The Mutineers formed in
Durant, Oklahoma,
Southeastern State College in 1962. The band members crossed paths at the university, and began performing a repertoire of
Bo Diddley and
Duane Eddy standards within the campus. In 1963, the band recorded their debut single, "Jackin' Around", in Dallas, Texas, an instrumental which received extensive airplay in their college. The
British Invasion influenced The Mutineers to include
Beatles numbers to their repertoire, a change in outfitting, and a slight emphasis to
vocals. However, their most impactful acquisition was their utilization of the
Vox Continental electronic organ, a later highlight of the group's sound. While in Dallas, the band achieved prominence playing as a frequent attraction in a venue called The Pirate's Nook. There they came to the attention of
Abnak Records, whose president John Abdnor took the group under his wing. For a short while after their five top
singles "I See The Light", "
Western Union", "Sound of Love", "Evol - Not Love", and "Zip Code" were released, they toured. However, their manager, Jon Abdnor Sr., owner/president of Abnak Records (and Bankers Management and Services Insurance Co.), was allowed control of their finances. After Abdnor's death in 1996, all rights to their songs should have reverted to the group, but
Sundazed Music bought the original tapes. The Five Americans are now receiving their share of the sales and publishing
royalties.
"Western Union" In a March 1967 interview that appeared in Michael Oberman's "Top Tunes" column in the
Evening Star newspaper (Washington, D.C.), Norman Ezell, guitarist for the group, explained how they came up with "Western Union". "
Mike Rabon, our lead guitar player, was just fooling around with his guitar when he came up with a unique sound," Norman said. "It sort of reminded us of a
telegraph key. That's when we decided to write 'Western Union. ==Break-up and the deaths of band members==