Soul Serenade: The O’Kaysions, “Girl Watcher”

They called themselves the Kays when they first got together in Kenly, North Carolina. The year was 1959, and the original lineup included guitarist Wayne Pittman, trumpet player Eddie Dement, sax player Gerald Toler, bassist Jimmy Hinnant, drummer Steve Watson, and vocalist/organ player Donnie Weaver, who was only 12 years-old at the time.

It took nearly 10 years, but on February 8, 1968, the O’Kaysions found themselves in what was described as a “broom closet studio” called Sound Studio in Greenville, NC. That day they recorded a song that Pittman had written called “Girl Watcher.” The record featured the now 22 year-old Weaver on the lead vocal. Weaver was also responsible for the idea of re-christening the band as the O’Kaysions … (more)