Welcome to Baltimore Sounds

In Memory Of...

It is with great sadness to note the passing
of our friends and fellow musicians

Adams, Ellwood "Ace" - Known as 'Ace the Bass' performing with jazz and R&B groups through the 1950s-60s.
Joe V recalls that Ace worked at the Officer's Club at the 5th Regiment Armory where my dad worked. I had met him on occasion as a kid but didn't know about his musical history. When the first edition of Baltimore Sounds came out dad showed it to him and he was all too eager to meet with me and share his recollections of his days playing music. He talked about all the clubs along the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor and named all the musicians that played regularly in each club. Ace played with many of them. He talked fondly about about the days of lugging his double bass around on street cars to and from gigs.
His groups included The Rhythm Kings, The Old Mill Trio (Old Mill house band), The Red Fox house band (with Andy Ennis and Carlos Johnson), The Tune Makers (with Carlos Johnson), Los Tremendos (a Latin group with Eddie Drennon at Moe's, the Bamboo Lounge).
Sadly Ace passed away November 21, 2010 (88).

The Tune Makers at The Comedy Club circa 1963.
L to R: Ace, Tommy Williams, Wilbert Stewart, Carlos Johnson, Ed Walto.

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Adams, Harold - Jazz saxophonist passed away in January 2021. Harold toured as a member of Luther Ingram's Unit Truth in the 1970s, and was a member of Greg Hatza's Moon August for over 25 years. He started out as a member of The Imperals who released a single on Howfum Records. He went on to be a member of many groups including The Soul Brothers, Both Worlds, Adams-Barber-Rucks, 'Tiny' Tim Harris' The New Thing, Ruby Glover's backing band, Winfield Parker's backing band, Natural Gas, Earl Wilson's Phase One...

Harold Adams with Moon August - 1989

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Alexander, Les - Legendary radio personality Alexander Leslie Paternotte passed away on January 27, 2017 at age 93.
After serving in the military in WWII, he began a career in broadcasting starting in Philadelphia, then moving to Baltimore where he hosted a talent show on WAAM-TV. He went on to radio at WITH, then to WCAO from 1957 where he was heard on afternoons until the early 1970s. Nicknamed Less 'The Beard'. He later moved to North Carolina to radio station WAYS-AM and also did television work.

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Alford, Brenda - Jazz vocalist, recording artist, teacher, actress (Hairspray)... May 5, 2022.

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Allison, Jim - Harmonica, guitar, vocal. Member of duo Allison & Blake. Worked with Ace Cannon, country legends Johnnie Lee, and Lorrie Morgan.
Jim released two solo albums, co-founded the Jim Sellers Band (Jim is Jim Allison), worked with Great Train Robbery, and performed many solo gigs. Jim also worked as a session musician on countless recordings, radio, TV and movie projects. He later moved to Aransas Pass, Texas where he continued to play music. Jim died of cancer on January 24, 2006 (59).

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Amtmann, Keith - (Wild Fire, Wild Mouse) passed away on May 12, 2008. In the words of friend John Cochran "Keith was a good singer, rhythm guitarist, and one of the finest songwriters I've ever known. He'll be sorely missed by every musician whose privilege it was to work with him."

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Amy, Olga - Known professionally as Pat Deal, pianist for TV variety show 'The Collegians' and kids show 'Candy Corner'. Died April 27, 1999 at age 94.

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Anderson, Howard 'Church' - Pianist from 1930s through the '50s+. Member of Three Strikes and a Miss that included his wife Sylvia Anderson. The two also worked as a duo known as Two Hot Peppers. May 6, 2002 (90).

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Anderson, Walt - guitarist / vocalist, member of the El Gatos, Doc & the Medics, then to the hugely popular Tommy Vann & the Echoes, and after Tommy left the group became known as And the Echoes. Also member of Abilene Road House. March 6, 2022.

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Anderson, William - Studied at Peabody and played many instruments including saxophone, piano and guitar. Member of Johnstown based group The Five Bees, and Billy Anderson's Apollo's. They played local venues, Carr's and Sparrow's Beaches, auditioned for Arthur Godfrey Show. Passed away January 31, 2018.

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Andrews, Jeff
Jazz bassist has passed away. A cause of death has not been announced, although he was battling double pneumonia earlier this year. He was 59 years old.
"Andrews was raised in Baltimore, Maryland where he grew up hearing rock and jazz musicians melding their styles in the late 60s and early 70s. He briefly attended the Berklee College of Music but left school because he was not able to take composition courses, which were his main focus, until his senior year. Andrews spent some time in Los Angeles before moving into the fertile jazz scene in New York City and was soon playing with an amazing array of saxophonists like Wayne Shorter, Bob Mintzer, and Michael Brecker.
"I played a lot with sax players. The cream of the crop and these guys were idols of mine" he stated. "Wayne Shorter was one of my biggest influences and Mike Brecker of course. Playing with those guys I took the opportunity to pick up as much information from them as I could." It was also during this time that he became the first musician to book gigs at the now world-famous 55 Bar. He started calling Mike Stern to play with him after the guitarists run in the Miles Davis band, leading to a long and fruitful relationship.
Andrews also worked with Vital Information, Frank Gambale, Larry Coryell, Bob Berg, Gil Evans, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Dennis Chambers, and many more. He was a prominent teacher and taught at the Manhattan School of Music, The New School, Mannes College of Music, and SUNY Purchase in addition to his private students and numerous clinics around the world.
In Baltimore he was a member of the rock band Atticus Finch circa 1972-73, and appeared on a 1981 album by jazz-fusion group Inside Out.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Jeff Andrews.
Article by 'No Treble' website writer Kevin Johnson, April 2019.

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Ariosa, John - April 11, 2021 (71) - musician, sound engineer, proprieter of The Sound Factory that led to The Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts

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Armbruster, Dave - Bass guitarist, 1960s bands included the early Sentries, The Rivieras... more recently he was a member of The Retro-Rockets.

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Armstrong, Reuben - Drummer for Frankie & the Spindles, passed away on January 27, 2018 due to heart disease at the age of 66.
The Spindles were originally known as The Spinners but had to change their name due to the nationally known Motown group of the same name. Frankie & the Spindles modeled themselves after The Temptations. They were one of the most popular Baltimore R&B groups of their era and they inspired many other groups that followed. They released a string of singles including the regional hits "(My Girl Is Made Of) Candy" and "Count To Ten." In later years Reuben played in backing band for Tiny Tim Harris. He also backed and recorded with Gumption label groups such as The Bleu Lights, Lady A, and Rhapsody.

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Arrington, Joe - passed away on December 11, 2020 from Melanoma Cancer. He was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He later lived in California, Tennessee, and Texas. He was best known for being the lead guitarist for the Maniacs, Sabotage, Dogs of War, Toxin, Mad Dog Alley, MDA, Juice, MoJo and Acoustic MoJo. He also wrote and recorded his own music.
He is survived by his daughters, Ava and Mia Arrington, their mother Stacy Arrington, sister Rhonda Mage, brother in law Jan Mage, nephew Tristan Mage and stepmother Dee Arrington.
His final original works are currently being released by his daughters on YouTube and all digital platforms (Spotify, iTunes, etc). His final songs were Fentanyl, 20 Below and Jeffrey Dahmer vs. Jesus Christ which he performed with his oldest daughter Ava.
Ava and Mia Arrington wrote and recorded a tribute song to their father entitled, In Those Eyes which is available on YouTube and all digital platforms.
There is a Facebook page to remember Joe, "Remembering Joe Arrington" which highlights all aspects of his life from the musician to his career and fatherhood. The page also remembers other lost band members that have left us.
Thanks to Stacy Arrington for sharing this information.

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Athas, Michael - Club owner, concert promoter - Club Venus, Rhapsody, Latin Casino, Hollywood Palace, Maxwells. July 8, 2013 (86).

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Bailey, Walt
RIP Walt. Shirley Girard sent the sad news that her dad passed away on December 12, 2020 after a long battle with esophageal cancer.

Walt Bailey - photo courtesy of Shirley Girard

I was fortunate to have met up with Walt at Bluesette reunions, Baltimore R&B Jam reunions, and his well-deserved induction into the Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2013.
Walt played bass guitar and electric guitar in many top local bands, many of whom had record releases, bands included The Progressions, A Taste, Good Grief, Light (aka Lux), Touch, Mike Jones Band, Flow, Carry On, Trudy & Walt duo... and others.
The following article was borrowed from slackerproductions YouTube post "The Progressions - The Love Train (on The Ronnie Dove Show June 28, 1966)."
The Progressions were a band from around the Baltimore, Maryland area that was formed in 1963. At the time of this recording, the group consisted of members Charles Richard "Ricky" Peters (Vocals, Drums), Trudy Morgal (Vocals, Drums), Walt Bailey (Bass, Vocals), Skip Herbert (Lead Guitar), and Carl Brooks (Rhythm Guitar, Keys). The two songs that were released by the group on the Scepter record label in May of 1966 were produced by Tommy Kaye with session man Hugh McCracken on Guitar and Harmonica. Ricky and Trudy would trade off on the drums when the other would be fronting the group.
After the Progressions had a change in lineup, Trudy Morgal (Trudy Cooper), Rick Peters, and Walt Bailey joined up with Bob Grimm and changed their name to Light. Trudy, Rick and Bob would perform together in other various groups later on as well.
Ricky Peters died in May of 1998 from liver failure at the age of 49.
(A) lip synched performance (of their song "The Love Train") was recorded for an episode of the Ronnie Dove Show - The episode was filmed June 28, 1966.
In 2013, Trudy Cooper Morgal and Walt Bailey were inducted into the Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame, as was this show's host, Ronnie Dove, for his own legendary career as a performer.

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Baitch, Al 'Madman'
Baltimore's legendary saxophonist passed away on March 24, 2014. The following article, a fitting tribute, was written by Michael Olesker and published in the Baltimore Sun in 2005.
'Madman' still calls the tune on saxophone
March 11, 2005|By MICHAEL OLESKER
THE MUSIC plays on. Al "Madman" Baitch, 80 years old, assures this yesterday morning as he bounces from his car toward Miller's Deli at the Greenspring Shopping Center, defying every lurking pneumococcus in the morning chill, and also defying the odds. His career is entering the springtime of its 65th year. He wears a brand-new pacemaker, which will have to learn to move to the rhythm of the Madman.
Baitch goes back to weekend nights atop Keith's Roof, where guys wore zoot suits and the dancing was interrupted only by the fights. Fights over deeply serious issues such as who gets to jitterbug with whom, and what part of town you came from. Fights where order was restored only when the band struck up the national anthem and everybody snapped to attention.
And gigs at the Surf Club, where he saw doorman Bob "Rabbit" Pomerlane back down heavyweight champ Rocky Marciano. And joints on The Block, where he fronted for distinguished ladies of the dance such as Irma the Body, Ronnie Bell and Her Twin Liberty Bells, and a youngster out of West Virginia named Belle Fleming who changed her name and created a legend as Blaze Starr.
And the Ambassador Club, Eddie Leonard's Spa, the Silver Dollar Club, the Club 21, the Club Charles, plus joints along Pennsylvania Avenue maybe 60 years ago where he learned his saxophone trade as one of the first white guys in town playing with black groups.
Most of them are gone now, the places as well as the performers. Baitch is Baltimore's link across the musical generations, a keeper of pop music history, still playing weekend gigs at American Legion halls and political barbecues with his trio. And still enduring.
Last week, he checked himself into Sinai Hospital for a new pacemaker. Yesterday, he was declaring himself the picture of health. He practically danced a little jig. For 65 years, the man has set so many others to dancing.
Like all the times at the Surf Club, when Al and Earl Bostic would engage in wailing saxophone showdowns, rousing packed houses to fever pitches, with Al down on his knees, throwing himself onto his back and bouncing his 240 pounds on the bandstand.
Or moonlight cruises on the Chesapeake, when the music was romantic and the post-war crowds were happy that the world had quieted down for a few beats.
He came out of the Lexington Market area, where he grew up as Abraham Mendel Baitch, whose parents were immigrants from Russia and Poland and had a little grocery store at 114 N. Pine, down the block from the old police station. The saxophone was a bar mitzvah present. He heard Vido Musso playing it on Benny Goodman's big number, "Sing, Sing, Sing," and figured, "I want to do that."
By the time he got to Forest Park High School, he was playing local clubs. Then he joined the Merchant Marine, sailed on a liberty ship taking supplies to wartime ally Russia, twice making the treacherous Murmansk run where they faced freezing weather and the fear of being attacked by a submarine.
After the war, everybody looked to start their lives over again. Baitch found work at a place called Chick's Bar, Baltimore and Greene streets, where somebody told him, "You gotta have a gimmick." Television was coming in big by then, and Al saw a newspaper ad for Muntz TVs. Mr. Muntz wanted to practically give the sets away, but Mrs. Muntz said no. Madman Muntz, the old man called himself. Al liked the sound of it. Thus, "Madman" Baitch was born.
"It fit," he says. "The way I used to walk the bar playing the saxophone, and lying on my back. I was a showman. You had to be. So I became Madman."
But his reputation came from more than a nickname. The guy knew how to play. He backed up Sarah Vaughan, Bill Haley, George Shearing. For six years, he was a fixture at the Surf Club, Fayette near Highland, where he saw the confrontation that endures in local legend.
The joint was packed, the waiting line was long, and Rocky Marciano, accompanied by fight promoter Benny Trotta, tried to enter. Bob "Rabbit" Pomerlane, manning the door, said no, and cemented a reputation as one of the town's not-to-be-messed-with guys.
"In those days," Baitch says, "you saw all kinds of confrontations. Hell, all those years I worked on The Block. ... "
It was live music in those days, and names that defined a generation of street fighters, gamblers, sporting types: Julius (Lord) Salisbury and Pacie Silbert, Henny Corcoran and Sylvan Bass and Foto Lewis, who got his name because he'd run along the grandstand as the horses headed down the homestretch at Pimlico for a photo finish.
And the most famous Block denizen, Blaze Starr. "She was a waitress on Baltimore Street," Baitch remembers. "Attractive, well built. Solly Goodman owned the Two O'Clock Club then. He said, `I want you to work for me.' She said, `I never danced.' He said, `Don't worry, you don't have to dance.'"
Blaze let your imagination work for you. She brought a little elegance to the undress. "She never cursed, she never was drunk, she was never out of line," Baitch says. "She was a lady."
He remembers it all. He's still out there, a sax symbol at 80, playing with his trio. Wearing his brand-new pacemaker, too. The thing will have to work hard to keep pace with the Madman.

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Baker, Henry
Local great jazz saxophonist passed away in April 2008. Mr. Baker was instrumental in organizing the music program at Morgan State where he formed the Mo-Bops in the 1950s. Among other local and national artists Henry also played with Tracy McClearey's Royal Men of Rhythm as house band at the Royal Theater, Owen Pinkney's Quartet, the Aristocrats of Jazz, and traveled nationally with Paul Bley's band. In addition to his music career he was proprieter of Mr. Baker's chain of hair salon's. He owned the Peyton Place club on Pennsylvania Avenue in the '60s, and later The Closet jazz club on West Franklin St. Condolences to his family and friends.

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Barnes, Kevin - passed away in May 2020. Kevin sang baritone for the 1970s TK Records recording group Jimmy Briscoe's (Little) Beavers.

Photos: Left - from 1974 T.K. Pi Kappa LP "My Ebony Princess"
Right: from 1977 T.K. Wanderick LP "Jimmy Briscoe & the Beavers"

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Bartel, Bob - WCAO radio personality '60s-90s. June 4, 2005 (74).

