(March 20, 2020) His name was not well known nationally, but soul music fans in the DMV know the name Skip Mahoney (actual last name Mahoaney). As the group leader of Skip Mahoney & The Casuals, he was a fixture in the soul music community there for a half century, with his expressive falsetto lead making his work always recognizable.
Mahoney formed The Casuals in the late 60s and entered into several local talent shows. Ultimately, the group’s membership solidified with George Norris, Roger Chapman and Billy Jones. During the mid 70s, they recorded on several small labels, hitting the local charts with the beautiful ballad “Wherever You Go,” “Your Funny Moods,” and a few other cuts. The group disbanded, but came back together in the early 90s, releasing the album Now, Then & Forever, a combination of the group’s early recordins with some new one. The song “Janice” received moderate airplay.
Skip Mahoney & The Casuals continued to largely serve a live act right into the new century, and, though never having major national success, had a small but very loyal following in the DC.
Today we remember Mr. Mahoney’s significant contribution to the continually strong DC music scene over the years. May he rest in peace.
