DOUG ADAMS
TD III
Thomas Douglas “Doug” Adams III was born August 2, 1951. His dad was a professional drummer and local businessman. His mother was a music major and a stay at home mom. The house was always filled with the sound of drums and music. As he was growing up, his mother‘s rule was that he couldn’t touch his dad’s drums unless he was “instructed” and took some lessons. His dad and local drum teacher, Bill Hayworth, provided the lessons. “Father Time” was born!
When Doug was around 10 years old, his family moved to a new neighborhood where he soon met neighbors Greg Anderson and Chris Browning. Their unique sound and lifelong friendships were born during hours of jamming in the Browning’s basement or Doug’s garage and even in his bedroom.
A Lifelong Love of Music and Fast Cars is Born
Doug’s first public performances came when he and Greg played Alleycat for the sixth grade and then when Doug played with Greg at a piano recital. Their newly formed band started playing at parties in junior high and when they realized they could actually play for an audience, do what they loved, and get paid for it, they were hooked.
Soon Billy Warren joined them on bass guitar and the band they formed was called “The International Grapefruite.” They played gigs at high school parties and functions and then gradually all around the city. The band began playing larger venues and opening up for national acts such as REO Speedwagon, the Cryin’ Shames, the American Breed, and others.
Another passion Doug shared with his dad from an early age was auto racing. They spent many hours together at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In the early 1970s, his dad started an auto racing team called Adams Automotive Associates. With Doug and several of his friends on the team, they actually qualified a car for the 1974 Indy 500. Adams Automotive was a successful stock car racing team for several years.
Brothers Forever
Finally, Doug, Greg, Chris, Billy, and Rich Gootee joined together to form “Good Seed.” The band played many local and national venues with rarely a night off and lots of travel. They produced a number of albums. During their days off, they would work in the recording studio doing jingles that were aired locally.
During the 1980s, the band members went their separate ways to pursue other musical options. Doug remained in Indianapolis and played with many local bands such as Carlton Taylor, Memories, Henry Lee Summer, Whitney Thetford, and others. He also played many studio gigs and church services. He was a staff musician at Northview Christian Life for over 10 years.
Over the years, the band always stayed in touch and got together to play gigs as often as possible. In the last several years, Good Seed has been in the studio working on several different projects, most recently a new album called Old School Rising. The music comes very easily and the sound is still there, even better than ever. Doug is looking forward to continuing these projects with his lifelong friends and doing all he can to contribute.