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Barton, Gary - Singer with '60s-70s R&B group The Camaros Soul Revue has passed away after a long battle with cancer.
5.2018

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Bavaro, Larry - passed away on April 8, 2020 of a heart attack. He played drums for over 40 years in many local groups including The Doubts, Beat Boys, Mannekin, Big City, Rob Fahey's Pieces, Cry Wolf... Wishing my condolences to all his family and friends.

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Bell, Demian - aka Denny Romans passed away on May 17, 2014 after battling cancer. Guitarist. Member of the Moss, Psychedelic Propeller, and Good Grief in Baltimore area, had a stint with Moulty & the Barbarians, later formed Maypole with record releases on Colossus label. He was a member of Renaud & the Junction, Contraband, and backed DC artist Roy Buchanan. Demian also performed throughout Europe for 30 some years including time with his group The Blues Mekaniks.

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Benicwicz, Larry - Passed away on October 10, 2019 at age 72 after battling cancer. His career was as a teacher in Anne Arundel County schools, but his real love was music - especially the blues, and at an early age he began a collecting records. Larry was a major proponent of local and national musicians and wrote historical articles for many publications. He was a major contributor to the Blues Rag (The Baltimore Blues Society magazine), local monthlies such as Maryland Musician, Music Monthly, and international publications such as Soulbag (Paris, France), as well as magazines in Belgium, Vienna, and British Columbia.
He and Carol Campbell, his partner of 40+ years, traveled extensively in the U.S. and Europe where they interviewed and photographed scores of musicians. Carol and Larry married on October 4, a week before Larry's death.
Larry was a major supporter of zydeco, cajun, and blues music. He tirelessly promoted New Orleans groups and introduced them to the Baltimore / D.C. area, many times having them stay at their home in Waverly. For his dedication Larry was named an Honorary Citizen by the Governor of Louisiana.

Baltimore Blues Society founder Dale Patton referred to Larry as "a walking catalog of records." Larry provided soundtrack music for many films by John Waters including Hairspray, Cry Baby, Cecil B. Demented and others. He also co-produced CD collections including "A John Waters Christmas."
Larry happily provided information and photos for the Baltimore Sounds book, a project that he found very important to preserve the history of local music. In recent years I was many times surprised to receive packages in the mail from Larry of extra or duplicate copies of local 45's that he had found to try to help replace my collection that was lost through a divorce. Other folks have related similar stories about Larry's kindness and generosity.
He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and colleagues.

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Bertling, Norb
I am sorry to report that 'Norb', drummer for many years in the Baltimore area has passed away. Norb was remembered at the November 18, 2018 MEHOF ceremony as a member of inducted group THE GIGS.
Groups that Norb played for over the years included The Circuit Breakers, The Rockin' Airs, Eric & the Wall of Sound, The Patent Pending, Southwind, The Bill Evett Trio, Lovesong, The Gigs (both the first and second incarnations of the group). RIP.

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Bey, Ramir - Jazz bassist passed away on July 18, 2020. RIP, Ramir!

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Blauser, 'Mokey' (Thomas Leroy Blauser), vocalist and guitarist, passed away on February 12, 2021 (59).
Mokey and his brother Jamie lived in Marshalee Estates in Elkridge. Jamie played piano in Jagged Edge while Mokey was a soundman, The band made appearances at Back of the Vac, Cheng Du's, among other local venues. The Blauser's moved to the Luray Virginia area where the brothers were both members of popular southern rock band Ambush.

With Mokey as lead vocalist the group played the local circuit and opened shows for Blackfoot and other big names. Jamie passed away in 2009.
Mokey performed for many years in an acoustic duo as a vocalist and guitarist.

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Bonarrigo, Frank - Lead vocalist of RCA Victor recording group The Lafayettes with their classic "Life's Too Short" and second release "Caravan of Lonely Men", as well as local groups Frank & The Fugitives / Fugitive Six, and Frank James & The Outlaws passed away on March 26, 2021.

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Bonner, Eugene 'Gene' - Saxophonist, passed away on August 5, 2015 at the age of 80. Starting in the 1950s he performed with the National Guard Band and led his own orchestra that performed on WAAM-TV. He was a member of the Zim Zemarel Orchestra from the 1960's through the 1990's, then continued to lead the orchestra after Zemarel passed away. He and several members of the group appeared in Barry Levenson's film 'Avalon', Gene also appeared as a saxophonist on an episode of 'Homicide: Life On The Streets'.

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Bontz, Joe - Guitarist with the Cadillac Cruisers, Pet Rock, Cruise... passed away on August 17, 2021

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Boston, Ernie - Newscaster at WCAO, editor at Baltimore Afro-American News. Also worked at radio stations WEBB, WBGR, WLIF. March 11, 1999 (59).

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Boucher, Steven
I was very saddened to learn that Steve passed away in January 2015 after a long battle with cancer.

Steve Boucher at Back Of The Vac circa 1983
Steve and his group were our regular Sunday night band at Back of the Vac in the 1980s. They also performed regularly at Spittel's Salty Dog Saloon, and The Horse in Fells Point among others.
Steve ventured to Nashville to pursue a recording career. He released a CD in 1991 "Let Me Show You How It's Done" on T.K.O. Nashville label. A great album that is well worth seeking a copy if you are a fan of '90s country music.

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Brady, Bob
Baltimore lost a legendary voice as Bob Brady has passed away.

Photos: Bob Brady circa 1969

A vocalist, guitarist and pianist, Bob started out in the early '60s with local group The Flintstones. The group was a finalist in Buddy Deane battle of the bands. Members went on to many great local bands. In 1964 he joined The Conchords. Bob Brady & the Conchords became one of the top Baltimore area groups of the '60s and early '70s. They recorded a string of regionally popular singles on the Chariot label as well as a solo release on A&M Records. Many of their releases later became highly sought after collectible records in Europe. Bob was later a member of the groups Energy, Rise, Cadillac Cruisers, Pastime, and others.
In the '00s one of the Conchords records, "Everybody's Goin' To The Love-In," a Northern Soul collectible, had caught on in Europe as the music for a radio and television commercial. Bob proudly showed me a (very small) royalty check and remarked that after forty years he had become an overnight sensation!
Bob battled with heart disease and cancer in recent years and passed away on November 29, 2016 at age 71.

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Bridge, Stanley - From a musical family of drummers, Stan was a singer/crooner and led his own Stan Bridge Orchestra. They played countless weddings from 1950s-1970s. Governor Marvin Mandel's inauguration. Also played with Lou Ginsberg Orchestra. He passed away on February 18, 2007 at age 85.

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Brown, Marvin - Known for his sweet soul style falsetto vocals as member of AVCO/H&L recording group The Softones. The group was produced by the famed team of Hugo & Luigi and featured a backing session group led by Van McCoy. Marvin's voice also graced recordings with First Class, The Tones, Johnnie Johnson's Fonics, Cruel Shoes, and others.
Outside of music Dr. Marvin Brown was a psychologist and drug treatment plan administrator. He passed away on July 3, 2020 at age 66.

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Bull, Doug - trumpeter, teacher, fatured with Towson State Jazz under Hank Levy. Local groups included the Lafayettes, Admirals, Princetons, Majestics. Nationally he played for many major artists. Passed away April 12, 2022.

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Bullock, Hiram - Accomplished jazz and rock guitarist passed away on July 25, 2008. In January he was diagnosed with a tumor in his throat and it ultimately took his life on July 25, 2008.
Hiram played on countless studio sessions including with Steely Dan, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Brecker Brothers, James Brown, Miles Davis, and many other pop and jazz artists.
Also in New York Hiram formed a group called The 24th Street Band, he was also a member of Paul Schaffer's World's Most Dangerous Band on Late Night With David Letterman.
To quote Scott Pendleton "Another friend and musician gone... keep your friends close... too many of them are leaving too soon."

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Burkowske, Carl E. - passed away on Monday, February 15, 2016. Originally from the Woodlawn suburb of Baltimore, his last residence was in Lusby, MD.

Carl was introduced to me by RaVons manager Vern Ruppert. We met with bandmate Clyde Weitzel and enjoyed a small RaVons reunion and talked about all the old bands. Carl was intrigued by the Baltimore Sounds book. He was always eager to send additional information about local music and we corresponded quite often.
Using the stage name Carl Evans he was a guitarist with The Spartans, the original RaVons, The Centaurs, then in 1961 started a 35 year run as a founding member of The Sentries (managed by his dad Frank 'Bee' Burkowske). The Sentries became one of the Baltimore area's most in demand variety and show bands.
Carl's bands performed at all the major clubs in the area as well as wedding receptions, bull roasts, etc. They did countless radio and television appearances including The Buddy Deane Show, Kerby Scott Show, Wing Ding, Larry Angel Show... In 1967 Brenda & The Sentries released a single "Don't Make Me Lie" written by WCAO DJ Alan Field.
Aside from music, Carl worked for United Airlines for 32 years.
Funeral services were held on Friday, February 19. RIP, Carl.

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Byrd, Joe - Bass guitarist best known for work with his brother Charlie and for popularizing bossa nova jazz in the U.S, He died of a car accident on March 6, 2012 at age 78.

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Callas, Demitri 'Penny' - January 12, 2020 after a long battle with Parkinsons. Frederick based legendary guitarist was inducted in the Maryland Entertainer's Hall of Fame in 2018. Groups that Penny played with included The Playboys, The Shades, Ronnie Dove's BelTones, The Bad Boys, Flavor (national hit "Sally Had a Party"), Bill Black's Combo, Frankie Valli's Four Seasons, Holland, Demetri & the Flashbacks...
Though I did not personally know him throughout these groups I always remember a chance meeting with him that we talked about our shared passion of records.

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Canelli, Marty - Keyboard player, sound engineer. Long time member of Gazze. Also a member of Truck, Turn Blue, Wintersunn. Recorded with Greenberry Woods, W.C. Spencer, Myracle Brah... Passed away on February 24, 2021.

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Cash, Jonas (Joe) - Buddy Deane Committee member, record promoter, founder Active Industry Research, producer, partner with Bob Gordon of Cascargo Music Publishing and BOF Talent Management that released records by local groups Pen Lucy, Coyote, Bob Brady & the Conchords... - April 13, 2021 (81)

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Cayce, Steve
On May 18, 2013 we learned that Steve was found dead in his Towson apartment, apparently as a result of a bad fall. Initial reports are that it was accidental.
Steve was a great guitarist whose skills were heard in bands such as Queen's Chapel, Deceiver, Spitfire, and a couple of stints with blues rock group Doc Rogers & the Rock Dodgers.
David Wilcox posted the news on Facebook "As you guys know, Steve was one of my closest friends, and he will certainly be missed. I must also say here, that he was one of the best guitarists I ever knew, and that I ever had the privilege of working with - and I'm sure you guys feel the same. He was one of the rare and few who could "pull off" (playing-wise and sound-wise): Hendrix, Stevie Ray, Robin Trower, and other blues-rock greats. Steve was truly one of the finest and talented out there."
"There will be no viewing or service of any kind, per Steve's own wishes. I was told that when Steve had his accident a couple years back (with his legs being crushed, etc.), that he apparently put something in writing at that time - (believing he might very well not make it from his leg injuries)." May you rest in peace, Steve.

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Clark, Bob - passed away on May 27, 2015 due to complications of liver cancer. Bandmates Russ Krauch and Lee Doll noted that "Bob drummed for many local bands over the years including Talegunner, The James Morley Band and more recently The 13th Dream."
"Bob was best known however for his time drumming for Wally and the Weirdos. He was in the band from 1979-1982 and then rejoined in 1984 for the last year of shows. He also appeared on the Best of Wally and the Weirdos CD that came out in 2005. We will miss our friend very much."
Joe V has some fond memories of Wally & the Weirdos performing at Back of the Vac night club in the 1980's.

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Clutter, Francis Floyd 'Sonny' 'Lurch' - Drummer for many popular local bands including The Checkmates, The Verdicts, Blackfoot Smoke, A New Day, Krackerjax, Lurch, Big Cam & the Lifters, Boss Company... He passed away on March 21, 2023 at age 77

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Coffy, Marge - owner of 'Ferndale Oldies' record store passed away Feb. 12, 2010.
You may leave a guestbook entry at:
http://www.kirkleyruddickfuneralhome.com/index.php

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Combs, Michael J. 'Maddog' - Guitarist and vocalist of local bands 911, Strong Arm, Wrathchild, Back Alley Gators. He relocated to California. Died in a snowboarding accident on December 13, 2004 at age 42.

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Compton, Johnathan 'Sir Johnny O'
Baltimore Radio DJ Icon 'Sir Johnny O' dies at 75
by Zenitha Prince -- Special to the AFRO

A legendary Baltimorean fell silent when Sir Johnny O, who for years graced Baltimore's airwaves as a host on WWIN-Spirit 1400 AM radio, died on Oct. 29. He was 75.
Sir Johnny, whose real name was Johnathan Compton, had been battling a respiratory illness at a a Baltimore hospital. Several former colleagues visited him during his illness, and shared their memories of their peer and friend.
Compton's involvement in the media business began in his teens. In 1962, he distinguished himself when, at the age of 19, he landed his first on-air position at 1600 WWRL-AM in New York. Opportunities continued to present themselves, and a year later, he moved to WDAS in Philadelphia.
By 1964, Larry Dean, a former WWRL radio host who had helped Compton secure the New York gig, had advanced into a management position at WWIN in Baltimore. Dean convinced Compton to move farther south, and he assumed the 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. shift at WWIN, where he stayed for 20 years. During that time, he created the popular "Turnpike Jazz" segment which aired as part of the all-night show.
In later years, Johnny handled fill-in shifts at WEBB and WITH and also tried his hand at Internet radio.
A venerated veteran of the business, Compton mentored several fledgling jocks trying to break into the Baltimore radio industry, including J.B. Brown, Sam Beasley, Guy Broady and Curtis Anderson.
Many of his mentees and colleagues recalled the fascinating stories he would share about his time in the business. One such tale revolved around the April 1968 riots that erupted in Baltimore at the news of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Compton was at the studio and on the air when shots were fired through the window and he had to dive for cover, he told them.
"We won't forget his engaging personality, deep and cultured baritone voice, or his love for the business and the many who worked with him," radio veteran Bob Mathers said in a statement.
Mr. Compton, a Baltimore native, graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1956, and served in the Army before pursuing a radio career. He died of heart failure on October 29, 2013 at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

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Cook, Dennis 'Denny' - 74, founding member and 50 years leader of Harvey Hubcap & the Southern Maryland Band (T.S.M.B.) - later known simply as The Hubcaps, passed away June 26, 2023.

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Crawford, Al - Manager of Towson based band The Dynamics and proponent of several memorable Baltimore Jam band reunions, passed away on September 17, 2019 in Plano, Texas after a long battle with kidney and heart failure. Al was very helpful with sharing his knowledge about local bands for the Baltimore Sounds book.

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Paul Cridler, highly regarded trumpeter for many popular local groups including The Mello Men, The Admirals, The Majestics, Buddy Norman, Odyssey, Zim Zemarel Band, Hank Levy's Jazz Ensemble at Towson State College. Paul passed on May 14, 2022 at age 73.

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D'Eugenio, Anthony (Tony) - Trombonist and various other instruments. Started playing in bands while attending Patterson Park High School. His latest groups included The Gigolos, The Mudcutters. He owned an Italian deli in Westminster. March 17, 2004 (65).

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Dahlstrom, Al - Saxophonist, Al played for many of Baltimore area's best bands over a 6 decade career!
Bands include The Sentries, Joy Riders, Fugitives, Legend, Majestics, Snowblind, Brasswork, Big Cam & The Lifters, Soul Mates, Mary Lou & The Untouchables... Al passed away in February 2020.

