Tradition is defined as "The handing down of a belief, legend, or custom from generation to generation". The Swingin' Medallions, a 44-year Southern tradition, are a true living definition of the word.
How does a band endure generation after generation? The group's signature high energy, party style continues to delight audiences of all ages. Their act, as well as their music, is indeed timeless. The group was founded in 1962 by John McElrath and now includes his two sons, Shawn and Shane. Featuring the ever-popular horn section, the group effectively blends the sounds and music of yesterday and today. Their diverse repertoire has made them overwhelming favorites with college audiences as well as the more mature rock and rollers.
The band has performed throughout the nation in thousands of venues. In 2003, they were chosen to headline the Inaugural Party for the Governor of South Carolina. They were selected as the headline act for the 2004 Gator Bowl halftime show. In addition, the band hosts a cruise each year for its fans. In 2003, they combined their cruise with the Coors Sterling Marlin Cruise. Last year some 450 people sailed the Caribbean to the sounds of the Medallions each night.
The band was made famous by its 1966 single, "Double Shot of My Baby's Love". It remains the signature song of the band to this day. The song, in fact, continues to demonstrate its own timeless quality on radio, television and in motion pictures. The cast of the hit television series Aly McBeal sang along with the original recording in a 1998 episode. In 1999, it was again featured in the NBC miniseries, The 60's. Last year it was heard on the big screen in the movie, Sorority Boys. Most recently it was used in the NBC series, American Dreams. Bruce Springsteen labeled it "The greatest fraternity rock song of all time" and includes it in many of his concerts.
In June of 2001 Chicago Tribune nationally syndicated columnist Bob Greene wrote an article entitled The Swingin' Medallion View of U.S. History. He pretty much summed up America's love affair with "Double Shot" with his discovery of the song being played and sold in the gift shop of the Smithsonian Institute. When inquiring as to why it was available in the nation's foremost repository of history, the clerk replied, "Because it's as much a part of our history as anything else we sell".
"Double Shot" was followed in 1969 with the release of "Hey, Hey Baby", the song featured at the 2004 Gator Bowl. Although membership in the band continues to change over the years, the popularity of their live performances has not. Lewis Grizzard (Southern humorist and writer) labeled the Medallions as "THE PARTY BAND OF THE SOUTH", a moniker that has become forever synonymous with the Medallion name. Grizzard wrote in a nationally syndicated column, "Even today, when I hear "Double Shot of My Baby's Love", it makes me want to stand outside in the hot sun with a milkshake cup full of beer in one hand and a slightly drenched coed in the other".
The new book, "Heeey Baby Days of Beach Music", will be officially released October 6, 2006 at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon, Georgia. It is a comprehensive book of the Southeastern Music Scene of the 1960's. It is 552 pages long with over 800 images. It weighs over 10 pounds! This book features the Swingin' Medallions along with numerous other bands of the era. The SWINGIN' MEDALLIONS - They are Yesterday and Today. And now, even in the new millennium they continue their own TIMELESS TRADITION. They are a true Southern Institution.
Hit record, “DoubleShot of My Baby’s Love”
Beach Music Hall of Fame
2004 Gator Bowl Halftime Show
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