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COVINGTON OTHER ODDITIES

 

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Shipwreck of Port Hunter - caused by the tug Covington

 

Herbert Covington Bonner - member of US House of Representatives

 

Ships named 'Covington' served in 3 wars

 

The Covingtons - Michigan based garage band

 

Covingtons & Mormonism

 

Lady Viola Covington – Tattooed Beauty

 

The Hon Alexander Lockhart, Lord Covington

 

Covingtons in the U.S. Civil War

 

The Covington Typeface Font

 

Bogus Ben or Blind Ben Covington

 

Benjamin Leonard Covington Wailes

 

Charles R. Covington, Appellant, v. State of Alaska

 

Bruce Covington – Actor

 

Joey Covington - Drummer

 

Link to Covington Logos

 

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THE COVINGTON TUG

The Shipwreck of Port Hunter - caused by the tug Covington (1918)

 

Date Sunk: November 2, 1918.
Cause: collision.
Location: Nantucket Sound, Hedge Fence Shoal.
Coordinates: latitude 41° - 29' - 43" N; longitude 70° - 33' - 15" W.
Loran: 14097.7 and 43930.7.

 

Chartered by the Furness, Withy Company of Boston and with a general cargo that included war supplies and ammunition for the American Mission fighting in France, Port Hunter's first stop was New York City to join a convoy. Although armed with a deck gun on its stern, the freighter stood little chance in the Atlantic crossing, where Germany's U-boats were an ever present danger if left unprotected by a screen of warships.

 

The early morning hours of November 2nd found Port Hunter approaching the western entrance to Nantucket Sound, between Martha's Vineyard and Falmouth where the passage narrows and is divided by Hedge Fence Shoal. At about the same time, the tug Covington was entering the Sound from the opposite direction, towing Consolidated Company barges No.'s 10 and 24. At 1:48AM, shortly after Port Hunter cleared the westerly tip of the shoals, Covington collided with the freighter. The tug struck Port Hunter about 50 feet aft on the port bow, opening a gash 15 feet high and 7 feet wide. The force of the impact threw 20 men from their bunks. Water poured through the freighter's torn hull plates, flooding the forward compartment almost immediately. The ship's pumps could do little to stem the deluge and as the steering compartment filled, Port Hunter began to settle by the bow.

 

The freighter would have gone down in deep water if not for the quick action of Covington's skipper, who manoeuvred his tug to push Port Hunter onto the western slope of Hedge Fence Shoal. Boats rushed to the scene and rescued the freighter's crew. Within two hours of the collision Port Hunter sank with only a section of the bow and foredeck above water.  Dive Site Conditions - Depth in feet: maximum 85, minimum 25. Visibility in feet: average 20.

 

Except for the bridge and engine room sections, the Port Hunter is largely intact, listing to port on the fine, white sandy slope of Hedge Fence Shoal. Depths vary depending on the amount of sand build up. Only 20 feet of water covers her bow. Less than 100 feet aft on the port bow the "V" notch made when Covington dealt the fatal blow is visible in the freighter's hull plates. Drifting sand has engulfed most of its mid-section, which was blown apart by salvers looking for a rumored contraband gold cache. Fortunately for divers, strong tidal currents keep the stern section free from sand. Covered by 50 feet of water, a deck gun can be found on Port Hunter's stern. At a depth of 85 feet the vessels rudder and propeller shaft can still be seen, salvers removed the propeller. Due to strong tidal currents it is advised to explore this wreck only at slack water.

 

Historical Background

 

Constructed: in 1906 at Newcastle, United Kingdom by Hawthorn Leslie & Co. Ltd. - Construction details: 2 steel decks, steel shelter deck; water ballasted, cellular construction of double Bottom, aft; 6 cemented bulkheads; flat keel. Crew: Master: Captain William Stafford (1917). Owners: Commonwealth & Dominion Line, Ltd. Home or Hailing Port: London, England. ormer Name(s) and date(s): Official number: 123689. Country: United Kingdom. Other Comments: engines and boilers constructed by Hawthorn Leslie & Co. Ltd., Newcastle.

 

Salvage - Contemporary accounts of the freighter's loss report that the Government waited 3 months before awarding salvage rights. Red tape and carelessness were blamed for the delay. However, the "Waterfront News" column of the Boston Globe reported daily progress of salvage operations, which were hampered by rough seas. Many local fishermen illegally removed material from the forward holds, which at the time were only a few feet underwater. Quahog rakes and grapnels were used to "fish" out small objects, including leather jackets, olive drab shirts, woollen underwear and other Army garments. The Government put a halt to this practice and confiscated much of the material.

 

It wasn't until February 12, 1919, that a New Bedford firm began official salvage operations. Within 5 months, 200 men and a number of support vessels had removed most of Port Hunter's cargo. After auction the Government realized a $4 million loss from the original $5 million in clothing. Of the heavier objects comprising the ship’s cargo, little is said. In 1936 a Vineyard diver reported seeing 800 sets of freight car wheels and 1400 tons of steel billets still aboard the freighter. Another report states there were only 200 tons of billets. In 1949 divers salvaged the propeller.

 

In 1958 James Green of Boston acquired rights to the wreck. The following year a group of divers removed items from the ship, which were put on display at the Dukes County Historical Society in Edgartown.