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Daniels, Tex (Daniel George Franckewitz)
From moorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Born of Polish Immigrants, Joseph and Marie Franckewitz, on February 22, 1924 and was baptized Daniel George Franckewitz. He became one of Baltimore's most popular radio and television entertainers - Tex Daniels! Taking accordion lessons at an early age it was not long before he was playing Polish weddings and all types of affairs. He also played saxophone in the St. Patrick's and City College bands, with the inception of radio station WSID in Essex in 1947. Tex Daniels became a part of the Lazy H Ranch Boys with Paul Seipp, Eddy Stater and his brother Raymond. They did all live shows around the noon hour at the radio station and eventually to the highway theater on Saturdays with a live audience. When the station was moved to downtown Baltimore, the group stayed until Tex did a disc jockey show. They moved to WBMD and did a daily live radio show. Their personal appearances took them into all of Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, the New England states and even into Canada. Whenever on tour, the radio played transcriptions. Country music parks were popular at that time, such as Valley View Park and Brendel's Manor to mention a few. Tex and the Lazy H Ranch Boys appeared with such artists as Jimmy Dickens, Ernest Tubb, Red Foley, Hank Williams and Minnie Pearl. The Lazy H Ranch Boys started on WAAM-TV, channel 13 in 1949 and stayed until 1956. The show, tagged Lazy H Ranch, did live shows weekly with guest stars, square dancing and a popular game show entitled "Can You Play This?" Lazy H Ranch became one of Baltimore's most popular country music shows. Unfortunately, no tapes were made back then so the only memories of the Lazy H Ranch time are photographs. With Bill Haley's big hit "Rock Around The Clock" in 1957, country music went on a decline and Tex changed the name of the group to "Fran Daniels and Her Escorts." Tex and Fran were married in 1952. The group was a big hit, doing a one hour floor show and dance music. The group made about six tours to Greenland and played military bases from Florida to Maine, and as far west as Colorado. When at home, the group held up at Club 40 on Pulaski Highway. In 1970 Fran and Tex moved to Charlotte, NC and eventually divorced. Tex continued in music and remained in Charlotte 18 years. He returned to Baltimore in 1989 to help take care of his mother, and he continued on as a one man band switching from accordion to the keyboard (organ). Tex played the VFW in Roseville and Rosedale for 8 years. He worked until December 1999, appearing at nursing homes, senior centers, assisted living homes, private clubs and engagements. With six hip operations that he had over a period of 24 years it was time for him to retire. Tex will be remembered as the finest accordion and organ player ever and as a kind and gentle person, always trying to make people happy with his music. Tex Daniels (Daniel George Franckewitz) was also the BEST Father in the world that took care of his two sons, James Franckewitz and Joseph Franckewitz, and also his 9 grandchildren - the best that any man could do in the world.

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Dark, Johnny - passed away on September 15, 2016 (82). A true legend in Baltimore radio. Many thousands of listeners grew up with him on the air during the 1960s and '70s on WCAO-AM where he worked for 30 years. His voice immortalized on the "Cruisin' 1968" album (Increase Records). In his later years he was an air personality at WTTR in Westminster, MD. Much has been written about him... what more can I say? Thank you Johnny for introducing me to the most exciting years of Top 40 radio!

Photos above: Cruisin' 1968 (Increase Records) - Johnny Dark from the WCAO album

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Deane, Buddy
R.I.P. Buddy Deane, July 16, 2003

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Delaney, Delmer - Leader of bluegrass group The Windy Mountain Boys. Record releases on Rebel, Wedge labels. Died September 14, 2014, age 83.

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Devilbiss, Leslie "Bud" - (78), guitarist of The Del-Vinos and a motorcycle enthusiast, passed away October 24, 2021.

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Digiosafati, Vince - Guitarist, vocalist, recording artist. Member of Nightshift, The Verge, solo artist aka Vinnie Dee played often at Back of the Vac in Ellicott City. Vince passed away on May 6, 2006.

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DiMarino, Ed - R.I.P. Ed DiMarino, April 5, 2017. Bass guitarist, a member of local popular band Joy.
Ed relocated to Las Vegas in 1977 where he performed with many top artists including Wayne Newton, The Smith Brothers, and The Righteous Brothers.

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DiPaula, Michael - passed away on September 25, 2017. In his teens he played saxophone for The Marquis, and The Chelseas throughout the Baltimore area and Ocean City. The Chelseas appeared on The Kerby Scott Show. Michael was a U.S. Navy veteran and operated a successful dental practice in Parkville for over 30 years.

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DiPaula, Tommy - Bass guitarist, passed away on July 16, 2012, as a result of an auto accident. Tommy was an original member of local favorite and RCA recording group The Royal 5 + 1. He also played in many other Baltimore area groups including Horizon, Night Shift, and more recently with The Klassix. Sincerest condolences are extended to his family and friends.

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Dixon, Billy - Keyboards and vocals with the Five Bees during the 1950s-60s. In the 1970s was a member of The 3 Of Us Trio, and The Soul Explosion. Billy passed away at age 69 on March 31, 2010.

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Dotson, Jimmy - Solo vocalist and recording artist from Winfield, Maryland. He released many single records on labels that include Aar O Dot, Soul House, Nicetown, Mercury, Volt, and Ru-Jac. He toured and performed with many of the top artists of his era. He sang with The Inner Light Band, Phase III Band... Jimmy passed away in May 1991.

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Egorin, Sammy - Prolific song writer, most notably in partnership with Tony Sciuto. Passed away on August 31 at age 76.
His songs were recorded by many local as well as internationally known pop and R&B artists including Pen Lucy, Energy, B.L. Grant, Bay City Rollers, Marcus Joseph, Mark Hunter, Don Johnson, Dragon, and many songs by Tony Sciuto.

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Ennis, Ethel - Legendary jazz singer passed away on February 17 due to complications from a stroke. She was 86. Condolences to her family, friends and fans.

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Ferrell, Anthony - Radio personality Anthony Ferrell aka Dr. Doo-Wop - host of a popular oldies show on Morgan State University's radio station WEAA passed away on October 4, 2017 after suffering a stroke.

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Ferguson, Charlie - Keyboardist and vocalist with Rich & the Roadrunners passed away April 2021.

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Ferguson, Robert - aka Bobby Starr, vocalist of The Versatiles, and the great smooth soul Philadelphia group The Intruders. Bobby had suffered a stroke several years ago. He passed on March 18, 2022.

Bobby Starr and Joe at Fred Brown's First Class reunion June 17, 2017

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Field, Irwin Alan - Legendary radio personality with over 5 decades on the air in Baltimore including 12 years during the glory years of WCAO, then stints with WAYE, WITH, WMAR-FM.
Alan also wrote music and/or produced records by local groups icluding Brenda & the Sentries (Bee Records), Donna Marie (Decca), Jimmy Jordan (20th Fox), The Tangiers & The Jetsons Band (Date). He also wrote the "Run Right to Reads" commercial as recorded by Froggy & the Gremlins.
Alan passed away on March 22, 2023 (89).

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Fields, Wilfred 'Mickey' - Jazz/R&B saxophonist. Member of The Tilters (Atlantic Records) with his sister Shirley as vocalist, Mickey & Company, Mickey & His Mice (Samar Records). Although many opportunities to travel, Mickey preferred to stay in Baltimore where he was one of the most beloved and well known saxophonists. He passed away on January 6, 1995, age 62.

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Fischer, Marty - Drummer for many of Baltimore's top groups including Pen Lucy, Del Monicos, Bob Brady & the Con Chords, Bruce Westcott Band. Passed away August 18, 2010 (66).

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Fisher, Ralph
Saying so-long to Ralph Fisher... By Baltimore Sun writer Jacques Kelly
Ralph Otis Fisher, a versatile drummer who performed at jazz clubs and did studio work with 1970s pop artists, died of cancer Saturday (December 27, 2008) at his Randallstown home. He was 61. Over the past five decades, he played rhythm and blues, jazz and gospel at numerous clubs and private parties and was one of Baltimore's best-known drummers. "He had the right timing. He had the right touch. He had the right feel," said singer Ethel Ennis. "Speaking as a vocalist, he was a take-care-of-you drummer." Born and raised in Frederick, he first showed an interest in percussion when, as a child, he would hammer out musical rhythms on his family's kitchen chairs. After he wore out their upholstery, his father bought his 5-year-old a set of drums. He played in the school band at Linganore High School. Family members said his first professional job was playing at the Gist Club in Libertytown at 16. A year later he moved to Baltimore and performed at the Sphinx Club, Club Casino and New Albert Hall in the then-flourishing Pennsylvania Avenue music scene. "He performed flawlessly and was one of the most highly sought-after and highly respected drummers to come out of Baltimore," said E. Scott Johnson, chair of the Maryland State Arts Council. When African-American stars came to Baltimore and sang at the Royal Theatre or at Carr's Beach near Annapolis, Mr. Fisher played alongside and often performed with opening acts. "He was a natural talent and very serious about his music. He wanted everything to be right," said Nevitta Ruddy, a friend and keyboard player. "If someone else wasn't playing properly, he'd stop the music." Family members said he moved to Los Angeles for a while many years ago and did studio work with Earth, Wind and Fire and the Temptations, often supplying his brand of funk to practice sessions. He also toured with Wilson Pickett and Luther Ingram. "Ralph was known throughout the music world as a gifted drummer, and to see him live was to be treated to an explosive show," said his sister, Shirley L. Jackson of Randallstown. "He was versatile enough to play any music genre, but jazz, R&B, funk, blues and gospel were his favorite musical entities." In Baltimore, he played at the New Haven Lounge, the Park Plaza, the Caton Castle, Mimi Junior's, the 32nd Street Plaza and Duffy's Lounge. He also recorded with the poet Wanda Robinson on two albums on the Perception label in the early 1970s and was a member of Cruel Shoes, a group led by John Palumbo that released a CD in 1992. He was also a member of Scott Cunningham's Band in the late 1970s. "Like many of the noted local musicians, he could be found regularly at the Sportsman's Lounge, where there was a jam session Monday nights," said his sister. Family members said that Mr. Fisher was a "very spiritual person" and played drums for a church band at Bible Manor Church with his longtime friend Julius Brockington. At the time of his death, he was working on a gospel CD, a project he did not finish.

Ralph Fisher

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Flinkman, Norman R. - aka Randy Fisher , died June 10, 2015 of pancreatic cancer in Pompano Beach, Florida.
Mr. Flinkman attended Forest Park High School, then served in the U.S. army. Under stage name Randy Fisher he released a record in 1958 "You're The Reason" b/w "I've Got The Feeling" (Saliano 112) backed by a studio group called The Sharp Tones.
During the 1960's he performed professionally as a comedian and singer under the stage name Buddy DeVille. He worked local clubs that included The 2 O'Clock Club on the famed Baltimore Block, and Sherrie's Show Bar on Pulaski Highway. He toured nationally, later becoming a promoter and a booking agent.
. In the 1970s he owned a night club in Dothan, Alabama, and later retired to Florida.

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Flockton, Michelle
"Three months later, his sister Michelle Flockton (nee' Grden 1963 - 2015) died of leukemia in September 2015. She was sister of drummer John Grden. Her friend John Cochran said "Michelle wasn't cited anywhere in Baltimore Sounds, but she was a brilliant flutist with a degree from Towson State, and later an instructor there. She would sit in with Driving Force during our covers of "Locomotive Breath" and excerpts from "Supper's Ready".

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Ford, Ricky - Guitarist and member of local bands including Cinnamon Cloud, Joshua, Rockhard Peter. Ricky passed away due to lung cancer on December 16, 2020.
RIP Ricky - sending condolences to family and friends.

Ricky with The Cinnamon Cloud circa 1968, Ricky with Joshua circa 1972

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Forrester, Jim, 43, bass guitarist of popular 90's recording group Sixty Watt Shaman, and more recently with the bands Foghound, and Serpents of Secrecy, was shot to death outside of the tattoo shop where he worked in Fells Point. Condolences to all friends and family.

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Friesner, Neil - bass guitarist, member of Dakota, Bitter Creek, The Edge with Matt Douglass. January 29, 2022.

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Funk, Bob - Bass guitarist with many local groups including The Del-Vikings, Verdicts, Grok, Legend, Horizon... lost his fight with cancer on March 27, 2021. Thanks Bob for your service to our country. May you rest in peace.

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Gale, Jack - Radio legend and friend, died of natural causes on January 24, 2018 at the age of 92, at his home in Sebring, Florida. He was predeceased by his wife Lovey.
Baltimore Sun staff writer Jacques Kelly wrote a nice tribute.
Jack had so many stories that a book could be written. And as a matter of fact he DID write a book! I would highly recommend anyone to search out a copy of his book "Same Time, Same Station." His musical career in radio, recording and producing records, voiceovers and commercials spanned 8 decades! A true original and professional in every way!

Lovey Gale, Jack Gale, and Joe V - photo circa 2009

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Gannon, Roland - guitarist of '60s band the Nomads, passed away in August 2009. Roland worked at Fred Walker Music and Dundalk Music for many years and was a retired Army veteran. A memorial gathering was held in his honor, attended by family, friends and many members of his '60s band the Nomads. Some great stories were told. He will be missed by many.

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Gantt, Warren - Warren was drummer for the Fuzzy Kane Trio (Bay Sound Records recording artist). The trio also backed jazz vocalist Ernie Andrews on Phil-LA of Soul Records. Warren passed away in March 2020.

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Gaskins, Ray - Saxophonist, keyboardist, vocalist from Baltimore made his mark in New York where he worked with such jazz, funk and R&B liminaries as Phyllis Hyman, Roy Ayers, and his cousin Jocelyn Brown, among others, touring nationally and abroad, appears on many recordings. Locally with R&B group Spice. Ray passed away after a long illness on January 20, 2022 at age 62.

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Gavazzi, Debbie - passed away on June 27, 2012
Debbie was an indie talent agent who worked for many artists in the mid-Atlantic area. Condolences to her family and friends.

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Geigerich, Dave - Roots musician of rockabilly, western swing, bluegrass, hawaiian... Played steel guitar, dobro... Played with Bill Harrell & the Virginians, The Hula Monsters... Record releases included a solo album and appearances with Smooth Kentucky, Wayne Taylor & Appaloosa. Dave passed away on December 29, 2010.

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Gillespie, John - Guitarist, original member of The Belltones. Johnny toured with Ronnie Dove for over 25 years. A resident of Glen Burnie, MD for many years, he passed away in Knoxville, TN on October 21, 2018.

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Gilyard, James, aka 'JG' passed away on September 11, 2015 after a long battle with cancer.
JG played bass guitar for the Shyndells Band, backing many recording artists on Rufus Mitchell's Ru-Jac Records label, and as primary backing band for local R&B legends Winfield Parker and Kenny Hamber among others. The Shyndells provided backing music and/or opened for a virtual who's who of R&B music throughout the 1960's on many local stages including the Civic Center, Lyric Theater, and Carr's Beach, as well as tours on the famed 'chitlin' circuit.'
In 1969 JG joined the Hitchhikers (Denny & the Hitchhikers) along with Warren Garrison, Kenny Hamber, and others after the departure of Denny Picasso. The group membership evolved as they became known as The J.G. Hitchhikers. Among many venues local and abroad, they played two years as the house band at The Blackjack Club in Baltimore.

J.G. continued as leader of Kenny Hamber's backing bands, touring the U.S. and Europe, until his health began failing in recent years. He had a warm personality and a huge infectious smile. I was honored to be recognized by him at shows at the 5th Regiment Armory and the Patapsco Arena.

