The Rockin Paramounts: Don Rexinger/Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals,, Bob Wilcox/Lead Guitar, BG vocals, Bill Wilcox/Lead Vocals, Tommy Coyle, RIP/Drums, Lead Vocals and Joe Hesee/Bass Guitar, Lead and BG Vocals.

The Rockin’ Paramounts were a popular band from Western New York, active from 1963 to 1966, known for their role in shaping the local “Buffalo sound” during the vibrant 1960s music scene. The band’s lineup included Don Rexinger on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Bob Wilcox on lead guitar and background vocals, Bill Wilcox on lead vocals, Tommy Coyle (deceased) on drums and lead vocals, and Joe Hesse on bass guitar, providing both lead and background vocals.The band evolved from an earlier group called “Digger and the Paramounts” when Bob Wilcox decided to make changes. Drummer Tommy Coyle recommended Joe Hesse, a novice bass player at the time, to join the band. Despite Hesse’s inexperience, Bob Wilcox saw potential and brought him into the fold, renaming the group The Rockin’ Paramounts.

The addition of Bob’s brother, Bill Wilcox, strengthened the band’s vocal dynamics.The Rockin’ Paramounts quickly gained popularity, drawing large crowds of teens to venues like the Peppermint Stick Teen Club and the Niagara Falls and Delaware Blvd Caves, which were packed to capacity during their performances.

Their gigs expanded to high schools and teen clubs across Western New York, cementing their local fame.In 1966, the band achieved a significant milestone by placing second in the St. John Terrell’s Rock and Roll Championship in Lambertville, New Jersey, competing against over 750 bands with Phil Spector as a judge. However, the same year brought challenges, as the Vietnam War led to Bob Wilcox being drafted into the military, effectively ending the band’s run

Joe Hesse’s involvement with The Rockin’ Paramounts had a lasting impact, notably influencing a young Billy Sheehan, a neighborhood kid who watched their rehearsals and was inspired to take up the bass. Sheehan later became a renowned bassist, crediting Hesse for sparking his interest in the instrument.

Hesse’s time with The Rockin’ Paramounts was just the start of his musical career. He later played with another successful Buffalo band, The Road, and continued performing in Los Angeles, working with artists like Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Sheila E., and Andrea Crouch. Today, Hesse remains active in the music scene and runs MSS Audio Services in Los Angeles