 

In 1961 a syndicate of investors was formed to recover $200,000 - $300,000 worth of scrap metal still aboard the wreck. One of the investors was Boston tax attorney John S. Bottomly, who expected a 5 to 1 return on his initial investment. However, before a diver could be put in the water, funds ran out. Bottomly decided to go it alone after the other investors dropped out and, in the spring of 1962 began work. Bottomly's plan was to use a suction dredge to move sand, which had engulfed sections of the hull. Scrap metal would then be removed using a large electromagnet. It was about this time that Bottomly heard a rumour that 400 pounds of gold had been welded to the inside deck plating of the engine room. The freighter's first mate revealed in a death bed confession that the contraband cargo was being smuggled to France where a huge profit was expected. In their search for the gold Bottomly's team blew the engine room apart only to find copper condensers and the engine's solid brass pistons. Adverse weather conditions limited salvage work to little more than 3 hours/day. Many times, sand removed one day was replaced the next and at $2000/day the costs soon mounted.

 

Although hundreds of tons of metal were eventually removed, as of 1964 no profit from the salvage had been realized. Due to the collapse of the scrap metal market, Bottomly had only recovered $3000 from what had thus far been sold. With expenses more than 15 times greater than his return, it was not economical to recommence operations.

 

Sources: - Fishable Wrecks and Rockpiles; Coleman & Soares, 1989. Lloyds Registry of Shipping; 1918-19 The Fisherman, magazine; February 18, 1988. West Wind Explorer, newsletter; Peter Reagan, November, 1998. Wrecks Below; Luther, 1958. Yankee Magazine; September 1963, January 1964.

 

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HERBERT COVINGTON BONNER – U.S. CONGRESSMAN (1940-65)



Herbert Covington Bonner (May 16, 1891 – November 7, 1965) was a Democratic U.S. Congressman from North Carolina between 1940 and 1965.

 

Born in Washington, North Carolina, Bonner attended school in Warrenton. He served in the United States Army during World War I, and worked as a salesman, a farmer, and then as secretary to Congressman Lindsay Warren from 1924 to 1940. Upon Warren's resignation from Congress in 1940, Bonner was elected simultaneously to complete the unexpired term, and was elected to the 77th Congress for a full term. He served for twelve full terms, from November 5, 1940 until his death from cancer in Washington, D.C. on November 7, 1965. During the 79th Congress, he chaired the Committee on Election of President, Vice President, and Representatives in Congress, and in the 84th through 89th Congresses, he chaired the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.

 

He was chairman of the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, 1955-1965, and chairman, 1951-1955, of the Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee ("watchdog committee") of the Expenditures in the Executive Departments Committee, which made changes designed to eliminate waste in the handling of war surplus material and in military supply procurement.

 

The papers consist of Bonner's office files, dating from November 1940, when he succeeded Lindsay C. Warren as representative from the First North Carolina District, which included, at one time or another, 14 counties of the north-eastern corner of the state. In addition to the main chronological series, there are subject- and format-based series.

 

The Rivers and Harbors series, 1940-1965, concerns federally-funded projects, such as channel and harbour improvements, erosion problems, dredging, etc., and the operation of the Dismal Swamp Canal.

 

The Hoover Commission series, January-October 1950, concerns the proposed reorganization of the government that came out of the Commission on Organization of the Executive Branch of the Government.

 

The Bombing Ranges series, 1959-1965, concerns objections to having a weapons range or ranges in north-eastern North Carolina.

 

The Political series, 1959-1965, concerns the mechanics of Democratic Party organization and election campaigns.

 

The Community Public Works Programs series, 1962-1965, concerns local public works projects that received federal funds.

 

The National Seashore Park series, 1937-1965, concerns the establishment of a national park that spanned Bodie, Hatteras, and Ocracoke Islands, N.C.

 

Also included are private bills, with related papers attached; scrapbooks, 1940-1965; speeches, 1940-1964; photographs, and photocopies of presidential memorabilia, some relating to the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy.

 

He was a signatory to the 1956 Southern Manifesto that opposed the desegregation of public schools ordered by the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education.

 

Bonner died in office in 1965 in Washington, D.C.; he is buried in Washington, N.C. His legacy is a bridge spanning Oregon Inlet on the Outer Banks is named in honor of him and his service to the state of North Carolina. The M/V Herbert C. Bonner, a 25 car ferry, was also named for him. The 112 ft. vessel was built in 1970 for the North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division to cross Hatteras Inlet between Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands on the outer banks of North Carolina. The ferry was taken out of service and sold by NCDOT. The Bonner was purchased by A&R Marine and now operates on Narragansett Bay where it crosses between Bristol and Prudence Island.

 

Bonner was the namesake of the former Herbert C. Bonner Scout Reservation, commonly known as "Camp Bonner", located near Washington, NC. This is now known as the East Carolina Scout Reservation. The portion of the camp on the North side on the Pamlico River still bears the name Camp Bonner and is the regular site of the council camporee for the East Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

 

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SHIPS NAMED COVINGTON SERVED IN 3 WARS

 

The Journal of American Naval Fighting Ships lists three U.S. naval vessels that bore the name of the city of Covington.

 

USS Covington (1863)

 

Was purchased by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was assigned as a simple gunboat with powerful rifled guns to intercept blockade runners attempting to run the Union blockade of the Confederate States of America. Covington did not carry mortars or howitzers, which placed her at a disadvantage when attacked riverside in 1864 by Confederate troops. Losing the battle, she was set on fire and most of the crew fortunately escaped.

 


 

Purchased in Ohio in 1863 - Covington, a side wheel steamer, was purchased in February 1863 from Samuel Wiggins at Cincinnati, Ohio; fitted for service at Cairo, Illinois; and assigned to the Mississippi Squadron, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. S. Kurd in command.