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Glaser, David - Guitarist, songwriter, teacher David Glaser has passed away after battling cancer.
Dave played in many Annapolis/Baltimore area groups including Van Dyke & Glaser, Daylight, Telluride, Band of a Thousand Names, Guitars From Mars, Expensive Hobby...
From his website:
"David Glaser has been playing professionally for over 30 years! He is an iconic musician in the Mid Atlantic area and is a nationally known electric and acoustic guitarist, mandolinist, and songwriter. His style and skill set have made him a sought-after studio musician and side man. He records tracks in his home studio and plays over 150 shows annually.
"David's resume includes gigs with recording artists Lowen & Navarro, Starpoint, Bob Sima, and many others. See www.davidglaser.com for more about David."
posted 6.11.2018

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Glover, Ruby - Jazz vocalist. Started out as a 16 year old vocalist for Doug's Blue Notes. From the 1940s into the 2000s she performed local clubs including many legendary venues along Pennsylvania Avenue. Ruby taught jazz appreciation at Sojourner-Douglas College and she led walking tours along the famous Pennsylvania Avenue.
Joe V. I had the honor of sharing an event with her at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Ruby sang a few songs and I gave a presentation on local music. It was just one week before her fateful collapse on stage and subsequent passing the next day October 20, 2007. Ruby was one of the nicest most pleasant people you could ever meet. As a proponent of the arts in Baltimore she was glad to invite me into her home and share information for the Baltimore Sounds book. A celebration of her life was held at Sojourner-Douglas auditorium was standing room only.

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Gordon, W. Leroy (Lee) - Lead singer of Bay Sound Records recording artist The Bleu Lights. February 18, 2009.

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Grago, Carmen - Guitarist / vocalist member of The Blue Meanies, Killing Floor, Charlie Don't Surf. Carmen was the victim of a hit and run auto accident on October 9, 2005, he was 44.

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Granger, T,J. - guitarist of groups that included Amber, Pentagon, and TaleGunner lost his battle with cancer on January 10, 2022.

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Grden, John (1964 - 2015) speed metal drummer passed away in June 2015. He is noted in Baltimore Sounds with Decadence (p.116), Have Mercy (p.202), Mary Suicide, (p.296), Nothing Sacred (p.334), Pessimist (p.365), and Speaking in Tongues (p.455), but friend and bandmate John Cochran remembered "we had a rocking teenage combo (Driving Force, p.132) that made a little but significant splash. He wasn't no slouch on trombone either, no shit!"

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Greff, Kraig - Pianist, accordionist, writer, producer, most notably with his cajun / zydeco band The Crawdaddies. February 27, 2022.

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Grim, Chuck - keyboardist, vocalist - bands included Scarlet Image, Ellicott Brothers, Sage.

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Grim, Danny - passed away on April 10, 2019 after a long battle with bladder cancer. He was well known bass guitarist for many years as a member of Chrystal, Teazer, then an original and long-time member of Hectic Red from the mid-80s through the 2000s, during which time he also played concurrently with groups such as Reporter, XYZ, and KGB.

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Guernsey, Tom - guitarist - his early groups include Bethesda Maryland based Reekers who released a single on Baltimore's Ru-Jac Records. The Reekers basically morphed into The Hangmen - a legendary garage band with album and single releases on Monument Records.
Tom subsequently worked with many other groups as well as doing commercial studio work. He passed away on October 3, 2012.

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Gunther, Roy - Band manager and booking agent. Passed away of cancer on December 27, 2008. R.I.P. Some of local groups he managed during the '60s and '70s included Gary & the Artesians, The Del Vinos, The Legends, The Package, Raintree, Felix, Carry On...

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Hancock, Billy - Rockabilly singer, guitarist and bassist known for his outrageous stage presence and his collaborations with virtuosic guitarist Danny Gatton, died Jan. 22, 2018 at a hospital in La Plata, Md. He was 71. The cause was complications from cirrhosis, said his producer, Jon Strong of Ripsaw Records.
See tribute article in :

The Washington Post by Terence McArdle

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Harris, Charles Pervis - Charlie Harris, also known as Sonny, a bass guitarist played clubs along Pennsylvania Avenue, and with Tracey McClearey's band at The Royal Theater. He joined Lionel Hampton's band in 1941. He returned to Baltimore and joined Three Strikes and a Miss. From 1951-64 Sonny was bassist for Nat King Cole's band. His bass can be heard on all of Cole's great hits including 'Mona Lisa', 'Unforgettable', 'Ramblin' Rose'...
He passed away September 9, 2003 at age 87.

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Harris, Damon
Singer Damon 'Otis' Harris passed away on February 18, 2013.
Damon began his singing career with local teen R&B groups the Tempros, and Shades Formation, then the Vandals (Young Vandals) who released singles on T-Neck Records.
At the age of 21 he fulfilled a dream joining his idol group Motown's Temptations as a replacement for the departed Eddie Kendricks. From 1971 through 1975 Damon sang on all the major Temptations hits including their biggest "Papa Was A Rolling Stone." During his tenure with the group they earned nine gold record awards, three Grammies and two American Music Awards.
In 1975 he returned to Baltimore and reunited with former members of the Vandals calling themselves Impact. The group released albums and singles on Atco and WMOT labels. Damon also released a solo album in 1978 with a single "It's Music" reaching the national R&B charts. After some work in Vegas and tours with a Tempations off-shoot group Damon retired from music and went to school to study law.
In late '90s he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and after a number of years winning the battle he founded The Damon Harris Cancer Foundation. Damon told me how proud he was to give something back to the community by promoting awareness of prostate cancer among African-American men - the demographic most susceptible to the disease.
After a 14-year battle with cancer Damon passed away at the Joseph Richey Hospice in Baltimore at the age of 62.

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Harris, "Tiny Tim" – soulful vocalist and recording artist. From Larry Benicewicz:
Tiny Tim Harris was 'Tiny' Tim because he wasn't very tall, not because he was young (in the mid 60's). He'd actually been in a doo-wop group (the Harris Brothers) with Kenny Hamber way back in the 50's and then (at the end of the 50's) he won a talent contest at the Apollo that led to record deals with Deluxe & Roulette.
He was (for a short period) the Tiny Tim in Tiny Tim & The Hits, having moved with Henry Glover from Deluxe (King Records) to Roulette.
Seems he was so scared of the guys at Roulette that he soon headed back to Baltimore... here he extended his music biz duties by producing the Strands (for Triode).
Later in the 60's, he signed with Ru-Jac and had a 45 release... Ru-Jac #1613 - "Saving All My Loving"
Tim released records on Ru-Jac, Timco, Bobby Robinson labels. In recent years he led the Do It All Band.

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Hart, Barry - guitarist of Baltimore groups The Centurions, The Chevelles, The Chosen Few, as well as many other D.C./Baltimore regional groups. Passed away October 2021.

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Hedges, Michael - Acoustic guitarist originally from Enid, OK, came to Baltimore and attended Peabody Conservatory. While in Baltimore he played in bands including The Lotus Band, played flute on Darryl Beard's album, as a solo and as band member he played many local venues including The Peabody Book & Beer Stube, Clark Street Garage, Jo's Organic Bar, Jade Palace, Toni's Dream, The Horse, No Fish Today, Papillion's, Four Corners Inn... In early 1980s Michael moved to San Diego. He went on to release a series of critically acclaimed new age style albums on Windham Hill Records. An extremely gifted and innovative guitarist, he was voted Best Acoustic Guitarist 5 years running in Guitar Magazine's readers poll. Michael died in a single car accident in Mendocino County California on December 2, 1997 at age 43.

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Hendry, Neil - The first drummer and founding member of the band The Uncertain Things, died of liver failure in April 2013.
Update courtesy of Matt Siran

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Hensel, 'Budd' - Albert Charles "Budd" Hensel, Jr. passed away on May 18, 2017 at his home in Ocoee, Florida. From 1958-1961 he was lead guitarist and vocalist of Gardenville area group The Adjectives. He later joined The Del Satins through the early to mid-1960s using the stage name of Buddy Lee Rimar.
Some of Budd's music is posted on broadjam.com, where a brief autobiography reads:
"Starting at 13 playing bluegrass music, During the mid 50's and late 60's I worked with many local Maryland, Washington D.C. R&B Bands Then an opportunity took me to the Big Apple working with some of the better known Artists of R&B era.
"In 1968, family responsibilities took me away from the spotlights, ending my dreams of being a known entertainer... So I began writing and taping various types of music and lyrics.
"In 2006 my children had discovered several of the tapes I'd composed, persuading me to continue my efforts into more than just a hobby.
"In 2007, I joined ASCAP and Broadjam, then assembled a mini-studio using a multitrack recorder...
"At my age, to be heard or even recognized as the writer of song you like, I say "Thank You" and always remember "For such is the life of a Struggling Musician.""

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Hernandez, Roger - Longtime career musician died earlier this year (2012) at age 56.
Roger had an extensive history performing locally and abroad.
Guitarist Richard Walton recalls that Roger "hired me right out of high school in a working 9 piece band called Sunset Dawn in 1974. We were doing a lot of good gigs back then. After the band broke up Roger went solo, working cruise ships and touring."

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Hess, Jamie
Word recently received that Jamie passed away this June 2014. Jamie played keyboards for RCA recording artist The Lafayettes. His piano playing will always live on in their recordings including the classic "Life's Too Short."

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High, Karon
John Cochran recalls " my dear friend and soulmate Karon High (1955 - 2010). Karon came to Baltimore by way of Austin, Texas, and participated in regional songwriting forums. She was a good acoustic guitarist and had a voice that could melt glass. We would kill 'em at Fells Point with our "Paradise By the Dashboard Light" karaoke."

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Hoffman, Bill
I am sorry to note the recent passing of keyboardist Bill Hoffman, an early member of The Sentries, and later with Legend.
June 2009

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Holland, Bill
saxophonist, early groups included The Poker Chips, and later led his Rent's Due Band. Bill passed in August 2018.

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Holyfield, Lizzy Dean
We are sorry to hear that Lizzy, vocalist of Great Mutant Skywheel passed away October 2020.

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Hughes, Jimmy - passed away on July 1, 2010 after a long battle with throat cancer. He was primarily known as a bass guitarist, playing music for almost 50 years with local groups including The Rhythmaires, CJ & the Legends which later became known as Legend, The Lower East Side, and in more recent years The Charmed Times Reunion Band. All of these groups released records. Jimmy was and always will be a Legend. Not only in band name, but in class and personality, as well as musicianship. Jimmy played a big part in recent years stirring up nostalgia for the Baltimore music scene. He seemed to know everyone and had endless stories about himself and others playing locally and touring across the country. His knowledge of music in addition to his encyclopedic memories of old TV and other such trivia was phenominal. He was part of a group that wrote and published band biographies for the Charmed Times magazine, and he influenced me to continue the work which eventually snowballed into the Baltimore Sounds book. I was honored that he was kind enough to write an endorsement for the book and I had his words printed on the first page.

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Hulbert, Maurice 'Hot Rod' - 'The Crown Prince of Radio', Hot Rod graced Baltimore pop and R&B radio stations for over 30 years, starting with WITH in 1951. Inbetween he did a brief stint in Philadelphia before returning to Baltimore and going on to radio stations WWIN and WEBB. Also called 'The Bald Prince' he worked on air as well as a promoter bringing in national groups to venues such as Carr's Beach and The Royal Theater.
He passed away January 24, 1996. Hot Rod, "VOSA!"

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Hunt, Clay - Vocalist of many top Baltimore groups including The Sentries, The Princetons, New Censation, Pure Delight. He also sang with DC's Peaches & Herb. His recordings were released on Bay Sound, Kapp, Polydor, Pride record labels.
May 2020

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Jacobson, Joe - Joe passed away in spring of 2017.
Joe studied at Peabody Conservatory of Music and was an accomplished pianist and songwriter. Joe and I carpooled and attended classes together at The Broadcasting Institute of Maryland in 1983. He went on to do some work as a cameraman. We had some good times at Dead Freddie's and Spittel's Salty Dog Saloon. I remember at his home making recordings of our singing while he played the piano in a lower key and sped up the tape to make us sound like the Chipmunks. It was good for a few laughs!

Joe recorded a record circa 1978 and released as Joe Elliott & Clear Daze. He was a member of The Wave (1983-86), and Mirage (1986-96). His song "Running Away From Love" was a national R&B hit for local DJ/recording artist Curtis Anderson. I lost contact with Joe in the '00s as he moved away from the area. At the time of his passing he was living in Sarasota, Florida.

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Jeppi, John - I am sorry to relay the news of John C. Jeppi, Sr.'s passing on January 17, 2021 due to covid pneumonia, age 83. John, a sports announcer, founded the Broadcasting Institute of Maryland in 1969 and opened the way to radio and television careers for many hundreds of students. I enrolled in BIM and took classes in 1983 with hopes of working in radio programming. He was always very supportive and worked to instill enthusiasm to all his students. A catch phrase of the school was ten two-letter words "if it is to be it is up to me".
John retired from BIM in 2015. He was a 2014 inductee to the Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame.

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Johnson, Edward 'Chico' - Jazz keyboardist - toured with Al Brown & His Tune Toppers, Hank Crawford, Mickey Fields, and many others. He was music director for the Sphynx Club, and Sportsman's Lounge, and an artist whose paintings are displayed in the Eubie Blake Jazz Museum and Cultural Center. Chico passed away on November 1, 2006 at age 70.

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Johnson, Joel - Joel reportedly passed away during surgury on October 3, 2018. Nicknamed "Razor Sharp," Joel (pronounced Jo-El) played keyboards with local Baltimore funk/R&B groups including Madhouse (Today Records recording artist) and offshoot group Witchcraft.
Childhood friend and bandmate Gary "Mudbone" Cooper brought many Baltimore musicians into the P-Funk family, including Joel as a member of former JB's bass player Bootsy Collins' Rubber Band. As members of the group they toured worldwide and released numerous albums of their brand of funk including "Ahh... The Name Is Bootsy, Baby! (1977), "Bootsy? Player Of The Year" (1978), "This Boot Is Made For Fonk-N" (1979), "Ultra Wave" (1980), "The One Giveth, The Count Taketh Away" (1982), "Jungle Bass" (1990), "Blasters Of The Universe" (1993), "Keepin' Dah Funk Alive 4-1995" (1995), "Christmas Is 4 Ever" (1996).

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Johnson, Leroy 'Flink' - Keyboardist and vocalist from Chester, PA. Played nightly at many Pennsylvania Avenue clubs. Flink was also a writer for the Nightlifer Baltimore entertainment weekly. February 5, 1970.

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Johnson, Randy, bass guitarist whose groups included Jupiter & the Jets, Georgie Jessup & the Jewels, Detour... passed away due to heart disease on January 14, 2022.

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Johnson, Robert 'P-nut' - (1947-2017), funk vocalist and songwriter has passed away on March 11, 2017.
This news from his friend Reggie Kelly: "It is with great sadness to inform those who knew him that ROBERT "P-Nut" JOHNSON has died! I met P-Nut some years ago when he was a member of the popular singing Quintet "THE CIVICS". Earlier on the group was backed up by an all White band known as "THE JETSONS"; then later they switched to an all Black band named "THE COLLECTIONS". It wasn't too shortly thereafter that he, along with Gary, Joel "Razor Sharp" Johnson (no relation) were recruited by William "Bootsy" Collins along with others from the Cincinnati, Ohio area formed "Bootsy's Rubber Band" of which their first LP "Stretchin' Out" was released on Warner Brothers Records in 1976. After several reincarnations of the group P-Nut finally became a member of Parliament recording and touring until his untimely death."

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Jones, Jimmy - died of kidney failure on February 16, 2021 at age 50. DJ / vocalist / recording artist, purveyor of Baltimore Club & House music. He was a member of recording group Doo Dew Kidz, his solo hits included "Watch Out for the Big Girl."

