The band became quite popular on the local dance and club circuit, eventually releasing a self-financed 45 Cheryl / The Lonely Huns on the undefined label. In 1967 the band placed second in a local battle-of-the-bands contest and caught the attention of businessman/manager/producer Lennie LaCour. LaCour released one single The Vinyards Of My Time / Here's Where I Get Off on his undefined label in 1969.

LaCour managed to get undefined Records interested in the band, financed some recording sessions at Chess Studios, and even prepared cover art for a projected album, but nothing came of the deal. Since Chess did not want to release the album at the time, LaCour bought the license rights from Chess. The cost of a color cover was above LaCour's budget, so he convinced the band to change their name to Filet Of Soul, the cover was made black and white, and the new name was tacked on top of the old picture. LaCour financed the album Freedom on his small Chicago-based Moniquid Records in 1969. The group released one single on LaCour's undefined label in 1969, the blue-eyed soul single Do Your Own Thing / Sweet Lovin', which was a local Wisconsin hit. LaCour financed another release on his undefined label - 1969's 'Proud Mary' b/w (Get Out, Get Out) We Want Peace' (Magic Touch catalog number 2078).