 

Civil War service - Serving in the Tennessee River to convoy Union Army transports and other ships, Covington had frequent encounters with Confederates along the banks

 

Mississippi River operations - On 18 June, she was transferred to the Mississippi River for similar duty on that river and the White, Black, and Red Rivers. Arriving at Memphis, Tennessee on 20 June 1863, she sailed the following day convoying General Lyon and Little Rebel. She seized the steamer Eureka at Commerce, Missouri, on 2 July for violation of the river blockade and sent her into Cairo, Illinois. On 6 August she aided Paw Paw, sunk by a snag.

 

Covington burned by her crew - Ordered to report to Alexandria, Louisiana on 27 April 1864, Covington sailed with Signal protecting the Army transport Warner down the Red River. About 25 miles below Alexandria, they were attacked by Confederate infantry in force. After five hours of bitter fighting, the transport was captured and the two escorts (Covington and Signal) were so badly damaged that they had to be abandoned and set afire. After Covington was set on fire by her crew, Lieutenant Lord and 32 of Covington's crew escaped to Alexandria. Signal, however, was not so fortunate. After setting the ship on fire, her crew was captured by Confederate forces and made prisoners-of-war.

 

USS Covington (ID-1409)

 

Was a transport for the United States Navy during World War I. Prior to the war the ship, built in 1908 in Germany, was SS Cincinnati of the Hamburg America Line. The transport was torpedoed by U-86 on 1 July 1918 and sank the next day with six men killed.

 

History

Covington, named after the city of Covington, Kentucky, was originally name Cincinatti & built in 1908 by F. Schichau, Danzig, Germany. It was interned by customs officials at Boston upon the entry of the United States into World War I

 

 

At the outbreak of World War I, Cincinnati was interned in Boston with Hamburg America line-mate Amerika; North German Lloyd steamers Kronprinzessin Cecilie, Köln, Wittekind, and Willehad; and Hansa Line freighter Ockenfels. In March 1916, all except Kronprinzessin Cecilie and Ockenfels were moved from their waterfront piers to an anchorage across the harbour from the Boston Navy Yard. Daily "neutrality duty" by United States Coast Guard harbour tug Winnisimmet kept a watchful eye on the ships. Many crew members of the ships eventually went ashore, were processed through immigration, and found employment, while a contingent of musicians from the vessels toured New England, frequently playing at department stores and restaurants, and drawing the ire of the local musicians' union. After the U.S. declared war on Germany, Cincinnati and the other interned ships were seized on 6 April 1917 and handed over to the United States Shipping Board (USSB).

 

Cincinnati was renamed USS Covington and placed in commission into the United States Navy on July 26 of 1917 under the command of Captain R. D. Hasbrouck. The newly named Covington was repaired from the damages caused by her German crew and was transformed into a troopship and began her active war duties in mid-October 1917 when she left port for her first voyage carrying U.S. troops to France. The Covington made 6 trips to France carrying 858 Officers and 20,871 enlisted men to the War in Europe

 

She sailed from New York for France on her fifth voyage to Europe on 10 May 1918 where she sailed in a 13 ship convoy consisting of the following ships: Antigone, Kursk, Duca d' Aosta, Pastores, Princess Matoika, Caserta, Lenape, Wilhelmina, President Lincoln, Devinsk, Rijndam, and the Dante Alighieri.

 

On the early evening of July 1, 1918 she was steaming in a U.S. Navy convoy of eight transports, escorted by seven destroyers, and was steaming westbound some 150 miles southwesterly from Brest, France, (47° 24' N., 7° 44' W) bound back to the United States after having delivered more fresh troops for the fighting on the Western Front. The sea was calm with good visibility, and all ships were zigzagging with lookout positions and guns manned as a precaution against the always-present menace of German submarines. The threat made its presence known at 9:12 PM, when a torpedo launched from U-86 detonated against the port side of the Covington steaming second from the left in the convoy's first row of five transports. The explosion, below her forward smokestack, blew open the ship's forward boiler room, and she soon came to a halt as the rest of the convoy split up and continued on.

 

Of the seven escorting destroyers the USS Little and USS Smith, remained with Covington, which had developed a serious list to port. In the darkness, the Covington's crew took to the lifeboats. Six of the Covington's crew were killed in the torpedoing, but the destroyers, which actively dropped depth charges in an effort to keep the submarine away, picked 770 others up. Covington was still afloat early the following morning, and it appeared that she might be saved. Captain Hasbrouck assembled a small salvage crew of 25 men where they re-boarded the Covington to make preparations for a tow and attempt to make her as sea worthy as they could. On the morning of July 2 the tugs arrived from Brest and took her in tow, but water gradually penetrated her compartments. Her list increased, and the ship sank in mid-afternoon on 2 July 1918.

 

 

http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~cacunithistories/military/USS_Covington.htm

 

USS Covington (PF-56),

 

A Tacoma-class frigate, was the third ship of the United States Navy to be named for Covington, Kentucky.The third Covington (PF-56) was launched on 15 July 1943 by Globe Shipbuilding Co., Superior, Wisconsin, under a Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Miss. J. Phillips; transferred to the Navy on 5 August 1944; placed in "ferry" commission on 7 August 1944; and commissioned in full on 17 October 1944, Lieutenant Commander F. S. Brown, USCGR, in command.

 

 

Service history

 

Covington arrived at NS Argentia, Newfoundland, on 25 December 1944 for duty as a weather patrol vessel. She remained on this duty, except for overhauls at Boston and Charleston, South Carolina until 16 March 1946 when she was decommissioned and loaned to the Coast Guard. Covington was returned from the Coast Guard on 17 September 1946, and sold to Ecuador through the Foreign Liquidation Commission of the State Department on 28 August 1947. Covington was renamed Guayas and decommissioned in 1972. At a 1999 reunion held for the first time in Covington, the 13 remaining members of the ship's former crew gathered.