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Joy, Bill - vocalist of The Verdicts, Grok, and Spitfire passed away in October 2020.

Bill Joy & The Verdicts at The Rhapsody

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Kane, Louis 'Fuzzy' - Keyboardist, Army veteran and public schools teacher and principal. At an early age Fuzzy appeared on TV's Chuck Richards Show, then in New York appeared on Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour. In 1950 he joined Teddy's Tip Toppers. He later formed his own Fuzzy Kane Trio that played music described as funky jazz in the vein of Ramsey Lewis. They played Lenny Moore's, Maceo's, Gatsby's, Embassey, Sphynx, Sportsman's, Bird Cage... Performed for Jimmy Carter's inauguration. They released an album on Milton Dugger's Bay Sound Records.
Fuzzy passed away om May 21, 2011.

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Kelly, Mike - Michael Dean Kelly passed away on June 18, 2016 after a brief illness. He was 58. Mike played drums with several popular Baltimore area bands including Bock, Revolution, Apricot Brandy... RIP, Mike

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Kennedy, Franklin C. - Singer of Frankie & the Spindles passed away on April 20, 2016 at age 67.
The Spindles were very popular in Baltimore and influenced many later groups such as The Softones, The Persians, and others... DJ Rockin' Robin took the group under his wing hooking them up with producer George Kerr and releasing several singles on the Roc-Ker label including their classics "(My Girl) Is Made Of Candy" and "Count To Ten." Rockin' Robin also introduced the group to songwriters/producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff in Philadelphia where they went on to release singles on Funny A, Gamble, TSOP, and Strawberry labels.
Frankie eventually left the group and worked outside of music, while the group continued in various incarnations into the 2000s.

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Kennedy, Robert - 74, Viet Nam veteran, original member and vocalist of R&B recording group Frankie & the Spindles, passed away on April 2, 2021.

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Kessell, John - drummer by way of Iowa to Maryland, member of many bands of many genre's, Baltimore bands included Joyride. February 28, 2022.

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Kestle, Jimmy
Saying so long to Jimmy Kestle who passed on April 18, 2020 after a long battle with alzheimer's.
Jimmy was a fixture in the Baltimore area music scene for many years playing bass guitar for many of the top local groups as well as a stint with Dion DiMucci's Streetheart Band.
He began in the mid-60s with a teen band called The Dimensions, then went on to be a member of Cindy & the Censations, Bob Brady's Conchords, Coyote, Dan Patch, Paper Cup, The Streetheart Band, The Mainstreet Gang that became Rosco. Am I missing any? In his later years he devoted his musical talent to his church group.
Jimmy was well liked and respected throughout the musical community. It was heartwarming to see the incredible outpouring of support with a packed house for a benefit for Jimmy and his wife Rosemary at the Ashland Cafe in 2018.

Photos: Jimmy with The Conchords 1971, Jimmy with Coyote 1972

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Kidwell, Larry - vocalist and pianist for legendary D.C./Maryland based soul group Lawrence & the Arabians. Passed on April 8, 2019.

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Knode, Nelson - swing music trumpeter, teacher and music store owner from Catonsville, MD. Nelson performed with The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and also with other housr orchestras at several Baltimore theaters. He led a trio that played venues such as the Pimlico Hotel.
Nelson taught trumpet at McDonough School, and published a book 'The Bugler's Handbook' in 1962.
He established the Nelson Knode Music Center store in Catonsville. The business became Appalachian Bluegrass and transferred management to his son Emory Knode. Nelso passed away June 8, 2010 at age 88.

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Kowalksi, Adolf (Ross Haupt) - Baltimore's legendary punk rock frontman vocalist and guitarist passed away in March 2023. He is best known as a member of the seminal punk band Thee Katatonix. Other bands he was also with included All About Suzie, Blunt Force Trauma, and his Adolf Kowalski Band. A candidate for Maryland Governor, and a writer, columnist and music critic for Maryland Musician and Music Monthly magazines.

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Kraus, Walt - Booking agent, band manager, recording tech, and strong proponent of hometown bands such as Legend, Happy Daze, New Censation, and many others. May 4, 2022

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Krause, Mike - Guitarist of Used Parts, Rude Shoes, Eight Ball... passed September 2021.

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Krixer, Kraig - According to CBS/WJZ news reports, well known and respected Baltimore musician Kraig Krixer along with his roomate John Gurkis were found dead inside Krixer's Perry Hall condo on January 21, 2011. I have not yet heard the cause of death. Tom Warner has a nice tribute on his blog page http://accelerateddecrepitude.blogspot.com/2011/01/kraig-krixer-rip-1951-2011.html

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Ladzinski, Kirk - Guitarist for Crossblood, a rock group that released a single and appeared on The Kerby Scott Show. Kirk passed away on January 11, 2008 at age 52.

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Laird, Dick - Longtime bluegrass musician of the South-Central PA and Maryland area, member of Bluestone.

July 2019 - Courtesy of Jeff Laird and Russ Hooper

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Langston, Gary 'Boo' - R&B guitarist and vocalist. Played with United Chair, The Brockington's, Renaud & the Junction, Winfield Parker & His Mighty Upsetters, Both Worlds, One For All, Then & Now, and later with Atlantic City bands. He passed away April 22, 1996 at age 45.

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Larkins, Ellis - Jazz pianist. Studied classical music at The Peabody Conservatory, then Julliard in New York City where he performed with the likes of Mildred Bailey, Helen Humes, Sylvia Sims... In 1950 he recorded a series of compositions with Ella Fitzgerald that are now considered classics. He did stints in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York before returning to Baltimore where he played clubs, hotels, and events. Over his career he released nine albums as a band leader (1959-92), and appeared on albums by Ruby Braff, Anita Ellis, Ella Fitzgerald, Sonny Stitt, Joe Williams, and others.
Ellis passed away on September 29, 2002, age 79.

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Law, Louis 'Lou', Sr., 72, radio news announcer, doo-wop tenor vocalist with Gumption Records recording artist The Bleu Lights, passed away on June 4, 2023,

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Levy, Hank - Jazz musician, teacher, writer, arranger. He instituted and taught at the world renowned Jazz program at Towson University. He passed away September 17, 2001, age 73.

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Levy, O'Donel - passed away on March 14, 2016 due to a stroke he suffered in 2009. Born in South Baltimore on September 20, 1945, 'Butch' went on to quite a career as a jazz guitarist. He attended Peabody, worked with Julius Brockington's groups, and ventured to New York where he toured with Jimmy McGriff and George Benson. During the 1970s and 80s he released more than a dozen albums on Groove Merchant, LRC, and other labels. He later moved to Singapore and developed a loyal following. In the early 2000s he returned to the Baltimore area.
I had the pleasure of meeting him through my friend and talent agent Michael Lipman. We went to see him perform several times at the short-lived jazz club Courtney's Place in Randallstown, and visits to his studio in Belair.
Butch had quite a sense of humor, and it was painful to see him partially paralyzed from his stroke though he remained upbeat in hopes of being able to play again. RIP Butch, you will be missed.

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Lewis, Webster - keyboardist, teacher, composer and arranger, of jazz, R&B, and disco. From East Baltimore he began performing at area clubs in the early 1960s. Graduated from City College, Morgan State, then went to Boston where he attended The New England Conservatory of Music. Over his career he released six albums of his own, while also arranging - producing - and/or performing with artists such as Gladys Knight & the Pips, Thelma Houston, The Jacksons, Barry White's Love Unlimited Orchestra... Webster also wrote and performed TV theme songs and commercials. He taught at Howard University in D.C.
Webster passed away at age 59 on November 20, 2002.

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Lickle, Elizabeth Anne - "Liz" with her husband Patches were known as the folk duo Patches and Liz who performed locally on TV and clubs including their own Timonium coffeehouse 15 Below. Patches (Jarrett Lickle) passed away in 2012. Liz died of pneumonia on November 30, 2021 at age 82.

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Lickle, Jarrett 'Patches' - Musician, vocalist, TV personality of popular children's shows. Mr. Lickle was a Towson High School graduate and served time in the military. During 1950s-60s he was featured on radio and TV in Baltimore and Philadelphia as 'Spotty Lickle', a children's character that culminated into his buckskin and patched clothes personna as 'Patches' on WBAL-TV. His character later featured on WJZ-TV with his partner 'Liz' Murray who became his real life wife. 'Patches and Liz' operated an alcohol free coffee house in Timonium called 15 Below. The club was a showcase for many local artists including themselves as well as national up and comers such as John Denver, Don McLean, Emmylou Harris, and others. Patches and Liz also appeared on other radio and TV programs, singing engagements at other local clubs, and released an album on O'Dell Records. Jarrett passed away on October 5, 2012.

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Light (Leight), Mickey - Frank Sinatra impersonator extroidanaire, passed away on January 8, 2019 due to complications from dimentia. Mickey had moved to Chicago in recent years. He was 83.

Mickey Light (photo borrowed from his website)

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Lipman, Michael - passed the morning of January 8, 2013 due to complications from a stroke.
Michael worked a number of jobs including insurance and sales related positions. In recent years he ran his own talent agency named Missile Productions (the name derived from his initials MSL).
His musical experience came from the 1960s-70s when he worked as an equipment manager for the Michael Goldberg Band and hung out at The Full Moon Saloon.
I began running into Michael at many local music events and we became friends. Mike seemed to know everyone. He knew your likes and dislikes and was always giving gifts, especially if he knew what music you liked he would make specialized CD music collections. Knowing that I collected records he gave me his album collection after he had transferred it to CD. He was good with computers and was always very helpful to anyone who asked. He was also very knowledgeable about sports. His signature was creating paper roses out of napkins for all the ladies. If you knew him you knew that he could be quite opinionated and always try to impose his way of doing things. Sometimes we would butt heads but it was always good natured. He loved the colossal doughnuts at Shopper's and was proud of how he could get a cheap meal by buying two dollar BK burgers and combine them onto one bun. There was never anything green on his plate, and he would tell you the only thing green in his refrigerator may have been some old meat.
During my marriage separation he welcomed me into his home where I rented a room. It was a nice situation as we were both very interested in music and were able to travel to events together albeit for different purposes. He was checking out bands for bookings and I was conducting interviews for my book. We introduced each other to our friends in the business. He introduced me to his friends Dennis Chambers, Victor Williams, and Joe Phillips (of the Winstons), among others, at Tom's Sports Bar in Randallstown where we would often stop in to enjoy their weekly specials and a beer, although Mike never drank nor smoked (he claims his entire life). We also traveled on occasion to hear local artists, and multiple times we saw The Spindles, Chauncey Harris & Joyride, Tony Sciuto, Linda Nelson, O'Donel 'Butch' Levy (also going to his studio, and visiting him in assisted living after his stroke). We had great visits with Renaud on his rural farm, and a memorable holiday party at Victor's house. We went to see artists perform at the Lexington Market, Lurman Theater, Harbor Place, and many other venues.
It was only a couple days after his 65th birthday. I happened to be off from work one day when my phone rang at about 5AM. It was Mike from the next room calling to ask me to help him. He suffered a stroke that morning and his condition quickly deteriorated. In the following months he went through various rehab programs but ultimately was confined to a bed at several assisted care facilities over his remaining two and a half years. His motor skills were greatly diminished but he kept his sharp mind and wit.

I tried to drop in on him once a week although in recent months could not make it as often as I had wished. Mike was a true friend. He was also a great help with the book and I am thankful that he saw it come to completion.
Services will be at Sol Levinson Funeral Home in Pikesville. Please call them for details.

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Lopez, Bob - News personality at WIYY-FM (98 Rock) and member of popular morning team of Kirk, Mark, & Lopez. May 22, 2005, age 52.

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Litchfield, Ron
Remembering Ron Litchfield who passed away in 2014.
Ron and I grew up on the same street in Ellicott City, and later we both worked for the same employer for over thirty years. Ron enjoyed playing guitar, riding motorcycles, and collecting vinyl, especially Lynyrd Skynyrd related collectibles. Our record collecting hobby took us on many memorable escapades.
Ron's sole mention in the Baltimore Sounds book was as a member of the Howard County based bar band Wendell Ross & The Supremes.

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Lloyd, Harold - Saxophonist and songwriter, passed away on September 29, 2009. He was a member of Morgan's Pirates, Sawbuck, Tugboat, Contraband, and others... Condolences to friends and family.

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Lorenzo, Amedio 'Mimmie', Jr. - Night club owner showcased many top local and national groups. In 1945 purchased Mimmie's Musical Bar on Eastern Avenue, then purchased the Surf Club on Pulaski Highway and started bringing in the top names. Many of the groups he was able to book had played on Ed Sullivan Show and were traveling to their next gig, so Mimmie was able to book them on Monday nights to standing room only crowds. He booked Count Basie, Bill Haley, Fats Domino and many others. On other nights he would book locals such as Romanos, Crystals, Mickey Fields, Versatiles...
In 1962 he sold the Surf Club and opened Lorenzo's on Belair at Putty Hill Roads. Mimmie Jr's on Putty Hill Road. He also operated a club in Ocean City before retiring. Mimmie died on December 24, 2003 at age 89.

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Lowther, Doug - guitarist for hard rock and Grand Funk cover band Underground Construction. Doug went on to a career as a Public Defender. He passed away December 14, 2020 at age 69.

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Lynch, Elton - Vocalist with sweet soul group The Softones, passed away on November 8, 2022 at age 70. Elton was an original member of The Softones beginning in 1967 and continuing well into the 2000's. Along the way he was also a member of The Tones, and Pegasus. He was featured on hit singles and album record releases by his groups.

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Mach, Steve - passed away in October 2011 after unusual and unfortunate circumstances. Steve played bass guitar with local bands including Modern Vogue, The Vamps, The Actors... Steve was also known in New York City where he worked as a lighting technician at the famed CBGB's night club. Friend Warren Cherry forwarded the following link.
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-10-05/news/bs-md-ci-mach-police-shooting-20111005_1_baltimore-police-officer-police-shootings-cbgb

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Magee, Marylou
RIP Marylou Magee-Kern, 49, of Marylou and the Untouchables passed away Thursday, June 25, 2015 at University of MD Medical Center. She was the spouse of Leonard Kern.
Marylou was born November 25, 1965 in Baltimore, MD the daughter of Elsa Lillian (Beyer) Magee and the late Carl W. Magee.
She came from a family of musicians, was lead singer for Marylou and the Untouchables, performed with various artists such as Tommy Thomas of the Drifters, Taylor Dayne, Dana Carvey, Ray Charles, Dimitri Callas (lead guitarist for the Four Seasons), Clarence Clemens (saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen), and James Brown.
Surviving her in addition to her husband and mother are brothers Mark and Thomas Magee, sister-in-law Yvonne Magee, sister-in-law Mary Magee and numerous nieces and nephews, family and friends. Preceded in death by brothers David and Joseph Magee.
Obituary from Burrier-Queen web-site

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Maher, Jim - music critic, writer (City Paper), record store manager (Record & Tape Traders, Towson)... Jim passed away on March 25, 2021 after suffering a stroke earlier this year.
Thanks Jim for all the great records and CD's you shared with me!

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Marcellino, Mike - A Buddy Deane Committee member, drummer for local groups that included The Busters, The Nomads, The Elegants, The Upsetters, Majic... and is an inductee to the Maryland Entertainer Hall of Fame. Mike was also a barber for many years, his shop in Empire Tower in Glen Burnie. He passed on September 5, 2022.

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Mardones, Benny - Cleveland born Ruben Armand Mardones grew up in Savage, Maryland and attended Howard High School and performed in local bands. After moving to New York he became a writer for Mercury Records, later with White Whale, and Columbia writing songs for ther artists. In 1980 while at Polydor Records he scored his only personal hit "Into The Night" that peaked at #11 on Billboard Pop charts.
Benny passed away on June 1, 2020 after battling parkinson's for 20 years.

