GREENWOOD, S.C. (CelebrityAccess) John Grady McElrath, 77, founder of the Swingin’ Medallions, died after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease at his home in Greenwood, S.C., June 9.
McElrath was known of the “Songbird” of Greenwood and the Swingin’ Medallions were known as the Party Band of the South, which has played for 50 years and known for the song “Double Shot (Of My Baby’s Love).”
The Swingin’ Medallions began as a bunch of kids sitting around in McElrath’s yard learning music that came through the back door of a local club.
The band saw many iterations, with members coming and going as the band would break up then have reunions. The current version includes McElrath’s sons Shawn and Shane, according to the Associated Press.