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THE COVINGTONS

 

A Michigan based garage band of the 80s featuring Freddy Fortune. The Covingtons blasted onto the Detroit scene in 1988. The 3 piece band featured Freddy Fortune, later of “Fortune & Maltese”, Johnny Chan, later to start “Johnny Chan & The New Dynasty Six”, and Greg Boes of “ Fester”. All had served time in earlier punk style groups, however, it’s The Covingtons that first gave the Motor City a kick in it’s 80’s heavy metal ass. With a deep love and inspiration for all things 66/67, the band started to make a name for themselves but never did get to put out that promised record. Due to many group member changes and the wise decision to buy a hearse with their band fund, all recordings were shelved. Now 22 years later 4 tracks make their vinyl debut.

 

The record consists of all known recordings made by the first two line ups of the group. Side A consists of a snotty original “I Hate You Baby” that would have been right at home on one of the early “Killed by Death” compilations. The other is a cover of the ultra obscure Pebbles classic “Red Light” by the Sands of Time.

 

Side B contains recordings of their 2nd line up when Farfisa player, Debbie Berne, joined in on the action. One Trashed Out studio cut of a Texas punk classic and a live version of “I Hate You Baby”. Get it Now, Only 400 Copies pressed, full color cardboard sleeve!!! Includes a 4 page insert with interviews, flyers and band pictures!!!

 

Click the album cover to visit their blab site

 

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ALEXANDER LOCKHART, LORD COVINGTON

The Hon Alexander Lockhart, Lord Covington also styled as Alexander Lockhart of Craighouse (1700–17 November 1782) was an 18th-century Scottish lawyer who rose to be a Senator of the College of Justice.

 

Old Craig House

 

He was the son of Euphemia Montgomery (d.1738) daughter of the Earl of Eglinton and her husband, George Lockhart of Carnwath (1673-1731). The family lived at Craig House, now known as Old Craig House, in south-west Edinburgh. He studied law at the University of Edinburgh, and qualified as an advocate in 1722. In 1745 he oversaw the trial of several captured during the rebellion and imprisoned at Carlisle. In 1764 he was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Advocates.

 

In March 1775 he became a Senator of the College of Justice following the death of Alexander Fraser, Lord Strichen. His title "Lord Covington" comes from a family estate near Biggar south-west of Edinburgh. He died on 17 November 1782. His place as a Senator was filled by John Swinton, Lord Swinton.

 

His son was Thomas Lockhart (MP). He had three daughters, Rebecca, Flaminia and Anne. Rebecca married James Hay, 15th Earl of Erroll. Anne married Charles Boyd (1728-1782) a cousin of James Hay. His 2nd surviving daughter, Flaminia, had a son also known as Lord Covington, who died in December 1817 at Anspach, Germany aged upwards of 80, after 40 years of residence on the Continent (Gentleman’s Magazine 1817, vol 1 Page 90).

 

His sister Euphemia Lockhart became Countess of Wigton. His half-sister Grace Lockhart married John Gordon, 3rd Earl of Aboyne and when widowed married James Stuart, 8th Earl of Moray.

 

His great grandsons included William Lockhart (1820-1892). and John Gibson Lockhart.

 

References

1.    ^ "Alexander Lockhart, of Craighouse, Lord Covington d. 17 Nov 1782: MacFarlane Clan & Families Genealogy". www.clanmacfarlanegenealogy.info. Retrieved 2 June 2019.

2.    ^ An Historical Account of the Senators of the College of Justice: Brunton, Haig and Lockhart

3.    ^ "Lord Covington, Sir Alexander Lockhart, of Craighouse, Lord Covington". geni_family_tree. Retrieved 2 June 2019.  

4.    ^ "Rebecca Lockhart d. 2 May 1761: MacFarlane Clan & Families Genealogy". www.clanmacfarlanegenealogy.info. Retrieved 2 June 2019.  

5.    ^ ^ "Grace Gordon". geni_family_tree. Retrieved 2 June 2019.  

6.    ^ Seccombe, Thomas, "Lockhart William (1820-1892)", Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 34, retrieved 2 June 2019

 

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THE COVINGTON TYPEFACE FONT

 

SF Covington was originally designed in 2001 for Apostrophic Labs. 10 versions of The Covington font are available to download & install on your PC, Tablet or Other Mobile Device. See each type below:

Covington  Covington  Covington  Covington  Covington

Covington  Covington  Covington  Covington  Covington

 

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BOGUS BEN/BLIND BEN COVINGTON

 

 

Real name could be Ben Curry. Musician, who once made a record on Paramount called "I thought I heard the voice of a Pork Chop". Appeared in The Birmingham Jug Band who recorded both (John Henry) & (Bill Wilson). According to The Marshall Cavendish Illustrated History of Popular Music "Humour was an important ingredient in blues music both exposing the truth and granting consolation, as in Bogus Ben Covington's dry-eyed comment on the comforts of religion "I heard the voice of a pork chop say "Come unto me and rest" (A History Of Jazz In Britain 1919-50).

 

Recorded under the names of Blind Ben and Bogus Ben Covington, may also have used the name Ben Curry. Internet search reveals the following recordings: c. Sep 1928 - 20863-1 Adam and Eve in the Garden RST BD-2028, 20866-2 I heard the voice of a pork chop RST BD-2028, Matchbox MSEX 2001/2002, 9 Oct 1929 - C-4630- Boodle-de-bum blues RST BD-2028, Roots (Austria) RL 325, C-4631- It's a fight like that RST BD-2028, Roots (Austria) RL 325, 10 Oct 1929 - C-4634- It's a fight like that unreissued.