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Matarozza, Daryl - Darryl started out playing guitar as a founding member of The Gigs in the mid-60s, later switching to bass guitar in a musical career that spanned parts of six decades. He rejoined The Gigs when they regrouped in 2007. Inbetween he was a member of many prominent Baltimore groups including Staggerwing, Daylight, Paper Cup, Shor Patrol, and The Approach. He passed away on February 7, 2020.

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McClearey, Tracey - Saxophonist, emcee and leader of the house band at The Royal Theater playing nightly from the 1940s through the 1960s. He and his group The Royal Men of Rhythm backed many stars including Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole and many others. Tracey passed away on December 24, 2003 at age 89.

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McCusker, Phil - Guitarist with Chrome, Gabriel, Tim Eyermann's East Coast Offering, passed February 17, 2016.

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McIntosh, Frankie - vocalist of East Baltimore R&B recording group The Circulations, passed away on August 22, 2022.

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Menser, Keith - Bass guitarist and driving force of Mystic Force for almost 40 years, passed away on September 6, 2022.

Above image created by Scott Menser as a tribute to Keith, borrowed from his Facebook page.
Contact Scott if you can help the family with funeral and expenses.

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Mercer, Beretta - Vocalist sang throughout the Baltimore/Washington area for over 30 years in popular local groups MFD & Co, and The Rollex Band. She died in her sleep on August 25, 2012.
Baltimore Afro-American columnist Valerie Fraling wrote "Beretta who endured so much would often say "I won't complain," could "tear the roof off the mother, sucker" rolling on the floor, jumping on chairs and tables as guests watched in amazement of this full-figured star. Whenever she saw me, she would sing my favorite song "At Last." She loved us begging her for one more song."
"Maceo's owner Dante said Beretta stopped in the club Friday night, making her rounds to her favorite places, unknowingly taking her final curtain call. Beretta may you find the peace you so deserve. "at last."

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Meros, Michael - Mike played accordion and organ for the family group The Meros Brothers, and Shelley's Emeralds in the mid-60s. He left to attend college and moved to California where he became a member of the Beach Boys, playing keyboards with them for almost thirty years. Mike passed away on December 26, 2007.

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Meyers, Robert 'Bob' - 76, Guitarist, member of Shelley's Emeralds, later going to Las Vegas where he performed with the likes of Frank Sinatra and others. Bob passed away November 25, 2022.

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Meyers, Lou - Vocalist, passed away on Wednesday, Feb., 26, 2014 after a long battle with cancer. A long-time veteran of the Baltimore music scene, Lou sang with the Playboys, The MoJo's, The Progressions, and others. In 2013 Lou was honored with induction into the Maryland Entertainers Hall of Fame. Condolences to his family and friends.

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Michaels, Dennis - April 12, 2021 (59) - Bass guitarist with locals Zim Zemeral Band, First Class, John Coale Jazz Trio, Ronnie Dove, Mike El, Bobby B, Charles Parker Band, Rich Mascari, Patty Reese, Reggie Wayne Morris.. also can be heard on recordings by Viki Childs, Jim Allison, Kraig Greff... Nationally Dennis toured with off-Broadway cast of Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; played the President Clinton Inaugural Ball, headlined the Baltimore Artscape Festival. He toured and played behind such stars as The Coasters, Bobby Rydell, Fabian, Clint Holmes and many others.

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Miller, Bill - Guitarist, former member of the Grabbers and other Glen Burnie based groups, passed away in July 2008.

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Miller, James 'Bing' - Jazz drummer. Played for The Rae Girard, and Morgan Baer Orchestras in 1950s-60s. Led his own Bing Miller Big Band. Bing's group were house band at Buddie's for twelve years. He passed away August 3, 1998, age 71.

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Mills, Louis
Iconic studio engineer passed away on September 16, 2011 of a heart attack (76). Lou established Recordings Inc., later known as Flite 3 Studios. From its inception in 1958 through closing in 2003 he engineered and/or produced thousands of sound and video projects from music, to radio/TV commercials, to major movie productions.

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Mitchell, Rufus - Businessman originally from Jacksonville, FL, in the mid-50s he opened a dry cleaning business and tuxedo rental shop located at the corner of Laurens and McCulloh Streets. He was also General Manager of the segregated Carr's Beach resort on the waterfront in Annapolis, where he booked all the major black stars to perform at the pavilion.
His office was also base of operations for the Ru-Jac record label (Ru: Rufus and Jac: Jack Bennett) where they released dozens of 45's by local R&B artists such as Winfield Parker, Gene & Eddie, Tiny Tim Harris, Brenda Jones, Jimmy Dotson, and many others. Harold Holt's group featured vocalist Arthur Conley who stayed in an apartment above the dry cleaners. In fact Mitchell, who Winfield called "old dude," always had his door open to musicians who needed a place to stay.
Rufus passed away on February 18, 2003 at age 93. His brother 'Blue' Mitchell was a famed jazz trumpeter and recording artist. He died in 1979.

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Monaldi, Joseph - Trumpeter since age 12 for family band The Monaldi Brothers. They played weddings, festivals, bull roasts... Little Italy festivals and clubs/restaurants. Group also traveled to Italy. Joe passed away September 8, 2004 (53).

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Morgan, Ray - vocalist of Morgan's Pirates, The Shambells, and in more recent years a member of a capella group Smooth Teaze. Ray lost his long battle with cancer on August 6, 2020.

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Morris, Reggie Wayne
RIP Reggie Wayne Morris - Friend, masterful guitarist and great musician.

1/2020

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Mudd, Susie
My friend and colleague Susan Elizabeth "Susie" Mudd - Music Monthly publisher - passed away on April 5, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. Susie did as much or more than anyone to promote music of the Baltimore region.
See article by Frederick N. Rasmussen:
Susan Mudd, April 13, 2012, By Frederick N. Rasmussen, The Baltimore Sun
Susan Elizabeth "Susie" Mudd, the former publisher, editor and owner of the free magazine Music Monthly, which for nearly three decades reported on Mid-Atlantic rock bands and musicians as well as other music, died April 5 of cancer at Sinai Hospital.
The longtime Lauraville and Lutherville resident was 56.
"Whether Susie realized it or not, she had made her mark on the Mid-Atlantic music scene," said Paul Manna, who worked for Ms. Mudd as a columnist and later in advertising sales. "She was highly regarded by the music community and wanted people on her staff who believed in what she was doing."
"Her death is a great loss to the music community. She was a dear friend and big proponent of what we did at the 9:30 Club in Washington and at Merriweather Post Pavilion," said Richard Heincke, a concert promoter and owner of IMP Productions.
"She got so many local musicians their start in the world that she's had some bearing on," he said. "In the local Baltimore-Washington music scene, she was very influential. Her magazine was a regional force in the Northeast Corridor."
Born in Baltimore and raised in West Towson, Ms. Mudd was a 1973 graduate of Towson Catholic High School and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Mount St. Mary's University in 1978.
After a brief stint in the traffic department at 98 Rock, Ms. Mudd joined the fledgling music publication Maryland Musician as a reporter and columnist.
While Ms. Mudd preferred the bass, she did not play an instrument.
"The bass was her favorite instrument," said Ms. Mudd's niece, Kelly Connelly, who was a columnist and editor at Music Monthly. "She was more of an admirer of music than a participant."
Ms. Mudd's column, "The Red Rocket Report," featured news on local rock bands and took its name from her love of rock music and her penchant for wearing red clothing.
In 1981, she became sole owner of Maryland Musician, which she renamed Music Monthly after buying out her partner.
"Covering music created by Mid-Atlantic artists was her life's work and passion. She was as much known for her brash, no-holds-barred reviews as she was for shining light on local talent and giving people chances to contribute to the magazine as writers and photographers," said Ms. Connelly, who lives in Charles Village.
"She also covered the Baltimore Symphony as well as the jazz scene. She covered all types of music," she said. "She felt it was important for bands to get publicity in our publication."
Ms. Connelly said her aunt had a sharp eye for emerging talent and that Music Monthly played an important role in an era before the Internet took over publicizing musicians, bands and other celebrities.
"Often, Music Monthly was the first publication area artists received publicity from, and she took pride in playing a part in the success of such artists as Good Charlotte, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tori Amos and countless others," she said.
"Susie never held her tongue about anything, and there was never a dull moment working with her," her niece said. "She was passionate about covering music and stuck to her guns. She was fearless when it came to giving it back to critics."
"She gave me my first job in the music business in 1991, and I owe her dearly. It was a big leap of faith and was a major turning point in my life," recalled Mr. Manna, who wrote "Maryland Artists on Stage," which were live concert reviews.
"I admired her tireless passion to keep her free publication around for us fellow music junkies. All Susie wanted was for her paper to survive each month," said Mr. Manna, who is now a concert promoter and owner of Baltimore's 24-7 Entertainment.
"As a free magazine, it's a tough business because you live and die on advertising, but Susie gave me complete autonomy. She struggled and sacrificed so much every single month trying to keep it afloat," he said. "Those who really knew her, know underneath her rough exterior was a very kind soul."
By 2008, the magazine's circulation had risen to 90,000. But beset with financial problems and the onset of health problems, Ms. Mudd made the decision to end publication of Music Monthly.
"It had become difficult for her to keep the independent publication afloat, so she stopped," said Ms. Connelly.
"She had a love of music that was tangible," said Cyndi Lewis, the former website and merchandising manager for Baltimore's Kelly Bell Band.
"Her words resonated with readers who anxiously waited for Music Monthly to come. She offered constructive criticism, and her opinions mattered," said Ms. Lewis. "She was the best friend Baltimore music ever had."
Ms. Mudd, who was living in Roland Park at the time of her death, was especially fond of her three bichon frises and was an avid Orioles fan.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Center, 2325 York Road, Timonium.
In addition to Ms. Connelly, she is survived by three brothers, John Mudd of Towson, Dan Mudd of Montclair, Calif., and Tom Mudd of Haywards Heath, England; three sisters, Tricia Mudd of Towson, Amy Ciarlo of Timonium and Mary Ann Connelly of Onacock, Va.; and many other nieces and nephews. fred.rasmussen@baltsun.com

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Myers, Frank "Hank" - passed away on January 9, 2017 at the age of 67. Frank played guitar and keyboards. He was a member of many top Baltimore bands starting in the mid-60s including The Deltas, Shane, The Blue Meanies, The Overlea Brothers, Retrospect aka The Bottles that morphed into (Stevie &) The Satellites, and in recent years was a member of a reformed version of The Gigs.

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Neal, Tommy - Well-respected banjo picker Thomas W. 'Tommy' Neal passed away on January 11, 2022, after a very brief spell of hospice care.
Tommy had stints with Oddie Jones and the Foggy Hollow Boys, played bass on Del McCoury's first solo album, mandolin and banjo with Walter Hensley's Dukes of Bluegrass, Don Reno's Tennessee Cut-Ups' Pickin' Around the Cookstove, Cliff Waldron, The New Shades of Grass, Grass on The Rocks, Country Grass, Frank Campbell & The Country Blues, Jeff Presley's South Central Bluegrass, and was a founding member of Keystone (later known as Bluestone).
He recorded with many of these groups and released a highly regarded solo album "Banjoland."
Information from "Bluegrass Today" by Richard Thompson

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Neilson, Randy - multi-instrumentalist, band leader, writer, arranger... Member of Celebrate, Epilog, Bobby & the Believers for over 30 years. Randy passed away on May 21, 2021.

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Noto, Joe
Musician and proprieter of Music Land in Belair passed away on May 7, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. Joe emigrated from Sicily as a teenager. He opened Govan's Music in the '60s, and the business later relocated to Belair as Music Land, operating for over 40 years. Although I missed him and his groups in the Baltimore Sounds book, Joe and I later had some nice conversations about local musicians, his bands (The Joe Noto Combo, and others), and many other bands and musicians from northeastern Maryland. Joe was very genuine and supportive of the many musicians who patronized his store. He wanted me to do another book to include artists that were missed in the book. As fellow Sicilian descendents, Joe and I also had ties to family and friends in Little Italy and it was fun talking about shared connections. I will miss his friendly smile and conversations at Music Land.

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Novik, Greg - passed away on October 11, 2017 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. For 28 years Greg was the friendly proprieter of Greg's Bagels in Belvedere Square before giving up the business in 2016 due to his health.
Musically, as a multi-instrumentalist of guitar, bass, keyboards, and saxophone, Greg was member of Montgomery County based recording groups The Resumes, and The Newports, and also led his band Greg and his Novikanes. In Baltimore he was a member of The New Apocalypse who released several singles and an album "Stainless Soul" on MTA Records.

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O'Brennan, Mark - passed away on April 5, 2019. He was lead singer of several southern rock bands throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania - groups included Barnstorm, Motherlode, John's Basement...

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Ocasek, Ric (Richard Theodore Otcasek) March 23, 1944- September 15, 2019

Ric Ocasek, Baltimore native was frontman for The Cars
Associated Press - New York - Ric Ocasek, famed frontman for The Cars rock band, has been found dead in a Manhattan apartment.
The New York City police department said officers responding to a 911 call found the 75-year-old Ocasek about 4 p.m. Sunday. They said that there was no sign of foul play and that the medical examiner was to determine a cause of death.
The Cars' chart-topping hits in the late 1970s and 1980s included "Just What I Needed," "Shake It Up" and "Drive." The band was inducted (in 2016) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In May 2018, model and actress Paulina Porizkova announced on social media that she and Ocasek had separated after 28 years of marriage. The pair first met while filming the music video for "Drive."
A Baltimore native, Ocasek spoke in 1991 of what it was like to grow up in the city with family just north of Baltimore in Parkville.
"I was a total Baltimore kid. I dyed my hair blond in the front, went to Ocean City, and lived that whole thing," he said at the time. "Baltimore has always had a unique ambience about it, of all the places in this country. I can see why John Waters remains there." The Baltimore Sun contributed to this article.

Cars display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio - photos by Joe V.

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Paone, Loretta
Loretta Paone (Berger), singer notable for her Brenda Lee tributes passed away on June 1, 2020. In 2013 she was inducted into the Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame.

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Parker, Winfield, 78, passed away on January 18, 2021.
Winfield aka Buddy started out as a saxophonist in the late 1950s with a local group called the Vee Jays. He went on to work with Sammy Fitzhugh's Morrocans, toured with Little Richards backing band The Upsetters, recorded with Big Jay McNeely, and Baltimore's R&B vocal group The Swallows.
At the insistance of manager Rufus Mitchell, Winfield stepped out front as a vocalist. He released a handful of great soul records in the 1960's on Mitchell's Ru-Jac Records label and toured extensively throughout the famed chitlin' circuit along with many of the top R&B artists of the time.
Further record releases came on Atco, Wand, Arctic, GSF, and Spring which produced a national hit with a cover of Joe Tex's "S.O.S.(Stop Her On Sight)." Winfield was also the featured vocalist on Both Worlds' album "Best of Both Worlds" on Calla Records. He later became a member of Washington D.C.'s The Knight Brothers.
In the early 1980s Winfield embarked on a successful gospel music career releasing numerous albums. In the 2000's he toured with performances of both gospel and secular music.

Arch Social Club - November 11, 2017

BP Records released a retrospective in 2008, and Omnivore Records released a CD of Winfield's Ru-Jac recordings.
Since first seeking out Winfield for the Baltimore Sounds book it has been an honor to be considered a friend, he will be missed! RIP Buddy!

