Only Europe excl UK!
Michigan Band EJ & the Echoes: Rediscovering a Soul Legacy
The story of EJ & the Echoes represents a remarkable chapter in
Michigan's music history and the early American soul scene. Its origins
date back to the late 1950s, when Everett J. "EJ" Gronda was already
active as a young musician. While studying at Central Michigan
University in the early 1960s, he met the talented vocalist Manuel
"Manny" Holcolm. Together with other musicians, they formed vocal
groups that soon performed throughout the state and even recorded
near Detroit's legendary Motown studios.
In 1963, Gronda founded EJ & the Echoes, a band that quickly gained
popularity at dances, clubs, and weddings across Michigan. With Manny
Holcolm as lead singer, the group developed a distinctive harmony-
driven sound, blending in fl uences ranging from the Beatles to James
Brown. The band served as a house band in Traverse City, opened for
national acts, and performed regularly at well-known Detroit venues.
Between 1964 and 1967, EJ & the Echoes released several singles on
the Diamond Jim Records label. Although major commercial success
eluded them at the time, their recordings later found international
recognition. Today, their songs remain staples of the British Northern
Soul scene.
After the band dissolved, the members pursued di ff erent paths. EJ
Gronda became a schoolteacher but remained devoted to music
throughout his life. In 2006, the musicians reunited for an emotional jam
session. EJ Gronda passed away in 2022, followed by Manuel Holcolm in
2024. Their musical legacy endures-on this vinyl release, dance fl oors,
and in the memory of a remarkable era.
Our sincere thanks go to author and blues historian Fred Reif. He wrote
the accompanying text and provided all the pictures of the band printed
in the gatefold cover. Without him, this project would not have been
possible.
- deluxe gatefold vinyl LP with detailed liner notes and unseen
photographs
- the vinyl LP comes with a full album download code
- ALL songs appear on Vinyl-LP / digital for the very fi rst-time
- complete discography of all their extremely rare original 7" singles
- pressed on BIO VINYL => Replacement of petroleum in S-PVC by
recycling used cooking oil or industrial waste gases
Only Europe excl UK!
Michigan Band EJ & the Echoes: Rediscovering a Soul Legacy
The story of EJ & the Echoes represents a remarkable chapter in
Michigan's music history and the early American soul scene. Its origins
date back to the late 1950s, when Everett J. "EJ" Gronda was already
active as a young musician. While studying at Central Michigan
University in the early 1960s, he met the talented vocalist Manuel
"Manny" Holcolm. Together with other musicians, they formed vocal
groups that soon performed throughout the state and even recorded
near Detroit's legendary Motown studios.
In 1963, Gronda founded EJ & the Echoes, a band that quickly gained
popularity at dances, clubs, and weddings across Michigan. With Manny
Holcolm as lead singer, the group developed a distinctive harmony-
driven sound, blending in fl uences ranging from the Beatles to James
Brown. The band served as a house band in Traverse City, opened for
national acts, and performed regularly at well-known Detroit venues.
Between 1964 and 1967, EJ & the Echoes released several singles on
the Diamond Jim Records label. Although major commercial success
eluded them at the time, their recordings later found international
recognition. Today, their songs remain staples of the British Northern
Soul scene.
After the band dissolved, the members pursued di ff erent paths. EJ
Gronda became a schoolteacher but remained devoted to music
throughout his life. In 2006, the musicians reunited for an emotional jam
session. EJ Gronda passed away in 2022, followed by Manuel Holcolm in
2024. Their musical legacy endures-on this vinyl release, dance fl oors,
and in the memory of a remarkable era.
Our sincere thanks go to author and blues historian Fred Reif. He wrote
the accompanying text and provided all the pictures of the band printed
in the gatefold cover. Without him, this project would not have been
possible.
- deluxe gatefold vinyl LP with detailed liner notes and unseen
photographs
- the vinyl LP comes with a full album download code
- ALL songs appear on Vinyl-LP / digital for the very fi rst-time
- complete discography of all their extremely rare original 7" singles
- pressed on BIO VINYL => Replacement of petroleum in S-PVC by
recycling used cooking oil or industrial waste gases
