Biography
Treat Her Right was an American rock band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1985. The original lineup featured Mark Sandman on 'low guitar' (a custom three-string instrument), Billy Conway on cocktail drum, David Champagne on guitar, and Jim Fitting on harmonica. The group was notable for its minimalist approach—members famously insisted that all their equipment could be carried in a single trip—and for their unconventional instrumentation, which set them apart from typical rock bands of the era. Their music blended elements of rock & roll, blues-rock, swamp rock, and post-punk, with a dark, bluesy edge that foreshadowed the later sound of Morphine, Sandman's subsequent band.
Treat Her Right released three studio albums between 1986 and 1991: 'Treat Her Right,' 'Tied to the Tracks,' and 'What's Good for You.' The band earned a cult following for their raw, stripped-down sound and moody songwriting, with all members except Conway contributing vocals and songwriting. After disbanding in the early 1990s, members pursued other projects: Sandman and Conway went on to form Morphine, while Fitting and Champagne remained active in the Boston music scene. The band's influence persisted, and Champagne and Fitting revived Treat Her Right in 2009 with new members, performing sporadically in the Boston area until at least 2011. Their legacy is closely tied to the evolution of alternative blues and the unique sound that Sandman later perfected in Morphine.
Fun Facts
- Treat Her Right's unique instrumentation included a three-string 'low guitar' built and played by Mark Sandman, which mimicked a bass guitar and became a signature of his later work with Morphine.
- The band was formed with the rule that all members had to be able to carry their equipment into a gig in one trip, leading to their minimalist setup.
- Their name was inspired by Roy Head's 1965 hit song 'Treat Her Right,' reflecting their deep roots in blues and R&B.
- After the original run, members Champagne and Fitting revived the band in 2009 with new musicians, continuing to perform in the Boston area for several years.
Members
- Billy Conway
- Mark Sandman
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Roy Head - The band named themselves after Roy Head's 1965 hit 'Treat Her Right,' reflecting their admiration for classic R&B and blues influences. ('Treat Her Right' (song), inspiration for band name) [1960s (influence acknowledged in 1985 at formation)]
Key Collaborators
- Mark Sandman - Founding member, songwriter, and instrumental innovator; later formed Morphine with Conway. (All Treat Her Right albums; Morphine (post-1993)) [1985–1991 (Treat Her Right), 1989–1999 (Morphine)]
- Billy Conway - Founding member, percussionist; joined Sandman in Morphine. (All Treat Her Right albums; Morphine) [1985–1991 (Treat Her Right), 1993–1999 (Morphine)]
- David Champagne - Founding member, guitarist, vocalist; led reformation of Treat Her Right in 2009. (All Treat Her Right albums; The Jazz Popes) [1985–1991, 2009–2011]
- Jim Fitting - Founding member, harmonica player; later played with The The, The Coots, and Session Americana. (All Treat Her Right albums; Session Americana) [1985–1991, 2009–2011]
- Steve Mayone - Joined the band during the 2009 reformation as low guitarist. (Treat Her Right (2009–2011 performances)) [2009–2011]
- Billy Beard - Drummer in the 2009 reformation, previously of Face to Face. (Treat Her Right (2009–2011 performances)) [2009–2011]
Artists Influenced
- Morphine - Mark Sandman and Billy Conway formed Morphine, directly building on Treat Her Right's minimalist, blues-influenced sound. (Morphine albums (e.g., 'Good', 'Cure for Pain')) [1989–1999]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| What's Good For You | 1991-01-01 | Album |
| Tied To The Tracks | 1989-05-28 | Album |
| The Lost Album | 2009-12-16 | Album |
| Treat Her Right | 1986 | Album |
| What's Good For You | 1991-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- The Same Thing (What's Good For You)
- Rhythm And Booze (What's Good For You)
- Picture Of The Future (Tied To The Tracks)
- I Think She Likes Me (Treat Her Right)
- Black Sunshine (The Lost Album)
- Marie (Tied To The Tracks)
- King Of Beers (Tied To The Tracks)
- Early Man (The Lost Album)
- Standing By Your Window (What's Good For You)
- Junkyard (Tied To The Tracks)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Treat Her Right has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 11, 2025 | 23:13 | You Don't Need Moneyfrom Treat Her Right | The Freaknologist Lunatique Showw/ David Kunian |