[1] The foursome immediately had great musical chemistry and worked on their sound for several weeks in Gordon's auto upholstery workshop at night after the shop closed.

They soon began playing local dances, parties, and contests, and were known for their close four-part harmony vocals - an uncommon talent for garage rock bands of the era.

This early victory garnered local press for the band and allowed them to secure future bookings at prominent rock clubs in northeast Ohio.

Maduri did not hear any potential hits among the band's original songs, so he asked them instead to record the classic vocal ballad, “Look Homeward Angel,” as their first single.

The band preferred to play edgier rock music and were reluctant to record this song, but ultimately agreed after Maduri threatened to shelve the project.

The February 1969 issue of Cash Box Magazine described “Look Homeward Angel” as “Material fit for a Vogues session, a splendid arrangement and choral presentation make this outing a very attractive side for teen and easy listening exposure.

[5] The February 15 issue of Billboard placed “Look Homeward Angel” in the Special Merit Section, describing the song as “a strong debut with a smooth group that fits all types of programing and offers much for commercial sales.”[6] The band went on the road during the spring of 1969 and played many dates in support of the single.

On April 7, 1969, the band joined Tommy James and the Shondells at the sold out KQV Easter Shower of Stars concert in front of 12,800 screaming fans at Pittsburgh Civic Arena.

The popularity of “Look Homeward Angel” continued to rise through the spring as the song became a #1 hit on many radio stations,[5] and eventually peaked at #93 on the national charts.

[9] Upon returning to Ohio, Joel Gordon, Dave Bartos, and Jeff Kerekes played in various other bands through the early-1970s, but none reached the success of The Velvet Crest.