The Rationals – Ann Arbor, MI

The Rationals (Out of the Garage)

The Rationals formed in 1964 – coming out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. They enjoyed a very brief ‘time in the sun’ nationally but were very popular in their home State with their big hit “Respect” spilling out onto the play lists of many other states.

When the Rationals began recording they were all still in high school in Michigan.

“Respect” was a redo of the Otis Redding hit. DJ’s didn’t simultaneously begin spinning the record across the land. If they had it would have achieved a much loftier ranking (only number 92 on the Hot 100).

They first signed with a Michigan label A² Records owned by Jeep Holland, cutting a handful of tracks. “Respect” was soon picked up for distribution by Cameo-Parkway, a label that occasionally ventured outside their comfort zone of musicians in Philadelphia (think “? and the Mysterians”).

The Rationals – Creem Magazine 1969

Members of the Rationals were:

• Scott Morgan (vocals, guitar)
• Steven Correll
• Terry Trabandt
• Bill Figg
• Johnny Eppinga (drums)

The Rationals Ride the Charts!

Scott Morgan would join or form many groups during his career including Guardian Angel, Brothers of the Road, Dodge Main and others.

Morgan was offered a spot with Blood Sweat and Tears but passed on the opportunity. Many tracks recorded by Morgan and others were finally released in the new millennium.

Steven Correll now resides lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Terry Trabandt is living in working a delivery driver. Bill Figg is living in Dexter, Michigan now retired from a welding career,

Guardian Angel with Scott Morgan – 1971

Sonic’s Rendezvous Band with Scott Morgan 1974-1980

Scott’s Pirates with Morgan and Eppinga – 1985-1995

The Hydromatics with Scott Morgan- 1999-2007

Power Train with Scot Morgan – 2002-2008

The Solution with Scott Morgan – 2004

Solution was a band from Sweden – Morgan traveled to that country to record with them.

Sweden’s Solution

The Rationals Discography

45 – Look What You’re Doin’ (To Me Baby) b/w Gave My Love – September, 1965

45 – Feelin’ Lost b/w Little Girls Cry (Deon’s Song) – March, 1966

45 – Feelin Lost b/w Respect – September, 1966 – September, 1966

45 – Leavin’ Here b/w Respect – September, 1966

45 – Respect Number 92 Hot 100 b/w Feelin’ Lost – October, 1966

45 – Hold On Baby b/w Sing – January, 1967

45 – Turn On b/w Irrational – April, 1967

45 – Leavin’ Here b/w (Had You Had It Like It Was It Wouldn’t Be Like It Is On No) Not Like It Is – June, 1967

45 – I Need You – flip by The Old Exciting Scot Richard Case – November, 1967

45 – I Need You b/w Out In The Street (Sing!) – January, 1968

45 – I Need You b/w Out In The Streets – March, 1968

45 – Guitar Army b/ Sunset – 1969

45 – Handbags and Gladrags b/w Guitar Army – March, 1970

CD LP UK – The Rationals

45 – Japan – 1970

45 -UK – 2010

Scott Morgan Related Selective Discography

45 – Lightnin’ – Rainbow Records – Hi-Jackinl’ Love b/w First Time I Saw You Baby – 1973

12-Inch EP – Lightnin’ – Jojacq Records – “Lightnin” – 1976

CD LP – Scots Pirates – Schoolkid’s Records – “Scots Pirates” – 1993

CD LP – Scots Pirates – Schoolkid’s Records – “Revolutionary Means” – 1995

LP – Dodge Main – Alive Records – “Dodge Main” – 1996

LP – Sonic’s Rendezvous – Mack Aborn Rhythmic Arts Records – “Sweet Nothing” – 1998

12-inch 45 – Sonic’s Rendezvous – Mack Aborn Rhythmic Arts Records – “City Slang” – 1999

CD LP Europe – Hydromatics – White Jazz Records – “Parts Unknown” – 1999

CD Single Netherlands – Rocketdog Records – “Dangerous” b/w “Heaven” – 1999

CD Single – Powertrane – American Ruse Records – “Beyond the Sound” & “Otta Sight” – 2004

CD LP – Brothers of the Road (and others) – Motor City Rockin’ Records – “Motor City Rockin!” – 2005

Six tracks by Brothers of the Road

CD LP UK – Guardian Angel – Easy Action Records – “Into Lightnin'” – 2014

Double LP – Scott Morgan’s Powertrane – Grown Up Wrong! Records – “Ann Arbor Revival Meeting” – 2019