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Peacock, George - passed away on September 12, 2016. He was a saxophonist with '60s Baltimore groups The Artesions, The Satins, The Statics, and The Epics. George reunited with the Epics in 2002 for the second R&B Jam reunion.

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Phillips, George, 68, vocalist of R&B group Lycindiana that became internationally renowned recording group Starpoint with record releases on Chocolate City, Boardwalk, and Elektra labels. Mr. Phillips died of sepsis on February 2, 2021.

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Pittman, Lee
It is with great sorrow to relay the news that Lee passed away on March 21, 2020 after battling cancer.
Lee was lead singer for Capitol Records' recording group Tomorrow's Promise, and later with Baltimore R&B group Flight 300. Lee shared information about his groups for the Baltimore Sounds book. Wishing my condolences to all family and friends.

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Podgurski, James - died unexpectedly of heart failure on May 29, 2022 at age 76.

Jim was a nationally recognized jazz and pop guitarist for acts like Roger Williams, Barbara Eden, Jack Jones, Teresa Brewer and many more. Jim was inducted into the Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2016.
Jim was a music major at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, attended Dundalk High School and served in the Navy in Vietnam. Jim played music locally for 60 years. Local bands included the Clay Price Band, Chrome, and Virginia Breeze. He taught music at Dundalk Music Center and Yeager's Music Store for years.
Jim was cremated and will be buried at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery.
Jim was an inspirational and creative fellow. He was always a kind and gentle man with a great love for his dogs. Jim's death is a sad loss for his many friends, relatives and the music world at large.
- Thanks to Tim Torba - Published by Dundalk Eagle on May 22, 2023.

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Popoli, Larry 'Reds' - May 13, 1925 - October 29, 2017, Lawrence Joseph Popoli was born and raised in Highlandtown on Decker Avenue along with his ten siblings. His parents were Anthony and Marie. He attended St Brigid's and Mount St. Joseph High School for 2 years before joining the Navy. He was aboard the Block Island aircraft carrier when they were torpedoed. The one thing he saved was his trumpet. Upon being discharged from the Navy, he worked for the City of Baltimore as a street surveyor for many years. In 1949, he and his brothers, Anthony and Michael formed the band Larry Reds Popoli and His Orchestra. Many Baltimoreans will recall the many venues that they played. The group played many Mayoral Balls and also played four times for Vice President Agnew. He later became the bugler at all of the local racetracks and had fond memories of meeting Red Skelton, Johnny Carson, Redd Foxx, Howard Cosell and all the major jockeys as he called the Preakness ponies to the post. One year he even taught trumpeter Al Hirt to blow the call. When he was not bugling, he worked in the mutual departments of the tracks.
Larry is survived by his wife of 68 years, Connie (nee Kaniecki), his son Mark, his son and daughter-in-law Gary and Nicole, and his 2 granddaughters Alexandra and her husband Joseph, and Gabriella. He is also survived by his sisters Rosie, Marie and her husband Victor, and Stephanie, and numerous nieces and nephews. His other siblings, Lucille, Amelia, Dolly, Josephine, Margaret, Anthony and Michael are also deceased. Memory tributes may be sent to the family at www.evansfuneralchapel.com
Source: Evans Funeral Chapel

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Przylepa, Peter, Jr. - It is with great sadness to note the sudden passing of Pete on Thursday April 11, 2013.
Baltimore Bands facebook site host Stan Gibson posted "His skills at sound engineering had him working with some of the most famous people in the business. J Geils, Stevie Ray Vaughn etc... He was the best when it came to telling stories from the past." See many tributes and comments https://www.facebook.com/groups/209543105828380/
Sincere condolences to his family and many friends.

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Ptak, Brian - (1974-2014) songwriter, vocalist and guitarist of '90s group Classic Earth.

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Puschert, Del - Tenor saxophonist, member of The Van Dykes - one of the most popular groups in central Maryland of the '50s-'60s and beyond, the group inducted in the Maryland Entertainer Hall of Fame.
In his early years on the road Del performed with a then unknown Elvis Pressley.
In recent years he split time between his Annapolis home where he performed with The Van Dykes and The New Sentries, and Austin, Texas with The Cornell Hurd Band. He was proprieter of Del's Styling Ranch in Annapolis. Del passed July 28, 2022.

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Queen, Bryan - Bass guitarist of many Baltimore groups most recently to include BADD, The Spindles. Passed away October 2021.

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Quigley, Ray - (1948-2014), bass guitarist of Graham Chambers System ('67-69), and in later years The Charmed Times Reunion Band. I knew Ray throughout my many years of attending record conventions. Ray and friends established a show in the 1989 at the Catonsville Knights Of Columbus Hall. The show later moved to the Arbutus Fire Hall where it continues strong into 2015.
Ray was also involved with the "Charmed Times" publication about local music. This led to the formation of The Charmed Times Reunion Band that was also instrumental in the reuniting of the group Legend.
The "Baltimore Sounds" book grew out of the Charmed Times newsletter.
In retirement Ray and his wife Chris moved to Maine to be near their daughter Carol, while Ray enjoyed a few years of outdoors life.

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Raymond, Warren - Drummer - Bands included The RaVons, The Jetsons, and The Koffee Beans. Warren was with The Beans for over 15 years. They released two singles and appeared on TV's Kerby Scott Show. Warren passed away on February 6, 2005.

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Reed, Earline - Jazz singer, passed away on June 27, 2019.
Touted as "Baltimore's Lady of Song", and noted by her daughter Dawn as being "among the legends of Pennsylvania Avenue's Sphynx Club." Earline sang with The Fuzzy Kane Trio at various area clubs including Lenny Moore's Club 24. In the 1980s she was vocalist with the jazz/R&B group In Flight, performing at The Bird Cage, Dotson's, and other venues.

1969 ad for Lenny Moore's club featuring Earline Reed with The Fuzzy Kane Trio

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Reedy, Frank - passed away on May 2, 2019. Frank played drums in local bands and was a custom drum craftsman for the Baltimore Drum Company.

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Reese, Danny
Musician and radio personality passed away suddenly on April 28, 2013 at his home in Naples, Florida. Danny (born Reese Danial Blankenship) was born in Havre de Grace, MD and grew up in Delta, PA. He graduated from Kennard-Dale High School in 1969. He was only 61.
From The Baltimore Sun: "Danny began his successful career as an on-air radio personality on WNOW in York, PA, and then moved on to WPOC (where he was known as 'Old Blue Eyes'), WITH, and WCAO in the Baltimore, MD market. After 20 years in the radio industry, Danny then moved into the public relations, insurance, mortgage and sales fields."
Danny and his wife Ronni "relocated from MD to Naples in 2005 to enjoy the FL sunshine and lifestyle. Danny never lost his passion for music. He brought his high school rock and roll band, Sites 'N Sounds, together in May, 2010 to perform once again for their MD/PA fans, and they continue to reunite twice a year for performances there. In 2011, Danny joined the Fort Myers-based classic rock band Redemption, as their front man, and they performed throughout Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Matlacha, and Naples."
Joe V: I met Danny in 1981 around the time I has aspirations of becoming a DJ. We became friends and I attended many of his record hops especially many occasions at Spittel's Salty Dog Saloon on Rolling Road in Catonsville where he encouraged me, often letting me sit in as a guest DJ, and a couple times filling in for him when he had other engagements.
I saw Danny sporadically over the years, but when the first Baltimore Sounds book came out he called to congratulate me. We got together and he presented me with a copy of a record released by his teen band The Sites 'N Sounds. Up until then I hadn't known that he played in a band. His band was actually from Delta, PA, but played a lot toward Baltimore especially at teen events throughout Harford County. Their record was done at a label based in Aberdeen, MD. The group biography was added to Baltimore Sounds second edition.
I saw Danny just before he and Ronni moved to Naples and we vowed we would someday get together again. Fast forward to 2009 - on a trip to Fort Myers/Cape Coral, I misplaced his number. Not knowing if I would ever make it to SW Florida again, I tried a phone book search and disappointingly found that his number was unlisted. Knowing that he collected vintage guitars I jotted down the numbers of several music stores in the area, but thinking it was too much of a long shot almost didn't call. Finally before my trip was over I tried the number for a store called Gator Music and explained to the clerk that I was just grasping at straws but maybe he may know of my friend, guitarist, and guitar collector Danny Reese. Without hesitation the person immediately exclaimed "of course, that guy is a guitar legend in this town!" and at that very moment I recognized the voice of Danny himself who answered the phone! What a coincidence, he was working part time at that store! We got together that evening for a couple beers and a few laughs. Danny's friendship, sense of humor and infectious laugh will never be forgotten."
"DR" will continue to rock on in the hearts of everyone who knew him." A celebration of his life and a memorial service were held in Naples. A memorial service for family and friends was held in Towson on June 1.

Joe and Danny circa 1982 Spittels Salty Dog Saloon, Catonsville

Joe and Danny circa 2009 Naples, Florida

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Reingold, Shirley - Known professionally as Deborah Chessler and managed The Vibranaires, writing their first hit record "It's Too Soon To Know". The group was later renamed Sonny Til & The Orioles, a hugely popular black vocal harmony group that was a precursor to the rock and roll era. Deborah managed the group through their most popular years 1948-1954. She passed away on October 12, 2012 at age 89.

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Reinhardt, Gil - Lead guitarist for the Urch Perch, Black Foot Smoke, Koffee Beans and many other groups from Baltimore, Maryland, passed away after a long illness on August 17, 2011. Please visit his Facebook page to share condolences and to celebrate all the wonderful years of great fun and music we shared with Gil

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gil-Reinhardt/229333900410743#!/pages/Gil-Reinhardt/229333900410743

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Rheubottom, Freddie - Keyboardist. Played in Sykesville area teen band The Playboys, Billy Anderson & The Apollos (released a record and backed many of the major national acts that came to Baltimore, and his later years were with an oldies R&B group Ira Glover and Everyday People. Freddie passed away March 13, 2004 at age 63.

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Ridgley, Alan - aka Whitey - passed away 2023. Al played drums for Bob Lind in high school, he was a member of '60s groups The Notables, The Pastels, in '70s with Three of Us, and '80s with Memory Lane.
Al relocated to Piedmont, Oklahoma in 1983 for his job and finally retired from Lucent Technologies after 37 years with the company. In retirement he pursued his hobby of restoring classic cars. A great sense of humor, over the years he sent countless email jokes and funnies to his friends.

************************** Ridgley, Howard - bass player for the Upsetters, passed away on Sunday May 10, 2015 at the extended care facility in North Carolina where he had been living for the past year.
Howard played briefly for Terry & The Uptights. He was a member of the Upsetters band that recorded with and toured as Otis Redding's backing band in 1967.
Mark Koch, one of the musicians that followed Howard as bassist for 'Baby Blues and The No Attitude Band' located in Orlando FL and Nashville TN, said that "Howard has been a close friend for several years and I have grown very fond of him and will miss him. He will be missed by many musicians that considered [him] to be a true friend and wonderful musician. (Baby Blues Band members) Joey and Leslie Eberline are going to have a Celebration of Life for Howard outside Orlando FL sometime in the near future. Howard did not want a funeral service, but this will be more of a tribute to him by his musician friends."

Baby Blues & The No Attitude Band's 1996 CD "Real Beauty"

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Root Boy Slim (Foster 'Ken' Mackenzie) - Leader of D.C. based Root Boy Slim & the Sex Change Band with the Rootettes, employing some of the area's best musicians, recording several albums along the way. Played regionally throughout D.C / Maryland area, most notably in Baltimore at the Marble Bar. Died June 8, 1993 (age 48).

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Ruppert, Vern - passed away on September 9, 2016. Vern started out with music in the mid-1950s as guitarist of popular group The Londonaires. They made appearances on The Buddy Dean Show. He went on to manage The RaVons, and wrote songs for pop singer Dick Charles. Vern later worked as a mobile DJ using the name Vern Charles. A school teacher by trade, in his retirement years he operated an antique mall booth in Westminster, and specialized in military memorabilia sales on the internet.
Vern took an interest in the Baltimore Sounds book project, relating many stories and introducing me to some of his bandmates. He designed an early version of the Baltimore Sounds website. A friend who will be truly missed.

Vern Ruppert

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Rutberg, Alan - Jazz aficionado, record collector, proprieter of Own Guru Record shop (in Hampden then later moving to Fells Point) and record dealer at the monthly Arbutus record show.
From Legacy.com:
"Baltimore, MD - After a long, graceful, and intelligent conversation with illness, Alan Marshall Rutberg passed away on June 1, 2018.
"Born on March 12, 1948, in New London, PA, to Frances and Morris Rutberg (deceased), he attended local schools, graduating from New London High, Class of 1968, and UConn at Storrs in 1972.
From an early age, Alan was seen around New London with camera in hand, creating art and finding beauty in the most under-examined elements in our daily lives. Alan continued that passion in California, where he received a MFA at San Francisco Art Institute. He returned to the east coast where he became assistant professor of photography at the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus, becoming a well-respected teacher and mentor. Intensely involved in various pursuits in art, Alan opened OWN GURU, a music and book store in Fells Point, Baltimore, specializing in obscure, rare and well-curated 20th century music, and first edition poetry and novels of the Beat Generation.
"Alan is survived by his brother Eric of San Francisco, as well as many friends in New London, Baltimore, and San Francisco. Service and interment will be in Sonoma, Calif."

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Saggese, Bernie - bass guitarist of Rocket Science, StilBound... passed September 2021.

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Said, Dawoud Said - pianist, bassist, producer, composer... originally from Gwynn Oak, as a youngster his family moved to D.C. and he ultimately went on to perform professionally with many top artists including Walter Beasley, Angela Bofill, Najee, Roy Ayers, Michael Henderson, Stacy Lattisaw, the Graingers, Spice... to name a few.

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Sankonis, John - On June 1, 2023 John Sankonis lost his long battle with cancer. John was well known throughout the musical community. He was a Buddy Deane Committee member, a great drummer for many Baltimore groups that included The Tremolos, The Flintstones, The Rhythmaires, Morgan's Pirates, Legend, Chuck Blevins, The Inner Cyrkle, Boss Company / The Boss Band, and maybe others! John was a founding member and integral part of the Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame. RIP, John.

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Sanzone, Vince - bass guitarist for Bob Brady & the Conchords, Penelope... Passed away on August 24, 2021 after complications from a fall at his Delaware home.

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Scarborough, Gary - 65, passed away on March 10, 2018 after a three-year battle with cancer. Gary played guitar in local bands beginning with teen band The New Breed during his years at Woodlawn High School. He later played briefly in the rock band Calico, and really came to prominence with the popular country-rock (later evolving to hard rock) band Trigger Happy in the 1970s and '80s, then again when they reformed in the '90s. Gary was on their lone record release titled "She's Got It All" that appeared on the second 98 Rock Album in 1982. Inbetween Trigger Happy stints he gigged as a solo and duo. He also recorded music for 98 Rock's morning show.

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Schauer, Bob 'Spider' - passed away on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014 as a result of a stroke suffered a week prior. Services were private. Bob was a very respected local drummer who played for Buddy Robbins, Joe Noto, Johnny Walker's Good Guys, City Lights... He was inducted into the Maryland Entertainers Hall of Fame in 2013. Condolences to his family and friends.

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Schroader, George - bass guitarist, bands included The Royal 5+1, Trigger Happy, The Stand, Rock Island Express

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Schwartzman, Ed
I am sorry to note the recent passing of Ed Schwartzman, guitarist, early member of The Sentries, and member of the Upsetters, Fidelities, Matadors of Sound...
posted June 2009

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Scoggins, Matt - of Baltimore bands Emma, Dirty Sanchez... Passed on March 23, 2021. Many credits in L.A. as musician (guitar, bass, drums), songwriter, studio engineer and producer.

