Music has a way of bringing back memories of days gone by. “Hippie dances” by James and Faye Marvell have Winter Texans traveling back in time to the days of the Hippie movement. Many guests come dressed as Hippies and reminisce about the “good old days.”

“The response to these dances has been great,” states James Marvell. “In the beginning, the Hippie movement was about the music and love and peace. It was a feel good movement. But somewhere drugs got into the mix and caused problems.”

“I think this shows my age when I say this,” laughed Marvell, “ but I was there in the 60s performing with the million selling group, Mercy, and their Billboard hit, “Love Can Make You Happy.”

He socialized with such notables as Jimmy Hendrix, The Byrds, The Guess Who and others whose music is associated with the Hippie era.

Although drugs were all around him in the music industry, Marvell never got into using drugs.

“The drugs are what tainted the era,” he said. Hearing the voice of God instead of the call of drugs, he and a friend formed a longhaired duo called The Cavaleers that urged youth to stay away from drugs and enjoy the music. He told them they could have the long hair and hippy look without getting into drugs.

The Country Cavaleers performed with Faron Young, Freddie Fender, Barbara Mandrell, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn and many of the Grand Ole Opry stars.

In 1976, Marvell went solo and turned his attention to Gospel Music and performed with Leroy Jenkins Crusades all across the country.

But he still fondly remembers the Hippie era and its music, especially the songs of the Beatles. He and Faye sing and perform many of the old songs the Baby Boomers will remember from their early days. Marvell enjoys having his audiences dress in clothes from the Hippie era as well, while they kick back and enjoy the music. And they seem to enjoy doing it as they remember the good times they enjoyed.

Already the new performances are taking off and he has received several new bookings for Hippie Dances, as Baby Boomers want to hear the music and relive those special days when they were young and just getting started.

To make plans for a Hippie Dance this year or to plan ahead for next year, contact Marvell at  (813) 505-4966 or e-mail jmarvell7@yahoo.com.