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In Tampa, Florida, six young boys—Windell Roberson, Samuel Guest, Ben Clark, Lonnie Jones, Ervin Hart, and Henry Hart—were discovered by Nelson Griffith, a teacher with a passion for music and a keen eye for new talent. Soon, three female vocalists, known as the Star Dolls, were recruited, and the group adopted the name The Astros. However, due to a naming conflict with another local band, they ultimately changed their name to The Montereys, inspired by the city of Monterey, California.
The band’s lineup was soon completed with the addition of the talented and charismatic Whitman Able. In 1971, they recorded a classic deep funk single–“Get Down”–at the newly opened Tampa 70 Studios, which was released under Griffith’s NGC label. Following the release, The Montereys embarked on a tour across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, sharing the stage with renowned acts such as Al Green, James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone, and Joe Tex.
Despite having key connections with industry giants like Berry Gordy of Motown and Norman Whitfield regarding a potential inclusion in the soundtrack for the film Car Wash, a major record deal never materialized. As a result, The Montereys eventually disbanded.
“Get Down” has been sampled by Tyler, the Creator, Danny Brown, and Westside Gunn.
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