 

The Blues Trail reports "Bogus Ben Covington is something of a mystery in that there is very little verified information about him. He is said to have been born in Alabama but to have worked mainly in Mississippi and Chicago. According to Big Joe Williams he got his nickname of "Bogus Ben" because he insisted on impersonating a blind person whilst performing on street corners and in minstrel shows. It is thought that he was a vocalist, played banjo and mandolin, and was possibly a juggler as well! It has been suggested that his real name was Ben Curry and that he travelled with Speckled Red and King Solomon Hill.

 

In 1928 he recorded "Adam and Eve and the Garden" and "I Heard the Voice of a Pork Chop" for Paramount. He recorded again in 1929, this time for Brunswick, "Boodle-De-Bum Blues" and "It's Tight Like That". It is possible that he recorded for Paramount again in 1929, this time using the name "Memphis Ben". A final session recorded in 1932 for Paramount and credited to Ben Curry is usually accepted as being by the same Bogus Ben! After this session he may have moved to Pennsylvania and is said to have died there around 1935."

 

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BRUCE COVINGTON – ACTOR

 



Covington was not his real name. Born 18 Mar 1868 in London. Actor who appeared in the following films: Mississippi (1935) (uncredited) as a Colonel, Folies Bergère de Paris (1935) (uncredited) as a Bearded Man  aka "Folies Bergere" in USA, Black Beauty (1933) as a Doctor, Dixiana (1930) (uncredited) as Colonel Porter, Wings of Adventure (1930) as a Soldier, Under a Texas Moon (1930) as Don Roberto, On the Border (1930) as Don José, The Flying Horseman (1926) as Colonel Savary, Winning the Futurity (1926) as Colonel Barkley, The Phantom of the Opera (1925) (uncredited) as M. Moncharmin, Love's Wilderness (1924) as Colonel Heath, The Wife of the Centaur (1924) as Mr. Larrimore, Troubles of a Bride (1924) as Colonel Patterson & The Fighting Coward (1924) as General Rumford. Died 29 Sep 1938 in London aged 70.

 

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JOEY COVINGTON – Jefferson Airplane drummer

 

 

Not actually a Covington, Real name Joseph Edward Michno, ie Joe E. He wrote to me, having initially found his details on the Covington History website:

 

"Hello Martin

Covington has been my stage name but I am not a Covington by birth.  I found my record cover, my union card, and a photo of me on your site.  But for accuracy I thought you should know I am not truly a Covington.  I always liked the name.

Joey Covington"

 

Known as Joey. Musician. Percussionist & Singer, mainly sessions. Worked on albums with Jefferson Airplane 1969/1974 and Peter Kaukonen 1971 & 1977. Recordings include Drums & Vocals on own album (Fat Fandango) 1973 Grunt Records BFL 10149. Drums, vocals & percussion on Jefferson Airplane Albums (Volunteers) 1969 RCA, (Bark) 1971 Grunt, (Long John Silver) 1972 Grunt, & (Early Flight) 1974 Grunt Records. Drums on Peter Kaukonen Album (Black Kangaroo) 1971 Grunt Records. Drums on Papa John Creach Album (Papa John Creach) 1971 Grunt Records. Drums on Nick Gravenites Album (Blue Star) 1980 Line Records. Drums on some tracks of various Hot Tuna albums 1970-1979. Drums/Percussion on Paul Kantner Albums (it’s a Fresh Wind That Blows) 1970 RCA Records & (Sunfighter) 1971 Grunt Records. Drums on Rocky Sullivan Album (Illegal Entry) 1981 Rag Baby/Jupiter Records.

 

He replaced Spencer Dryden in Jefferson Airplane in 1970. He is described as; "A barely adequate and uninspired drummer, who even admitted that he disliked the band's music". Joey brought black violinist Papa John Creach to both Hot Tuna and Airplane in October 1970. Band at that time consisted of Paul Kantner, Grace Slick, Jack Cassady, Jorma Kaukonen, Joey and Creach. He left the band in 1972 to be replaced by John Barbata. Steve Midnite, Patrick Craig and Jack Prendergast appeared on his own album.  (New Rock Record - Terry Hounsone 3rd Edition)(Who's Who In Rock Music)(The Marshall Cavendish Illustrated History of Popular Music, Vol 8, Pges 912-913)

 

Blues From A Jefferson Airplane Discography Version 4.2 - November 1995. Compliled by Jeff Zahnen (number6@grove.ufl.edu). This discography can be found at The Jefferson Airplane Homepage -  https://jeffersonairplane.com/.

 

Joey Covington -  Your Heart Is My Heart (Grunt, 1973)

 

Jefferson Airplane Band Lineup 1965-1994

 

Marty Balin – vocals, Paul Kantner - guitar, vocals, Jorma Kaukonen - guitar, vocals, Signe Anderson – vocals, Skip Spence – drums, Bob Harvey – bass, Jack Casady – bass, Grace Slick - keyboard, vocals, Spencer Dryden – drums, Joey Covington – drums, John Barbata – drums, Papa John Creach – fiddle, David Freiberg - bass, guitar, keyboards, Peter Kaukonen – bass, Craig Chaquico – guitar, Pete Sears - keyboards, bass, Mickey Thomas – vocals, Aynsley Dunbar – drums, Don Baldwin – drums, Michael Falzarano - rhythm guitar, Tim Gorman – keyboards, Slick Aguilar – guitar, Prarie Prince – drums, Darby Gould – vocals, Diana Mangano – vocals, Gary Cambra - keyboards

 

Jack Covington is on two tracks "Twilight Double Leader" & "Son Of Jesus", Pretty As You Feel (Covington/Casady/Kaukonen) 4:30, Thunk (Covington) 2:56, War Movie (Kantner) 4:36, Pretty As You Feel [single version] / Wild Turkey (Oct 1971 #60), Up Or Down (Peter Kaukonen) 6:18 is from 1970 session w/ Balin and Covington drumming. Mexico (Slick) 2:06 & Have You Seen The Saucers (Kantner) 3:37 is a 1970 single w/ Balin & Dryden & Covington  on Congas.

