In Remembrance of William Maybray Sr., 1944-2004

Scott Tady wrote for the Beaver County Times:

William Maybray Sr.'s heart quit beating Sunday, though his musical beats and soulful vocals live on in the music of the Beaver Valley's most successful rock band. Maybray, a drummer, bassist and co-lead singer for the Jaggerz, succumbed to cancer Sunday at the age of 60.

"He was a great musician," said Jimmie Ross, "He had a unique voice that blended beautifully with the band." Maybray's backing harmonies are heard on the Jaggerz's chart-topping 1970s hit "The Rapper," which still earns spins on American oldies stations. Family members said that years later, the lifetime New Brighton resident still proudly displayed his gold record for "The Rapper." Jaggerz bandmate Donnie Iris, author of "The Rapper," said Maybray's vibrant drumming helped make that song a success.

Inspired by Motown and Memphis rhythm and blues, Maybray's soulful voice was a big reason why the Jaggerz used to bill themselves as "the White Knights with the Brown Sound," Iris said. Maybray co-wrote and sang lead on the R&B group's first single, "Baby, I Love You," released by Gamble Records in Philadelphia.

Besides his musical skills, Maybray is best remembered for his zest for life. "He found humor in everything," said Ross, recalling how Maybray's wisecracks provided comic relief for the Jaggerz as the band was appearing on Dick Clark's famous "American Bandstand" TV program. Ross said Maybray still seemed to be in good spirits when he visited him three weeks ago at The Medical Center, Beaver. Iris said he and Maybray spent nearly an hour on the phone a month ago, laughing and rehashing their old days together.

Maybray's failing health prevented him from performing in recent years. "I'm sure if he could have, he would have still been playing," Iris said. Maybray played for the reunited Jaggerz in the 1990s. The band continues to perform 20 to 25 gigs a year.



In Remembrance of James "Pugs" Pugliano, 1946-2010

Scott Tady wrote for the Beaver County Times:

James Pugliano, who pounded out the beat for Beaver County's chart-topping rock band "The Jaggerz", died Tuesday in his Harmony Township home.

Pugliano, or "Pugs" as he was known to friends, was 63.

The Ambridge native joined the Beaver County based Jaggerz in the mid-60's and played drums and supplied backing vocals on the group's 1970 sophomore album, "We Went to Different Schools Together," featuring the single "The Rapper," which reached No. 2 on the Billboard music charts and No. 1 on other charts. "The Rapper," earned the band a spot on Dick Clark's "American Bandstand" and in the pages of music magazines.

Pugliano was also behind the drum kit for the third Jaggerz album, 1975's "Come Again."

He also drummed on "And the Band Played On," the locally popular 1998 comeback album by the Jaggerz featuring front man Jimmie Ross.

Scott Mervis wrote for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Beyond the Jaggerz, the drummer toured with Tony Orlando, Willie Nelson, Mel Tillis and John Davidson. He also served in the Air Force National Guard.

Jimmie Ross said when he wasn't drumming, Pugs loved to hang out on the South Side of Pittsburgh and had a passion for Italian cooking. "He made some wonderful Italian sauces."

"He was a great musician, and friend" said singer-bassist Jimmie Ross, "he was very passionate about music. He had no problem going up to a drummer and saying "Man, your not playing it right." He will be sadly missed.




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