The Runabouts
Spokane, Washington
1959 - 1963
Members
Joe
Cavender ~ Drums
Mickey
Davis ~ Vocals
Bud
Dumas ~ Drums
Ron
Irwin ~ Saxophone
Bobby
Nichols ~ Guitar, Vocals
Paul
Valsvig ~ Bass
Mickey Davis
Joe
Cavender ~ Drums
Mickey
Davis ~ Vocals
Bud
Dumas ~ Drums
Ron
Irwin ~ Saxophone
Bobby
Nichols ~ Guitar, Vocals
Paul
Valsvig ~ Bass
Mickey Davis
The Runabouts were from Spokane. The original 1959 to 1960 group was: Mickey Davis, Paul Valsvig, Bud Dumas, Ron Irwin and Bobby Nichols (from Cottage Grove Oregon).They were signed by Columbia records in 1959 and charted two records, "Pink Sox" and "Charleston Twist". They toured the east coast in '59 for Columbia. During their tour they met up with a very big instrumental group, Johnny and the Hurricanes, from Toledo Ohio, who were touring the world promoting their songs, Red River Valley Rock, Reveille Rock and Beatnik Fly.
The Runabouts didn't quite make to the big time so most of the members returned to Spokane. Mickey and Bobby stayed back east, gigged, and kept in contact with their new friends Johnnie and the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes were very big in Europe, and in Germany they had a gig at a club and the opening act was an obscure group called The Beatles. The organist, Paul Tesaluk, still has the pictures.
Micky Davis of Spokane’s band, The Runabouts, passed away in Massachusetts on June 6th, 2019. Mickey was a Viet Nam veteran and his funeral featured an Army Honor Guard.
