The Original Caste-Photos

The Canadian pop group was founded by Bruce Innes in Calgary, Alberta in 1966. Originally named The North Country Singers, the group began its career singing in coffee houses and pizza restaurants across Canada. In 1968, they moved to Los Angeles and changed the group name to The Original Caste. They recorded two singles for Dot Records and had limited success, but then signed with TA Records in 1969, a label distributed by Bell Records. At TA Records they met Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter, who produced their first two hit singles, One Tin Soldier and Mr. Monday, and their first album., One Tin Soldier The success of these two songs (Certified Gold in Canada and Japan) enabled the group to tour extensively in The United States, Canada, and Japan. In 1971 Bell Records released Live in Japan Vol. 1, Live in Japan Vol. 2, and The Original Caste, Greatest Hits. In 1974, Back Home was released on Century II/ Capital records. The band toured off and on until 1980, when Bruce Innes moved back to the United States. Bruce and The Original Caste continue to perform nationally recognizable by their strong four part vocal harmonies and accomplished instrumentals.

                                            ORIGINAL BAND PERSONNEL

            Bruce Innes: guitar, vocals - now resides in Sun Valley, Idaho

            Dixie Lee Stone: vocals - now resides in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

            Bliss Mackie: guitar, vocals (1943 - 2004)  All of us who knew Bliss were very sad when he passed away.  He was fun to tour with, a kind person, and a good acoustic guitarist and singer. He was a gentleman on and off stage and we miss him.

            Graham Bruce: bass, vocals - now resides (we think) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

            Peter Brown: drums - no clue where he is.  

Joe Cavender replaced Peter Brown on drums in 1970 - now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 1972, Graham Bruce and Bliss Mackie were replaced by:
    Gary Carlson - now resides in Bellevue, Idaho
    Dennis Coats - now resides in Sandpoint, Idaho

In subsequent years the band included Calgarians: Richard Harrow, Glenn Mundy, Julian Kerr and John Dunn . In all variations until the mid 80’s the group featured Bruce Innes and Dixie Lee Stone.

The Original Caste-Photos