 

Album - 2400 Fulton Street (Mar 1987 #138) Disk 2, Pretty As You Feel (Covington/Casady/Kaukonen) 4:30

 

Jefferson Airplane Loves You - Disk , Pretty As You Feel (Covington/Casady/Kaukonen) 3:09 [Single version]

 

Split of Songwriter responsibilities: Kantner - 25.97%, Slick - 18.05%, Kaukonen - 16.90%, Non-Airplane Members - 15.18% {inc Darby Slick's Somebody To Love}, Balin - 14.19%, Spence - 3.47%, Dryden - 3.04%, Casady - 1.55%, Covington - 1.32%, Creach - 0.33%. This takes into account all studio albums, Early Flight, and the songs only  on Bless Its Pointed Little Head (101 songs).  Any songs co-written split the credit equally between its songwriters.

 

Joey Covington credited with the following songs: Jefferson Starship Album - Spitfire , Track: With Your Love (Balin/Covington/Smith) 3:33  & Gold, Track: With Your Love (Balin/Covington/Smith) 3:34

 

Jefferson Starship was comprised of Kantner, Slick, Casady and Covington from the Airplane; Jerry Garcia, Bill Kreutzman, Mickey Hart from the Grateful Dead; David Crosby and Graham Nash from CSN; and David Frieberg, Peter Kaukonen, Harvey Brooks and Phil Sawyer

 

Paul Kantner Album – Blows against the empire, Track: Mau Mau (Kantner/Slick/Covington) 6:34

 

Papa John Creach Album - track: The Janitor Drives A Cadillac (Covington) 2:47

 

In more recent times Joey had his own HomePage on the Internet - extracts are as follows: home town - East Conemaugh, Pennsylvania (working class section). Cancer with Capricorn rising. Year - (hint:  Joey will always be the youngest member of  Jefferson Airplane), actually was born 27 Jul 1945 in East Conemaugh PA. 3rd of 6 children. Blond with blue eyes. Hobbies: collecting lionel ho trains, lead soldiers , indian head pennies. High school nickname -  skinny jo. Best trait - persistence  (though some don't see it that way!). Earliest aspiration - to be a rock n' roll star, age 15. Lost virginity - age 15.

 

Favorite saying - "speak softly and carry a big stick!"

 

Percussion - self taught, age 10, by listening to Joe Morello, Cozy Cole, Sandy Nelson (drums), Candido (Congas), & Preston Epps (Bongos). Other instruments - all percussion, piano for songwriting plays all musical styles. Favorite musical styles- rock n' roll, r& b, blues, rockabilly, & jazz. Favorite artists - (in no particular order) Henry Mancini, Jimmy Reed, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Dave Brubeck, Bo Diddley, Little Richard, James Brown & the Famous Flames, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Steely Dan, Isley Bros., Miles Davis , Mitch Mitchell, Otis Redding.

 

Fondest early memories on the road to fame and fortune - age 20, "getting to new york city on a greyhound bus with a suitcase, a set of drums, and $100.00 in my pocket." & "loading 6 drum cases on the E subway train to get to rehearsal."                                                                                                     

 

A young drummer’s career unfolds”:

 

Age 10 to 13 playing drums in polka bands at vfw lodges with mom and dad chaperoning "cause I was underage"

 

Age 14 backing up strippers at the Airway Club in Johnstown PA. "great fun for a 14 year old" and "no, mom and dad didn't know!". As crystal would say "boy, when I bump and grind my buns, you beat hell out of them tom toms!". "Thanks crystal, that was good advice!!! ". "I never did get to tell you how nice those 22 year old b”uns were;  sittin there on my bass drum; shimmyin' and a shakin'.

 

Age 15 - 18,  the high school years; East Conemaugh High School Marching band ,"I came in as a tom tom drummer and left a drum seargent."  then there was The Vibrasonics, a hot rod band that won a few battle of the bands, and opened once for Simon and Garfunkel. "I learned about becoming a lead drummer with them, and got fired a few times for it; they didn't appreciate the push!".  Started singing while playing drums.

 

Age 18 - 19, time of the draft notices.  "the Navy told me if I enlisted I could be a tympani drummer in the navy band." right before being shipped out to guide planes in on the U.S.S. Kittyhawk, the Vibrasonics were in a car accident and a one year detour from the road to fame began.  Broken pelvis, 3 broken toes, broken right leg, not expected to walk again. " I meditated to focus the healing, and after 3 months in a pelvic sling I went home to recharge and rebuild”

 

Age 20 The single greatest motivating factor in a young drummers life arrives - "son, if you're gonna be a rock star, you've got a month to take your drums and get out on the road, or, if you're gonna live at home, you'd better get a job and bring some money into the house."

 

The greyhound bus let Joey and his grey marine ludwig pearls (just like Ringo's) off in New York City's grand central station, exactly one month later.  "I headed to the peppermint lounge, introduced my self to Joey D. and the Starlighters, (peppermint twist) and asked Joey D. if he knew where I could find a gig. The next day I was at Joey D.'s agent Sid Green's office.  Joey d. said "he's a nice guy, you'll like him."

