Corpus -

Corpus was an American hard-rock/psych band that released the 1971 album Creation a Child on Acorn Records.

Members: Richard Deleon (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), William Grate (lead guitar, backing vocals), James Castillo (bass), Frudy Lianes (drums)

Background

Corpus formed in 1969 in Corpus Christi, Texas, when guitarist William Grate teamed with vocalist–guitarist Richard Deleon, bassist James “Beaver” Castillo, and drummer Frudy Lianes. The band rehearsed at Grate’s house and played frequent gigs at local teen centers and dancehalls. Their lyrics came from Gilbert Peña Jr., who collaborated closely with the band during writing sessions.

Creation a Child

Corpus released their only album, Creation a Child, in 1971 on the small Texas-based label Acorn Records. It features nine original tracks that span blues rock, heavy psych, and proto–Southern rock.

Guitarist William Grate and vocalist–guitarist Richard Deleon alternate lead and rhythm duties, with Grate also contributing backing vocals. Bassist James Castillo and drummer Frudy Lianes anchor the rhythm section. All music is credited to Corpus, with lyrics by Gilbert Peña Jr.

The album opens with “Cruising,” a riff-driven rocker with layered guitar harmonies. “Joy” and “Marriage” lean into the Allman Brothers–style dual leads, while the title track builds from acoustic introspection to a climactic heavy blues jam. “Just a Man” and “We Can Make It, Luv” evoke early boogie rock, while “Not Mine” and “Where Is She” balance softer melodies with steady pacing. Closer “Mythical Dream” introduces subtle jazz elements and varied chord voicings.

A1. “Cruising” (3:43)
A2. “Joy” (6:35)
A3. “Marriage” (3:30)
A4. “Creation a Child” (6:55)

B1. “Just a Man” (3:12)
B2. “We Can Make It, Luv” (2:56)
B3. “Not Mine” (3:27)
B4. “Where Is She” (3:33)
B5. “Mythical Dream” (4:59)

Corpus recorded Creation a Child in a single session at Freddie Records Studio, Corpus Christi. Jim West engineered the sessions, produced by Stone Productions and issued by Acorn in a single run of 1,000 copies. The lacquer was cut at Location Recording Service and pressed at Houston Records.

Despite minimal promotion, Creation a Child gained cult status among collectors for its original blend of blues-heavy hard rock, melodic variation, and a striking illustrated cover by Susan Vogel.

After Corpus

Guitarist William Grate and drummer Frudy Lianes later played in Texas funk-rock acts. Vocalist–guitarist Richard Deleon and bassist James Castillo stepped back from recording but remained active locally. Lyricist Gilbert Peña, Jr., who was never an official band member, went on to pursue writing outside of music.

Discography: