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One of D.C.’s most active bands in the 1960s, the Newports reorganized in 2001, and have been active again since playing for clubs and private affairs. The current lineup includes two original members plus six other veteran performers. The Newports play vintage rock ‘n’ roll at its very best, with great heart and authenticity, and feature numerous classic hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Read more about the Newports today, and see recent photos of the band. Also see our schedule of upcoming events, and we’d love to hear from you if you’d like to contact the band about playing for your event. Thanks -- and we hope you enjoy our site!

Don't miss the Newports Sat., Feb. 11
at La Mexicana in Germantown!!! More . . .

In Memory of Chuck Willett

1965

It is with great sadness that we tell you that Chuck Willett died on December 19, 2011, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Chuck, and his brother Tom -- "The Willett Brothers" -- fronted the Newports in the mid-sixties, and brought extraordinary vocal talent to the band. Chuck also wrote or co-wrote four songs we recorded. On January 3, 2012, Gary Mitchell, host of "Time Machine" on Internet radio Top Shelf Oldies, twice tributed Chuck and the Newports, plus played their records "I Want You" and "Little Heart." -- listen. Chuck leaves behind his wife Mary, son James and daughter Erin, plus brothers Tom and Steve. He will be greatly missed by many, and already is.

2011

Newports Photos from the '60s and Band History

We now have a large photo gallery posted featuring numerous photos of the Newports from the 1960s. Accompanying them is a history of the band and its development from 1961-1968. Also included are posters, flyers, articles, and other memorabilia from this period, plus records with the option to listen. Visit this archive.

You can also listen now to every record the Newports produced in the 1960s, in videos with vintage photos of the band. Included are the band’s D.C.-area hits Little Heart and Don’t You Ever Mess Around, plus many other vocals and instrumentals recorded between 1961-65, plus some unreleased tracks. Also included is Fort Lauderdale, a Mercury release by Doug Powell on which the Newports played. Go to the directory.

A Changing of the Newports Guard on Electric Bass

Jerry Pickeral

Our longtime bass player and friend Jerry Pickeral has recently had to leave us, after nine years of faithful service to the band. We wish him and Michelle the very best as they relocate more to Ocean City and take on new horizons with their lives. And we thank Jerry so much for contributing his extraordinary talent to the Newports for all this time!!! We are also very pleased to welcome to the Newports another exceptional bass player, Mike DeGraba, who began playing with us in April. Mike is well known in our area for starring in “The Math Dude,” a popular program on Montgomery County’s public access channel. Come see Mike play with us at La Mexicana on July 23, and you’ll find that he is also “The Bass Dude,” and a marvelous performer!!!

Mike DeGraba

The Newports and Filterettes at The Outta The Way Cafe, May 2011

(L to R, from top) Rob Dyer (drums), Blaine Smith (guitar), Debbie Halverson (vocals), Mike Henley (keyboards), Cal Linley (lead singer), Mike DeGraba (bass), Becky Briggs (vocals), Arlene Jaye (vocals)

See many more photos from this event.