 

Quotes: "Mr Green, Joey D. sent me, I'm a drummer looking for a gig."- “"Hey kid, what’s with the long hair?" - "I haven't got anything for you right now, here's my card,.. Give me a call." - "I'll wait here in case something comes up." - "kid, I can't help you, I got no place to put you.  How old are you?...  20?  You're still wet behind the ears." - "how much ya weigh kid?" - "112 pounds Mr. Green."  - "you telling me the truth kid, Joey D. really sent you?" – “that's the god's honest truth Mr. Green."     About five hours later………….. "look, I like you kid, but you're not ready for the big city yet.  I'll even buy you a ticket back to Johnstown." - "I can't go back to Johnstown, my father will make me get another kind of job, and I'm a great drummer, and I'm gonna be a star, and I'm not leaving your office until you find me a gig!." - "kid, I never even heard you play, how can I get you a gig?" - "here's a record I made Mr. Green." - "good playing kid! You're real fast.  But you really should do something with that hair, it's way too long, and I don't really know where I could book you with all that hair. Look kid, I like you, you got heart, and maybe you might be a star, but come back in a few years.  I'm gonna do you a favor cause I like you, how about a ticket back to anywhere in Pennsylvania?"   (side note re: hair - east coast was into pompadours)

 

The young drummer was about to split when in walks Danny Apollinar, who's trio just finished with a USO tour in nam. - "Sid, you gotta help me, my drummer and bass player just split, and I got a gig in Ft. Lauderdale in two days!" - "Danny, I gotta drummer right here!, he's great, and he can play anything!" - "can you play "the lady is a tramp" and do you use brushes?" - "I can play anything". - ("I figured I could learn along the way") - "great, what's your name,?" - "Joey" - "Joey, 200 bucks a week plus room and board." - "yeah, I'll take it…., Mr Green what's your commission?" - " kid, this one's on me, go be a star!"

 

The next day the drums got loaded in a subway to get to the 30 show tune rehearsal,  then it was on to a plane and off to Florida for "my first tour." When the tour ended, figuring dad would be happy to see him, "I proved I was a pro , so I headed home."  Also, he figured he'd go show off the tan. While home some calls came in to do some gigs;  it was back to rock n' roll;  Dick Clark Caravan of Stars, Shangri'la's, Billy Stewart(summertime), The Supremes, Donald Jenkins and the Delighters (elephant walk), The Shirelles.

 

Age 21 -got a call from Sonny Di'nunzio of the Fenways, a well known Pittsburgh band.  "said he remembered me from a battle of the bands, and would I like to come to Pittsburgh?" "sure!"  for the next year, The Fenways cut some singles and played seven nights a week, opening shows for The Rolling Stones, Dave Clark 5, Shangri' la's, Lee Dorsey (working in a coal mine), Lou Christie, Chad and Jeremy, Jimmy Beaumont and The Skyliner's, among others.

 

Age 22 -  a guitar player / songwriter friend Joey had met in Pittsburgh called one day and said "lets go out west."   "when Louie called I was ready to move on towards fame and fortune."  so, in the summer of 1967,  in a new Mercedes , Joey and Louie head for California, "besides, I liked the idea of driving out there in a new Mercedes."

 

Answer to question I’m always asked My Personal Favorite Drum Tracks are; Lawman & Wild Turkey on Bark Album, Have You Seen The Saucers & Mexico on Early Flight, Janitor Drives A Cadillac  on PaPa John Creach, Emergency on Jefferson Airplane Loves You, Holding Together  & Sunfighter on Sunfighter, Hideout is A Crooks Best Friend on Fat Fandango

 

Review of Joey's musical work: "Pretty as you feel"  (Covington/Cassady/Kaukonen), aka the Santana Collaboration featured on Jefferson Airplane Bark, 2400 Fulton Street, Jefferson Airplane Loves You, various bootlegs. Jefferson Airplane had 4 hits and this was one of them. The Santana Collaboration was featured in the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame's Voter Pamphlet as part of the basis for inducting the band.

 

“Pretty as you feel” was my ticket to meet Elvis "The King" Presley.  Harry Jenkins, VP of RCA lived up to his promise that if I wrote a hit he'd send me to meet "The King". Also recorded by San Fransisco Allstars & Rainbow Allstars - theme song Tom Snyder Show in 1970's T.V. Santa Barbara episode, and China Beach Episode

 

"Thunk" (Covington), only Jefferson Airplane Song given a good review by the New York Times became a college anthem

 

"Janitor drives a Cadillac" (Covington), PaPa John Creach's one and only Top 40 Hit

 

"Mau Mau Amerikon" (Kantner, Slick, Covington), a collaboration featured on Jefferson Starship Blows Against The Empire

 

Songs Featured on Fat Fandango: "Mama Neptune" (Covington), "Miss Universe" (Covington), "Hideout is a crooks best friend" (Covington), "Your heart is my heart" (Covington), "Vapor Lady" (Covington), "Country Girl" (Covington), "Zephyreena"  (Covington), "Moonbeam"  (Covington), "With your love"  (Balin, Covington, Smith)

 

Recorded by Jefferson Starship - BMI Millionair award, "Whatever the old man does" (Covington)

 

Hot Tuna live shows part of the Hot Tuna Jamaica sessions a bootleg staple: "Tonight" (Covington), sung live by Marty Balin with Jefferson Starship, "Get off" (Covington). Hot Tuna live: "Baby I’m amazed". San Fransisco Allstars: "I'll Do Better Next Time "(Covington/Schecter). B side to Boris The Spider, one of earliest songs I wrote "Let's Be Friends" (Covington/Schecter) recorded by Tsong. "The Way We Were Before" (Covington/Schecter) recorded by Tsong. "The Man" (Covington)

 

Hot Tuna Live shows part of the Hot Tuna Jamaica sessions a bootleg staple I had been talking to Little Richard's mother, Mrs. Penniman, for 3 months. One day he  called me, told me his mother liked me, so he came and did the session with the Airplane. This song has the honor of being nixed from release in 1971 and 1992 by RCA and BMG for political reasons. BMG mentioned something about Iced Tea and the NRA. Are they still censoring us? Inspired by the beatings of Ruben Salazar. Little Richard put on a great track!

