The Better Half-Dozen

The Better Half-Dozen was an American garage rock band formed in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1966. The band played at local colleges, high schools and clubs in New Orleans and surrounding cities and states. They released one 45 single with two originals called "I'm Gonna Leave You" and "I Could Have Loved Her", which, despite insufficient promotion, has remained a classic garage rock recording. The band originally assembled in 1965 as a group known as the Avantis, and included founding members John D’Antoni (bass guitar, backing vocals) Ted Genter (keyboards) Tommy Hardtegen (drums) Mike "Mange" Mangiapane (lead guitar, backing vocals) Ed "Eddie" McNamara (rhythm guitar, backing vocals, and Steve Sklamba (lead vocals).