Part 5 in a series on “The 27’s” – notable musicians who have passed away in their 27th year.
Spanky and Our Gang was an American 1960s folk-rock band led by Elaine "Spanky" McFarlane. The band derived its name from the popular Our Gang or Little Rascals comedies. McFarlane earned her nicknamed "Spanky" because one of the band members, thought that she resembled Our Gang star George "Spanky" McFarland.
In October 1968, the group suffered a tragedy when lead guitarist Malcolm Hale died of carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty space heater, it is also reported that Hale may have also been suffering from pneumonia at the time. The group disbanded shortly afterwards.
Prior to Malcom’s death the band had two hit records, a self-titled first album and 1968’s “Like to get to Know You.” Mercury released a third album, “Anything You Choose b/w Without Rhythm or Reason,” in January 1969, the album was recorded mostly with studio musicians.
After the band's break-up "Spanky" enjoyed some success as a solo artist. She toured for years with the Mamas & the Papas, singing primarily the parts previously performed by the late Cass Elliot. The group briefly reformed in 1975 and recorded an album "Change" for the Epic Label.
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