Musically Yours, Joey Covington"

 

Covington remained musically active throughout his life; in the 1970s through the 1980s he formed San Francisco All Stars and toured the U.S. also touring with Quicksilver Messenger Service. The 1990s and 2000s brought Covington back to Los Angeles where he recorded and toured with various all-star line-ups.

 

Covington was well known around the Palm Springs area as a talented musician who delighted his audiences by sitting in with his musician friends drumming on a song or two.

 

Charitable events: Covington made numerous appearances performing for charity. A few are: NYFD families of victims of 9/11, Ronald McDonald House for children, Victims of Hurricane Katrina with Bo Diddley, Consul General of Finland's fundraiser for Musicares, Bread and Roses

 

Obituary reads: "Joey Covington, a drummer who played with Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, died yesterday, 4 June 2013, in a car accident in Palm Springs, California. He was 67. He slammed into a retaining wall after losing control of his car at a curve in the road. He was 67. There is controversy as to whether he was wearing a seat belt. A witness removed the seat belt and was administering CPR before paramedics and law enforcement arrived at the scene. Later photos taken of the seat belt show the car's airbag indentation marks on the seat belt when the airbag deployed. According to Palm Springs Police, alcohol and drugs were not involved in the accident

 

Joey was survived by his long time partner, Lauren Taines and son Nicholas Covington White of Marin County, CA. His last performance was in Palm Springs for a city-sponsored event June 1, 2013. Covington thrilled his audience and signed autographs following the performance.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------

BENJAMIN LEONARD COVINGTON WAILES

 

Mississippi Hall of Fame 1822

Sketch by John James Audubon

 

Not born as a Covington.

 

Benjamin Leonard Covington Wailes was born in Columbia County, Georgia, on 1 August 1797, the oldest of nine children of Levin (born 1768, died 1847 is shown on his tombstone at the Wailes Cemetery, Washington as Surveyor General) and Eleanor Wailes (born 1773, died 1841). In 1807 the Wailes family moved to the Mississippi Territory, where young Benjamin received his education at Jefferson College near Washington. He went on to serve as a trustee of the school for forty years, including a stint as president of the board.

 

Wailes learned the trade of surveying from his father and served as an assistant to the Choctaw agent, taking part in treaty negotiations with the Choctaw. In 1820 Wailes married a distant cousin, Rebecca Susanna Magruder Covington, the daughter of Brig. Gen. Leonard Covington. They made their home near Washington, where he was a cotton planter and served as registrar of the local land office, and they ultimately had ten children, only five of whom survived past the age of four. Wailes served in the state legislature in 1825–26, although he generally avoided politics. He was allied with the Whigs at a time when the Democrats dominated most of Mississippi.

 

Wailes travelled extensively and became known for his knowledge of the region’s geography, geology, and natural history. He began accumulating natural history objects, establishing collections at Jefferson College, the University of Mississippi, and the State Capitol. He also contributed specimens to scientists and museums elsewhere, including the Smithsonian Institution.

 

In late 1851 Wailes was appointed assistant professor of geology and agriculture at the University of Mississippi. He was to assist Dr. John Millington, professor of geology and agriculture, whom the legislature had charged with conducting an agricultural and geological survey of the state. Millington had barely begun work on the survey when he resigned, and the entire task fell to Wailes, who received the title of state geologist. Wailes travelled seventy-three hundred miles around the state and collected thousands of specimens. By special act of the legislature, the specimens received a room in the State House in Jackson. These efforts culminated in his 1854 Report on the Agriculture and Geology of Mississippi. Although it included 356 pages plus appendixes, Wailes was dissatisfied with the effort and declared that it had been “untowardly postponed” and “hurriedly executed.” Though he considered his effort just a beginning, the report provided the first lists of Mississippi’s plants and animals as well as information on the state’s geological and agricultural resources, monthly weather data for Jackson for 1852–53, and an outline of the state’s history.

 

As his understanding of Mississippi grew, Wailes became increasingly interested in the history of the region. In 1858 he was instrumental in founding the Mississippi Historical Society and served as its president. Though the organization existed for little more than a year, under its auspices Wailes accumulated significant historical documents from throughout North America and preserved them. Wailes generously shared his collections with other historians and scientists. He had come to know many of the top scientists of his time and had been of assistance to many of them. British geologist Sir Charles Lyell visited Wailes in Mississippi, and among those who received specimens from him and/or contributed comments for his survey work were Louis Agassiz, John James Audubon, Spencer Fullerton Baird, and John Cassin. When Wailes died on 16 November 1862 in Adams MS, he was the MS State Geologist.

 

The Mississippi Historical Society was reborn in 1898, and today, the highest honour it bestows is the B. L. C. Wailes Award for national distinction in the field of history. (Written by Jerome A. Jackson, Florida Gulf Coast University)

 

BLCW & Rebecca had 5 children – Rebecca (born 1823 in Mississippi MS, died 1841), Feliciana (born 1834-35 Mississippi), Leonard Alexander (born 1837-38 in Mississippi), Susan ( born 1828 died 1831 in Adams MS) and another Susan (born 1832-33 in Mississippi) all named Covington Wailes. A number of subsequent Wailes offspring then carried the Covington middle name.

 

 

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