[1] The frontman was singer, drummer and harmonica player Lawrence "Big Twist" Nolan (né Lawrence Millard Nolan; 23 September 1937, Terre Haute, Indiana – 14 March 1990, Broadview, Illinois).
In the mid to late 1950s he moved to Colp, Illinois and began singing and played drums in a bar band, the Mellow Fellows, performing everything from R & B, blues and country music.
[1] Over the decade, the group earned a loyal following and moved from private parties to the big stages.
Big Twist and the Mellows success led them to appear on national television programs, including having their music videos for “300 Pounds of Heavenly Joy” and “Too Much BBQ” appear on the USA network and MTV.
[1] The saxophonist and producer Gene "Daddy G" Barge often appeared as a guest vocalist.