The Boys Next Door

The Boys Next Door -- Rock band. Based in Indianapolis, the Boys Next Door was a popular 60s band known as the "Beach Boys of the Midwest" because their lush harmonies and "surf" sound. The founding members were leader Steve Lester (vocals, lead guitar, and trombone) and Jim Koss (drummer). The other bandmates were Skeet Bushor (keyboards, vocals, and trumpet), Steve Drybread (bass, vocals, and saxophone), and Jim Adams (rhythm guitar). Formed in 1963, the Boys Next Door recorded seven 45s from 1964 to 1967. The group signed with Mercury Records, which changed their to the Four Wheels. By the third single, the band reverted back to its original name and recorded with various labels, including three singles on Atco. A very popular act in Indianapolis, the Boys Next Door opened for the Kingsmen, Herman's Hermits, the Hollies, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the Beach Boys. For a short time, famous songwriter and guitarist Bobby Goldsboro was the band's producer. Among the group's many love songs was "Mandy," which sounds very much like the Beach Boys. In spite of the group's fanbase and popular appeal -- as evidenced by the video of them at Clowe's Hall on Butler's campus and article about them in Indy's Teen Tempo magazine -- the Boys Next Door broke up due to artistic differences.