The Ohio Express performs at the USA Days Festival in Centerburg

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Ohio express

Ohio Express Heart of Ohio USA Days | Submitted

Ohio Express is an American bubblegum pop band formed in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1967. The Ohio Express band was previously known as Sir Timothy and the Royals and was hand-picked to become "The Ohio Express" and hired to promote their singles by appearing at all live performances. This is the same group photographed on the record covers.

The original lineup consisted of Dale Powers (vocals, lead guitar), Doug Grassel (born Douglas Martin Grassel in Mansfield, July 5, 1949 to Sept. 21, 2013; rhythm guitar), Dean Kastran (bass), Jim Pfahler (born James William Pfahler in Mansfield, Aug. 12, 1948 to March 10, 2003; keyboards) and Tim Corwin (drums).

Lead singer Tim Corwin now performs with Jeff Burgess on keyboards, Warren Sawyer on rhythm guitar and keyboards, John Baker on lead guitar, and Bill Hutchman on drums. Dean Kastran sometimes joins Tim in playing bass and singing. Dean is also the bass player with the Cyrkle.

The group soon recorded an album called “Beg, Borrow and Steal,” with the title song being their first chart hit. They went on to record their biggest hits, “Yummy Yummy Yummy” and “Chewy Chewy,” both of which went gold in 1969. Other chart hits include "Down at Lulu’s,” “Goody Goody Gumdrops” and "Mercy.”

The group appeared with Dick Clark on “American Bandstand.” They are also in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

All in all, the “King of Bubblegum” is still going strong. He started as a knight when he was “Sir Timothy” but has been promoted to “King.” Long live the “King”!

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