Little is known about this infamous group of sorority sisters from Athens, Georgia who took it upon themselves to record an entire (albeit brief at only 24 minutes long) album of some of their favourite songs called ...Just Because. There isn’t even a year of release on the album, just these liner notes written by one of the members…
“The Phi Mu Washboard Band came into being in 1952 when a group of sorority sisters from the Alpha Alpha Chapter were vacationing in St. Simon’s, Georgia. Since that time the band has grown into quite a tradition and even become famous (in a funny sense of the word.) We have played on national television, performed at banquets, conventions, and benefits.
The money we have been making has all been donated to the building fund for our new sorority house. Using this as an introduction as our performances, we have frequently made as much in tips as we were paid for the performance itself.
We have had articles written in papers over the South which has helped publicity immensely! At times we have received as much as $150 for one thirty minute performance–and I consider that pretty good for amateur entertainment–and I do mean amateur!
One of our most memorable trips was made to Trion, GA. We all piled into the Bookstore Bus, went to Trion and played for 450 men. You can see how that trip would be a memorable one. Then came the album. Making this record was enjoyable to all of us, even though it did involve long, hard hours of recording and re-recording. We couldn’t have done it without the patience of John and Jerry who smiled sweetly as they said, “I think we’d better do that again.” But finally we did it! We gave the sorority something to remember us by. Just as if they could forget the 11:15 rehearsals and my constant announcement of meetings.
Confident that the new members will carry on and probably go to Hollywood. Of course, we can’t forget out of her to advertise for Hardee’s and never heard from it–all the suggestion from everyone that we write to New York and go on TV. You guessed it. We’re still in Athens.
On behalf of all the band, I want to say that we hope you enjoy this album because… well … just because.” – Lynne Akin
Love Hurts was written by Boudleaux Bryant in 1960 and has been recorded and/or performed by The Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, Nazareth, The Who, Emmylou Harris, Jim Capaldi, Joan Jett, Cher and the Osbourne Brothers, to name but a few.
Cover to Cover 