The Swingin’ Medallions began their nearly 50-year run with fraternity parties.

“It’s been a magical ride ever since,” said Jimmy Perkins, Medallions member since 1965.

Perkins said in the mid-70s everyone went their own ways. But he returned to the band’s origin— Greenwood, South Carolina — in 2011 to reunite with the band.

“They welcomed me with open arms,” Perkins said of his return.

In 1966, the band recorded their signature song “Double Shot of My Baby’s Love.” They began touring the country and have been playing R&B infused rock n’ roll ever since.

“It was something that grabbed hold of us early in life and just never let go,” Perkins said of the band, which he described as being like the mafia.

According to Perkins, the Medallions have had at least 25-30 different members over the years. And though they have faced many changes with both new and old members coming and going, their sound has stayed popular among fans of many ages.

Once deemed the “Party Band of the South,” The Medallions curate a routine that gets their crowd moving.

“We are known for just playing the style of music – in South Carolina – that everybody learned and loved to dance to,” Perkins said of the band’s combination of visuals, music and dance in their performances.

The band is known for their large horn section. They play a variety of R&B, classic blues and rock hits.

“We just play a little something everybody likes,” Perkins said.