The Bad Rap: Behind the Music

Rouch, Vanderpoel and Davis in the good times

It’s a familiar tale: the fates bring together a  talented  trio destined for superstardom only to see  outside forces and their own ambitions tear them  apart. Scott Rouch, Chuck Davis and Jim  Vanderpoel were a collaboration that would flame  out too soon.

This is their story.

In June 1985, the young men-two from the Midwest  and one from the mean streets of Bowie, Maryland-would begin their journey in the United States  Navy. Their paths would ultimately cross at  Operations Specialist “A” School in Dam Neck,  Virginia, Davis and Vanderpoel in one class; Rouch in their sister class. When Davis, Vanderpoel and Rouch finished 1-3, respectively, in class rankings, the three chose the USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) as their first command.

The cruiser was the Navy’s latest and greatest and still being built, meaning they wouldn’t set out to sea for almost a year.

Meeting up in Norfolk, Virginia, the bonding process began on a drive to Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where they would live while attending Aegis training, buoyed by a detour to Atlantic City courtesy of OS1 "Big Daddy" Don Welten, who was piloting the other vehicle in the caravan.

After an extended stay at the Cherry Hill Hyatt, it was on to the barracks in San Diego. It was there the budding musicians started working out what would become a hit track. It may have started as a goof or an attempt to entertain their “old” (over 25 seemed old at the time) shipmates, but one thing became immediately clear, their talent was undeniable.

Recently uncovered in Rouch’s archives was the group’s first single, penned on April 13, 1986.

 We’ve got a rap for you

We hope it may produce a laugh or two

We’ll sing like Fat Albert, Hey, Hey, Hey

And on that note let’s get the song underway

 

Well I play the drums my own way

I can rock all night and I can rock all day

This music for me is a very big leap

But it’s always great to be doing the Cheep

I’m cool with the ladies and have lots of luck

I guess that’s why they call me Chillin’ Chuck

 

My name is Scotty and I like to woof

When I think of fire, I think of the roof

I can’t breathe too well, it’s kind of raspy

But, hey that’s OK cause I bark like Lassie

 

This is my part and I’ll do my bit

The fans just love it when I play the spit

I’ll fill the music cup right to the rim, and forever be known as Jammin’ Jim

 

Our song is done we’ve got to go

Our hope is you’ve enjoyed the show

Now if you’re at a party or you’re the host

We hope you’ll think of the guys out on the coast

 Next: The Beginning of the End