Sixth Generation, The Sixth Generation Memory Lane

A trip down Memory Lane

The Sixth Generation was formed in Niles, Michigan (home of Tommy James & The Shondells) during the summer of 1966. Playing top hits of the time, the group became quite popular very quickly and began drawing large crowds throughout the region. By early spring in 1967, the band was regularly booked for Saturday night dances at The Skyliner at Five Mile Corner in Dowagiac, MI (at that time, the most popular dance venue in southwestern Michigan).

The Sixth Generation appearing at The Skyliner with popular deejay Dex Card in 1967.

Marie Needham, a co-owner of The Skyliner, realized the group’s potential and became the Sixth Generation’s manager. Marie began booking the band across a broader geography and also arranged a recording session at Sound Studios in Chicago. “This is the Time” was released by GMA Records in August 1967.

With "This Is The Time" being heard regularly on radio stations from Chicago to Pittsburgh, the group became more popular than ever. The song went on to become #1 in several markets, even outpacing nationally known artists. The group was on a roll!

What had started as a “garage band” in Niles, MI, gained prominence across the upper Midwest region, headlining with such groups as the Kingsmen (Louie, Louie), the Buckinghams (Kind of a Drag, Susan, Hey Baby), the Box Tops (The Letter, Cry Like A Baby), and many other prominent groups of the time.

Unfortunately, with the priority of college educations, changes eventually took place in the members of the group. The college years found The Sixth Generation with 4 members: John Dale, Paul Davies and Dave Walenga remained in the group and Fred Hulce joined on keyboards and vocals. The still ever popular group continued to play at high schools, colleges and dances all over the state of Michigan and in northern Indiana. The band sadly played its last dance in Buchanan, MI in December 1970.