About Us.
The Collegiates began their beach music entertainment in the mid 1960's. As friends in high school, they were drawn to the same kind of music and quickly found their niche reproducing the music they loved. Their travels took them to most parts of the southeastern US. They performed with such artists and groups as the Drifters, Tams, Major Lance, The Showmen and The Platters, to name a few.
Today, The Collegiates have gotten the band back together, mostly to renew old friendships but also to perform the hits of yesterday including some of the 'original' beach music favorites. The Collegaites today consist of Danny Pierce, Randy Rich, Steve Hill, Bob Spencer, Wilson Brown, and Sammy Forshee. To learn more about our history throughout the years, click here.
The Collegiates love playing for beach music lovers of all ages! To book us for your next event, click here. Thank you for checking us out!
Meet the Band.
Bob Spencer
Original Member
Keys
Bob's lifelong journey in music has taken him from the classroom to stages across the country and back home again. After earning a degree in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1974, he began teaching before launching a full-time touring career in 1977. Over the next 16 years, he performed in 47 states with artists like Billy “Crash” Craddock, Helen Cornelius, and Jim Ed Brown, appearing on Hee Haw and the Grand Ole Opry, and performing for audiences as large as 85,000.
Since then, he has remained deeply involved in music as a performer, teacher, and worship leader, working with numerous regional bands and mentoring students. A multi-instrumentalist, Spencer continues to share his passion through live performance and his instrumental album Carolina Dreaming, reflecting a lifetime devoted to music.
Steve Hill
Bass Guitar
Steve started playing piano and organ at church when he was just 13 years old and played for many years at different churches.
He started playing bass with his cousin in a small band and continued playing bass at church as well as an occasional band job. Later, Steve played bass with the Carolina 5 Band for 12 years, and joined the Collegiates 2 years ago. Steve is grateful to be a part of The Collegiates!
Wilson Brown
Sax
Wilson started playing sax in the six grade summer band and has enjoyed many years of music.Traveled with The Collegiates in the late sixties. Played in Cut Glass, a popular local band.Played and recorded with the Part Time Party Time Band for over twenty years.Honored to join them at the South Carolina Beach Music Hall Of Fame awards in 2013.Now enjoying playing with the OGs and The Collegiates.Its a great feeling to share the stage with so many talented musicians and friends.
Danny Pierce
Original Member
Vocals & Sax
In 45 years Danny has shared the stage with many soul and rock music greats - from Little Anthony to ZZ Top.
His credits include lead vocals and sax with: The Part Time Party Time Band, The Catalinas, Bob Collins and the Fabulous Five, The Collegiates, Flagstone, and the original Cannonball
Randy Rich
Guitar & Vocals
As a native of High Point, NC Randy started playing in many bands throughout the area by the age of 13. Local bands like the Casuals, the Hysterics and many others influenced Randy’s love of homegrown Beach Music from the 60’s as well as motown. He’s enjoyed playing music most of his life and is honored to be playing with the Collegiates.
Sammy Forshee
Drums & Vocals
Sammy grew up in the High Point/Thomasville area and started playing drums at the age of 10. Influenced by Buddy Rich, Sammy has played with Grand Strand, Cannon Ball, Seaside Band and Atlantic Coast Highway over the years.
He was also the founding member and drummer with The East Coast Rivers. We are honored to have Sammy as a part of The Collegiates.
Fred Amos (November 28, 1948 - January 23, 2022)
Original Member
Keyboards
Fred started playing guitar with neighborhood bands at the age of 14. At the age of 16, Fred met and started playing with current Collegiates Danny Pierce and Mike DiFoggio. When their keyboard player left, Fred decided to take on the keyboards. Fred played with The Collegiates most of their touring career.
Unfortunately, Fred passed away in 2022 due to Covid complications. Fred was a valued member of the High Point community as well as a cornerstone for The Collegiates. If you knew Fred, you knew how much he loved The Collegiates and raising funds for community organizations. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.