Band History

Armstrong Brothers in Scituate, MA; 1985

The Brothers

Twin brothers, Joe and Jim Armstrong, were raised in the suburban town of Marshfield, MA, about 35 miles South of Boston. Located right on the coast, they enjoyed a working-class family life with parents, Frances and Bob Armstrong, three other brothers, Paul, Gerard, and Bob, and their sister, Marie. Childhood was filled with kayaking, hiking through the woods, attendance at safe, quality, public schools, and of course, music. Their grandfather, the late Martial Henault, had been a professional musician in his younger years and to this day a black and white photo of his band from the 1920’s, the Berkshire Ramblers, hangs in every house of his many musical grandchildren.

The Armstrong Brothers Band in the Beginning; 1980

The Armstrong Brothers Band forms

When Jim and Joe reached the age of ten, their grandfather left behind a Ukulele and a basic instruction guide after teaching Jim and Joe a few chords during a family visit. The brothers took to it instantly and soon their parents got them their first guitars for Christmas and located a local music teacher. By the age of 12 they were being hired for fifty dollars (when that was real money), as a duo to perform at private backyard family parties and for local civic groups. By the time they 17 years old and able to drive, Jim and Joe were performing regularly at town green concerts, local art festivals, and at their local High School. Both attended, and graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, as did two younger brother-musicians a few years later. Paul (drums) and Gerard (bass and guitar) Armstrong (also twins); joined us and the duo expanded to all four; and the The Armstrong Brothers Band was born.

Joe on Banjo; 2014

The Band Evolves

Summers for the band have to this day included four-piece rock and country gigs at local outdoor festivals and private parties. In the early years, they performed at occasional college parties and especially during the summer, back home in Marshfield where band leader, Joe Armstrong, still lives today. Graduating from UMASS in 1984, Jim and Joe pursued their respective daytime professional careers but always kept their love of music alive; writing songs, recording, and performing locally when time permitted.

The Armstrong Brothers Band; 2017

The Band Today

Today, The Armstrong Brothers Band consists of Jim and Joe Armstrong, as well as two other long-term regular band members, David Croce on electric guitar and backing vocals, and Ron Caggiano, drummer and singer. Though they are not brothers by blood, both are brothers in spirit and critical parts of the overall Armstrong Brothers sound that we enjoy today.

There have also been, however, several other musicians who have contributed greatly over the years to the Armstrong Brothers sounds, including original band members and younger brothers, Gerard, Paul; and later addition and keyboard player, Bob Armstrong (yes, there were at one time five real brothers in the active band).

The Armstrong Brothers Band; 2022

Zip To Zap

Each past and current band member has since continued their own individual musical traditions, writing music and performing with other bands in the area when their busy lives allow. Whether of my four musical brothers, or our skilled current and past non-family band members, each is remembered fondly and has left behind their lasting impact on The Armstrong Brothers Band.

We all hope this first ever CD project, consisting of 8 original songs, can bring a little joy and a tap of the toe to music lovers everywhere; especially our local country fans on the beautiful South Shore of Massachusetts, and our friends in Western ND, where guitarist-singer, Joe Armstrong, enjoyed working for a year on a professional assignment; having first heard the Zip to Zap story.

The Band

Joe Armstrong
James Armstrong
David Croce
Ronny Caggiano

Past Members

Gerard Armstrong

Paul Armstrong

Bob Armstrong
Brian Stratton
John Joyce, Jr.
Jerry Antoine

Past Members (cont.)

Bill Holbrook
PJ Justice
Ana Haynie
Ian Campbell
Bob Glynn

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