KDWB, in conjunction with MGM Records, held a talent contest in an extensive campaign to promote the film “The Impossible Years,” a film about the generation gap.  The record company wanted to find a band that they could name after the film (and presumably either appear in the movie or sing the theme song).

In the Twin Cities more than 30 bands submitted audition tapes.  The winner is the relatively new band Flight, a precursor to the mighty Pepper Fog, made up of Dale Strength on guitar and vocals; Gregg Inhofer on keyboards and vocals; Ron Merchant on bass guitar and vocals; and Bob Strength on drums and vocals. The band plays cover songs from the hard rock bands of the time including: Jimi Hendrix; Cream; The Who; The Rolling Stones; and Vanilla Fudge. In the fall of 1968 Flight recorded a version of “Sugar and Spice” (by The Cryan’ Shames from Chicago) at George Garrett’s basement studio as their audition tape. Flight won our local contest, moving on to a regional competition in Chicago.  Runners up were Holy Smoke and Dandelion Wine, and all-girl band.  In Chicago the winners were the Pacers, from Lincoln, Nebraska, but the theme of the movie was ultimately performed by the Cowsills.

Flight, from the December 21-28, 1968 Insider; photo by Mike Barich

Flight also earned the job of opening for Indian teen idol Sajid Khan, who opened his show at the Minneapolis Armory on December 14, 1968 by riding in on an elephant. This photo of Kahn, taken by Mike Barich, appeared in the December 21-28, 1968 Insider.