Lane, Robbie & The Disciples

Websites:  http://www.robbielane.com/music.html
Origin: Toronto, Ontario, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Robbie Lane: A Lifelong Legacy of Music and Entertainment

Robbie Lane has been a cornerstone of Canadian entertainment for decades, captivating audiences across radio, television, live performances, and recordings. Whether spinning tracks on turntables, fronting his legendary band, or appearing on TV, Robbie Lane has consistently delivered music that keeps fans dancing and singing along. His contributions have spanned generations, and his story is as vibrant as his music.

The Early Days: The Disciples Take Shape
In the early 1960s, Robbie Lane assembled The Disciples, a group of talented musicians drawn from various Toronto suburban bands. The original lineup included Lane on vocals, Domenic Troiano on guitar, Gene Trach on bass, Sonny Milne on drums, Marty Fisher on piano, Bert Hermiston on saxophone and flute, and William Cudmore on harmonica, saxophone, and keyboards.

Their big break came in December 1963 when Ronnie Hawkins recruited them to back him as insurance for his original band, The Hawks, who were planning to leave (and would later become The Band). The Disciples worked tirelessly, playing upstairs at The Hawks’ Nest while Hawkins and The Hawks performed downstairs at Toronto’s famed Le Coq d’Or Tavern.

After The Band's departure, The Disciples officially became Ronnie Hawkins’ backing group while also maintaining their identity for recording purposes. Under Hawkins’ mentorship, the group recorded three singles as The Hawks, including their first Disciples release, Fannie Mae, on Hawkins’ own Hawk Records label. The B-side, She’s the One, was penned by Troiano, who soon left the band to pursue other projects, including Mandala, The James Gang, and The Guess Who. He was replaced by guitarist Terry Bush.

Charting Hits and a Move to Independence
In 1964, Robbie Lane and The Disciples scored a modest hit with Ain’t Love a Funny Thing, produced by Fred Carter. By June 1965, the band parted ways with Ronnie Hawkins and began carving their own path. Their transition was marked by a challenging year, but they re-emerged in 1966 as the house band for CTV’s popular music show It’s Happening.

The exposure from It’s Happening led to a contract with Capitol Records, resulting in a series of singles. Their rendition of Dion’s Sandy in 1965 was followed by What Am I Gonna Do? and their first original A-side, You Gotta Have Love, both released in 1966. The band also recorded the show’s theme song, It’s Happening, in 1967.

A Creative Renaissance
Under the guidance of music director Doug Riley (later known as “Dr. Music”), Robbie Lane and The Disciples expanded their reach, even recording a jingle for Baby Ruth chocolate bars. The jingle’s infectious charm inspired the group to release it as Baby Ruth under the pseudonym The Butterfingers.

Despite their creativity and talent, the shifting musical landscape of the late 1960s eventually led to the band’s breakup. The members went their separate ways:

Terry Bush became a successful jingle producer, recording hits like Do You Know What You’re Doing and I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing.
Gene Trach transitioned into a career as a chiropractor.
Sonny Milne became a publisher.
Bert Hermiston thrived as a studio musician.
William Cudmore joined The Majestics.
Robbie Lane continued to host It’s Happening and embarked on a solo career, achieving moderate success in the 1970s.

Revival and Reinvention
In the 1980s, the original lineup of Robbie Lane and The Disciples reunited, rekindling their love for live performance. By the 1990s, Lane, along with Bush and Trach, brought new energy to the band, performing regularly at Toronto venues.

In 1996, they released a live album titled Ain’t Dead Yet, a testament to their enduring passion for music. A 2002 reunion project followed with the album Doin’ It Righteous, released on their own Chicken Records label.

The Legacy Continues
Robbie Lane remains an iconic figure in Canadian music, celebrated for his contributions to the industry and his ability to adapt and thrive across decades. Whether leading The Disciples, entertaining on television, or performing for a new generation of fans, Robbie Lane embodies the spirit of Canadian rock and roll. His enduring presence proves that great music and great entertainers never go out of style.