The Messengers

The initial lineup of this band was formed in Winona, Minnesota by Greg Jeresek. They cut their Soma 45 in 1965. Jeresek subsequently moved to Milwaukee, WI, and formed an entirely new Messengers band. They cut a 45, which was released on USA. When the record began to get action, the band refused to promote it, as they were in the process of courting Motown. Through various contacts a similar band called the Del Mars from the Boston area was recruited to replace them on tour as Michael & The Messengers.

Original Minnesota Members:
Greg Jeresek (Born 1947 Winona, MN)
Greg Bambenek - Guitar
Roy Berger
Chip Andrus - Keyboards
Mike Murphy

Original Milwaukee members:
Greg Jeresek/Jennings
Peter Barans/Barnes - Guitar (Born: 6/23/46 Chicago IL – Died: 9/18/04 Northridge, CA)
Jesse Roe - Keyboards (Born: 1947 Bayshore, NY)
Jeff Taylor - Vocals (Born: 1947 Detroit, MI)
Augie Jurishica - Drums (Born: 1947 Milwaukee, WI)

Later Milwaukee members:
Bob (Mother) Cavallo (Born: 1948 Milwaukee, WI)
Rob Leslie
Michael Morgan (Born: 1950 Chicago, IL)
Mike Deming
John Hoier (Born:1949 El Segunto, CA)
Gary Rosenmeier

This information comes from my book “Do You Hear That Beat”. I spoke with 9 of the Messengers members to obtain the info.