 17

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The King and Rock Bands inflame crowds Smash hits have made the uncontrollable rock bands of the school rise above acknowl- edgement as students to mimic rock performers. Rock freaks brought enthusiasm which spread among students. The rock bands at East have as many members and crew correspon- dents as the original performers. Student rock bands perform songs by Queen, Nazareth, Boston, and others. One local rock group imi- tates the costumes and make-up of Kiss. The members and their parts arc senior Mark Reeves, Gene Simmons; senior Andy Bierlein, Paul Stanley; senior Dave Pruitt, Ace Freshley; junior Scott Willy, Peter Criss. The group started in 1973 and have lived out the fantasy of Kiss and their love for music. Senior Mark Reeves excitedly explains, When I dress up like a demon, I am a demon! Gene Simmons original tongue length is 7Vi inches but the impersonator, senior Mark Reeves, has stretched his tongue to six inches. Theatrics happens to be the goal of Reeves and Bierlein. Other groups within the school perform, as well. A group of juniors who have successfully performed for an audience professionally, in- clude promoter and drummer, Roger Johnson, Mark Porter, Richard Ballard, and Gary Bal- lard, and Vocalist Doug Gooldy have been rocked and rolled most of the nights away. The group has performed songs from great artists such as Deep Purple, Queen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zepplin, and Eagles. Changing musicians have apparently been an asset to the group and more and more of their music has improved. Practicing from early evening hours to late morning hours, Roger and his group have obviously grown popular among the students. Kiss freaks. Queen freaks, and Eagles freaks are all just plain rock freaks but the enjoyment is there whether they arc living out a fantasy or to feel important, or just for the love of music, the freaks of rockbands will forever reign. 16 Student Life Finishing the hit song of the acid rock group, Kiss, arc performers Mark Reeves, Gene Sim- mons; Dave Pruitt, Ace Frchley; Andy Bi- erlein, Paul Stanley. Applause clamors through the auditorium as Kiss performers conclude the hit song ‘‘Beth’ from the acid rock group Kiss. Kiss drummer, Peter Criss, Scott Willey, per- forms his drum solo during God of Thunder.” Revealing his wicked tongue, six inches in length. Gene Simmons, Mark Reeves, strums away the attention getter Cold Gin”.

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Giving the students a boost, seniors Brad Red- man, Tom Kitterman, David Perry, Jay Rich- ardson, and Duane Nicholson, display the words to the Olympian song. Parade of pep Sessions begin Class rivalries Pep Sessions were the most popular parade of Convocations. The spirit at the pep sessions remained strong throughout the student body as tug- of-war and cheering competitions were the highlight of the package. The first convocation was rewarding as Mr. Philip Houston, principal, an- nounced the winning class, the class of ’78, would receive two hundred dollars for their jubilant voices that cheered the loudest in the class competition with the cheer We’ve gotta team go- ing all the way.” The senior class planned a class party and gave-away fifty, twenty-five, fifteen, and ten dol- lars door prizes. Women competed against the men in a tug-of-war contest which not only highlighted but added suspense to the pep sessions for the students. The fun and enthusiasm drained as attendance was generally taken at the pep sessions. But by the end of the school year, assigned seats and atten- dance was not necessary as the student body attended each convocation with enthusiasm ability. Mr Houston, congregated the stu- dents into pep sessions for fun, joy, and a lot of cheering at the top of their lungs. Convocations surprisingly welcomed big mouths which weren’t hard to find. During the regional pep session, E.S.A. presi- dent, Don Lanham, displays a bit of his musi- cal talent, drumming to the popular cheer GO EAST.” 18 Student Life