The Gainesville Connection

Gainesville Music Scene

Gainesville, Florida, Home of the University of Florida. I lived in Gainesville for a few years in the late 80's while I was a graduate student at UF. At that time there was a relatively thriving local music scene there. And apparently, Gainesville has a long history of top-notch local music, dating back to the 60's and such budding local rock stars as Tom Petty, Steven Stills (just passing through), Don Felder, Bernie Leadon, and Jeff and Marty Jourard (The Motels). In the years I was there in the '80's , there was a definite style and sound of the area that permeated the music that was unique and that I refer to as 'The Gainesville Sound'. This was a few years after the success of R.E.M. and the resulting attention Athens GA had gotten regarding it's local music scene, and Gainesville's sound had grown somewhat from that style into it's own unique brand. The bands I most remember from that time were 'WHAT anne LIKES', Hollywood actor River Phoenix's rock band 'Aleka's Attic', and the one band that most epitomized The Gainesville Sound and style at that time, probably the greatest band you've never heard of, the remarkable 'Vulgar Boatmen'. But more about them later. Over the next couple weeks I will feature music from some of Gainesville's most famous musicians, beginning with their most famous and favorite son, Tom Petty and his bands of other Gainesville locals, Mudcrutch, and then, the Heartbreakers. Stay tuned.