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Scruggs, Llewellyn 'Hondo'
I am very disheartened to learn that my friend 'Hondo' Scruggs passed away on Christmas Day 2013, apparently as a result of a heart attack. I first met Hondo while while working on the first edition of Baltimore Sounds. At the time I was trying to find out about the groups that recorded the records that I had in my collection. Groups like Madhouse, Grand Jury, Chocolate Rain, Creme Soda, etc... Hondo introduced me to many of the band members and over the years he kept me informed of the projects he was working on including gospel music he had written, and recordings made with guitarist Timothy Moore (founder of Heaven Bound), and others. Lew was a vocalist with the funk group Madhouse that released an album and two singles on Today Records in 1972. More recently he provided vocals on the 2011 CD by Bennie Cowan & the Real Brasstaxx titled "It's a Horn Thing 'G'." I'd like to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

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Seechuk, Tom - Lead guitarist of Fresh... Died January 20, 2010.

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Sell, Arnold – banjoist most notably with Emerson's Old Timey Custard Sucking Band, a progressive alt-bluegrass group. Outside of music he was a career counselor / social worker. Arnold passed away on October 23, 2022 at age 76.

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Sellers, Bob - Musician, music teacher, attorney. Bob was a pianist with folk group The Villa Novas. He played guitar with his namesake country-rock band The Jim Sellers Band and released an album. Bob also taught guitar, attended college and quit playing music as he became a lawyer. He passed away April 1, 2003 at age 50 due to a brain tumor.

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Serfas, Rick - Blues-Rock guitarist, leader of bands The Housewreckers, The Soul Providers, while also performing with The Nightcrawlers, The Polkats and others. His groups performed many local clubs including The Cat's Eye, Full Moon Saloon, The Belvedere, The 8 x 10...
Rick died of cancer July 31, 2005 at age 49.

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Shaw, Mark - Drummer for the Dalton Gang passed away May 2020.

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Shepherd, Wendell
R&B / Jazz trumpeter passed away on May 7, 2017. The renowned Baltimore musician was a member of The Grand Jury throughout most of the 1970's. He later played in backing bands for Charles "Big Daddy" Stallings, and Kenny Wright among others, and backed P-Funk groups on local engagements.

Most recently Wendell was a member of The Sky High Band.

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Shields, Raymond - vocalist of the Spindles for over 40 years, passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2008.

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Skinner, Carroll - Carroll Skurzynski, stage name Skinner played piano and accordion, was a member of Bill Evett Quartet in the 1950s. He appeared on Arthur Godfey Show in 1952. He played with many headliners in Las Vegas and Reno during the 1960s-70s. Carroll also taught music in Baltimore area schools for nearly 30 years, while also playing with The Zim Zemeral Orchestra. He and several members of the Orchestra made a brief appearance in Barry Levinson's film 'Avalon'.
Carroll passed away December 16, 2002 (68).

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Smith, Carl Wayne - Original bass guitarist and vocalist of The New Diablos. Known as Wayne, he passed away on February 2, 2016 from dementia (65).
Wayne was featured on both New Diablos records "Land of Love" (vocal b/w instrumental version) on Littlefields Records in 1968, and "Tangerine Guides" b/w "I'm Fake" recorded in Philadelphia and released on Fayette Records in 1970. All three tracks are featured on the 2014 Gear Fab Records retrospective CD "Psychedelic States - Maryland in the 60s"
In the early 1970s he relinquished the bass guitar role becoming the sound man for the group, and continued to do sound for other groups into the 1990s. In addition to sound he sang including stint with the Baltimore Symphony Choir. He leaves behind a daughter and two grandchildren. Thanks Michele (Smith) Watson.

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Smith, Glenn - Multi-instrumentalist - keyboards, bass guitar, drums. Member of The Luvs, Cherokee Pepper... Passed away in 1986.

Photo courtesy of Amber Smith

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Smith, Richard "Dick", keyboardist known as the house organist at The Stanton Theater, pianist at local clubs, recording artist with several album releases. Mr. Smith was a Peabody graduate and longtime piano technician employed by the Kunkel Piano Company. He passed away due to heart disease on December 23, 2021 at age 76.

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Smith, Steve
It is with great sadness to learn that my old friend Steve Smith passed away in June 2013 after a long illness.
Steve and I shared musical interests since childhood, and in those days he tried (without much success) to teach me to play the bass guitar. Steve went on to play with his brother Jay in a 50's retro band Jupiter & The Jets, and later played bass guitar with Dragonfly, Taxie, and Jagged Edge among others...
I bought my first bass amp from Steve, a huge Kasino brand wheeled amp that I used to wheel half a mile up the road to jam in Earl's backyard. I used to climb up and jump off the amp (ouch!) - a rock star that couldn't play a lick - but had the hair and the big amp, thanks to Steve!
Had lots of great times at events with Steve's southern rock cover band Dragonfly (the ultimate Howard County party band) at the infamous Hillbilly Mansion and subsequent reunion parties, the concert in Nick and my backyard in Elkridge that made the front page of the local paper, and the many times we hired the group to play at Back of the Vac night club. Good times that will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Steve!

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Snyder, Ed - (1942-2014) of the Coachmen during the mid-'60s. His group released a single on Monumental Records.

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Stamboni, Joe - passed away on February 2, 2023 in Florida. He was drummer for many of Baltimore's popular bands including The El Rays, Better Half (co-wrote their single "City Song" with Doug Lewis), Jeremiah, Falstaff, Bill DeLoach & Surprize, Phoenix, Chapter IV, Dalton Gang...

Photo of Phoenix, Joe is upper left

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Stancil, Phillip - Pianist and multi-instrumentalist known as Sir Andre, attended Forest Park High School, then Peabody Conservatory, before moving to Louisville, KY where he became musical director for Atlantic Records recording artist Ben E. King, later returning to Baltimore and operating his own production company. Phillip passed away on October 24, 2015 at age 65.

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Starr, Bobby - see Ferguson, Robert

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Stermer, Jay - pianist/arranger, founding member of The Admirals passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2017 near his retirement home in Wellington, Florida.
According to The Palm Beach Post "A Wellington man walking his dogs just after midnight was killed Saturday when a rear-ended car was flung into him.
"John J. Stermer, 74, died at the scene of the 12:10 a.m. Saturday crash, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said. Stermer was walking the dogs on the sidewalk of Big Blue Trace not far from Wellington Elementary School just before the crash occurred, the Sheriff's Office reported in a statement."
Alcohol or drugs appeared to be a factor according to the Sheriff's report.
Jay's band The Admirals were an institution in the Baltimore area and Ocean City. The group released records on Pulse, Soultrain, and Lefta labels.
Jay and his wife moved to Florida in 1985. They operated a dry-cleaning business called Admirals Cleaners. Their son Evan attended Wellington High School where Jay was well known for providing music and sound effects during Wellington High School Wolverines baseball games.

Also see writeup and pictures at
the BaltimoreJam website

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Stone, Frank, Jr. - passed away peacefully on June 23, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. He was a keyboardist with '60s band King Solomon's Minds, appearing on the Kerby Scott Show, and sharing stages with the likes of Canned Heat and other major artists. Frank shared information about KSM and his dad who was in popular country bands in the '50s and '60s.

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Sturgill, Larry - Lead guitarist of long-time popular Howard County band The Prodigals, was killed in an automobile accident on September 15, 2015. He was 72.

Larry was the first person I interviewed for the Charmed Times newsletter. The article was not published by Charmed Times, but subsequently led to the beginning of the Baltimore Sounds book. As a writer himself, Larry was quite intrigued by my project and was always willing to help, staying in touch over the years.
Larry was a founding member of The Prodigals (1959-72, 1980-91). The band was a staple at fire hall dances, county fairs, and night clubs throughout MD, PA, and DC, while also traveling as far as NY City. They released a record in 1966 "I Need You" b/w "You Better Move On" (Acadian 1000). The group folded in 1972, then as a result of a reunion in 1980 they reformed as a country band and continued into the early '90s.
Larry was also involved in guitar manufacturing, purchasing the Harptone Guitar Company in New Jersey along with tooling and manufacturing equipment from Microfret Guitars in Frederick. He and business partner Bob McHenry owned and operated the American Musicians Supply store in Sykesville, and were instrumental in organizing the town street festivals that brought bluegrass and country musicians from all over the region.

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Suchy, John - passed away suddenly on April 21, 2020 (61).
Borrowed from the Hectic Red website: "Such" is a veteran of the Maryland music scene, playing with some of Maryland's best bands for over 30 years. For almost as long he has operated a recording studio in Towson, now known as Sound Locker, where he has recorded and produced countless local and national artists. John teaches audio and recording techniques at CCBC Essex and the Baltimore School for the Arts. He is an accomplished actor, appearing in stage productions at theaters around the Baltimore area. He also works with SoundLogix LLC, designing and running sound systems for area theaters."
As a guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist, bands John played in included No Mercy, Spectrum, Killing Floor, disappear fear, Charm City Rockers, Reporter, and over 30 years with classic rock group Hectic Red. At his Such Sounds Studio John recorded, produced and/or played on many releases including those by Black Friday, Milkshake, Christopher Wilson, Sarah Pinsker, Jeff Order...

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Summerville, Byron - Vocalist and original member of the great West Baltimore R&B group The Softones was diagnosed with lung cancer just four months ago and passed away on Friday November 2, 2012.
The Softones started in the '60s and were influential to many groups in the area that followed in their footsteps. With Byron the Softones were known worldwide, releasing numerous hit singles and an album on Avco Records.
Byron was one of my first interviews when I started assembling the first 'Baltimore Sounds' book. He was very kind and willing to help. Byron may you rest in peace.

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Tankersley, Ron - passed away on November 23, 2019. He was keyboardist and vocalist of local groups Quest, Vamp City (The Vamps), The Sway, The Pawns, Ron Tankersley & Dave Roat duo, and solo under the stage name Ronnie Buss. Ron was also very creative with video production. He made many contributions to the Baltimore Sounds book.

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Taylor, Charlie - LEAD SINGER FOR 2ND COMING BAND DIED MAY 20TH 2009 @ MARYLAND UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL-HE NEVER HAD TO ASK (WHAT IF!)-GO TO myspace.com/2ndmusic for pics and music-in balt we played Club Venus, Hollywood Palace, Club 40, Legends, Mr Pipps, along with any other clubs open at that time and wherever Starleigh booked

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Therres, Greg - On March 20, 2010 Gregory Alan Therres, devoted father of Jessica and Christina Therres, and his loving four-legged companion Audrey Fay. He is also survived by his siblings Terry, Cindy, Michael, and Kevin. Greg was a vocalist and member of Tamerlane with Dr. Feelgood, Beginnings, Jeremiah, and was owner of Starleigh Entertainment A memorial service was on March 27 at the family owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 York Road. Contributions may be made in his name to www.americanheart.org, or www.kidneyfund.org or www.diabetes.org

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Thomas, Charlie - Guitarist / vocalist of Street Life, Chuggalug, Us, Face Dancer... passed on September 15, 2021.

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Thomas, Ernie - passed away on September 21 after long fight against injuries sustained as a pedestrian hit by a motor vehicle in Atlantic City. Ernie played drums with Both Worlds after Ralph Fisher left the group. He played with many other groups from the Baltimore and D.C. area including Sweet Blindness, White Heat, Downstairs Band, Johnson Brothers, as well as bands of Phil Flowers, and Ernie Fields.

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Thompson, Tommy - passed away on June 28, 2016 after a battle with cancer. He was recently honored with induction into the Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame as a member of The Admirals. Tommy played bass guitar and sax. He was also a member of Danny & the Elegants, Pen Lucy, and SirPrize. RIP, Tommy

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Tracey, John - Extroidinary drummer for many notable Baltimore bands and recording sessions. Groups included Trigger Happy, Climbadonkey, The Ravyns, Crack the Sky, No Heroes, Rob Fahey's Pieces, and many others. Passed away October 2021.

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Treffinger, Gerald - Saying goodbye to fellow musician, vocalist and keyboardist of Denny & the Dynamics, The Satins, Danny & the Elegants, Majic. Jerry was found deceased at his home in Florida on Tuesday March 29, 2011, apparently of natural causes.

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Treffinger, Paul - passed away on March 4, 2019. As a young drummer Paul sat in with his brother's band The Dynamics. He went on to be a member of many top notch local bands that include Morgan's Pirates, And The Echoes, Billy Storm & the Tempests, The Graham Chambers System, Good Grief, Chalet... In the 00s Paul was coaxed into dusting off his kit and he became an integral part of several Baltimore RandB Jam Reunions.

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Trieble, Chris
Saying goodbye to Chris Trieble, one of my oldest and dearest friends. Both of us music fanatics. We started garage bands during high school. And although our bands never got anywhere we had lots of great times. Chris studied classical guitar at Peabody. He went on to play in several successful local bands including This 'N That, and others.
Chris and I spent countless hours traveling to record stores and we both built nice record collections.
Outside of music we traveled the entire east coast on many different excursions - everywhere from Montreal (a trip accompanied with his sister Renee), to Key West. One trip we were headed to New York and at the last minute decided to head south 'not stopping until we saw palm trees,' eventually ending up in Savannah Georgia on a whim! There were many harrowing experiences that we managed to get through - one at the Canadian border entering New York. Once at a gas station in NW Georgia where we narrowly escaped a group of rednecks picking a fight. An all-night trip to Grafton, WV to visit a friend that should have taken 4-5 hours but we battled what turned out to be a bad alternator and a clogged gas filter - driving then gravel topped Route 50 at night with no headlights. The stories are endless. Thanks Chris!
Life took us in different directions until reconnecting at our 25th High School reunion and we stayed in touch on and off since. Chris was also a good cook. Will miss the many cookouts, his homemade Italian dishes and chili.
Chris was found deceased in his Arbutus apartment on June 23, 2015. I'll miss you, my friend. RIP.

Chris and Joe at the Baltimore Book Fair - 2008

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Turner, Frank - Country music bandleader, passed away on November 28, 2017 at the age of 80. His groups the Country Rhythm Boys, the New Country Showmen, and Turner's Outlaw Band entertained throughout the mid-Atlantic region for many years and featured some of the best country musicians from the area. He hosted annual gatherings at his Turner Ranch in King George, Virginia. In 2010 he was inducted into the Maryland Country Legends Hall of Fame.

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Utter, Dave - David Utter, guitarist / vocalist with Face Dancer, Fast Eddie, Deanna Bogart Band, and other Baltimore / D.C. area groups passed away on July 31, 2019 at age 66.

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van Nordeck, Charles - jazz and pop guitarist. The Charles von Nordeck Quartet played many Fells Point clubs. He also worked as a music distributer at D&H Distributing in Baltimore. In mid-70s worked at Tower Records in San Francisco as jazz expert. He also managed the Record & Tape Collector store on Cold Spring Lane. Charles passed on December 25, 2013 (66).

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Vann, Tommy - Beloved vocalist, band leader, recording artist. Member of Baltimore groups The Echoes, The Professionals, The Admirals. Tommy's popularity and music impact has been recognized by his peers with four inductions to the Maryland Entertainers Hall of Fame with the three aforementioned groups as well as an individual honoree. Tommy, age 83, passed suddenly on January 21, 2022.

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Watkins, Judd, May 31, 2021. Vocalist/percussionist with The Jolly Jax, The Soul Brothers, Webster Lewis and others.

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Welsh, Vernon - Co-founded The Left Bank Jazz Society along with Benny Kearse in 1964. They booked many nationally known acts to play at the Society's concerts at The Famous Ballroom. Vernon also hosted a jazz radio program on WBJC in the 1970s. He passed on August 8, 2002 (83).

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Wentworth, Mark - Trombonist with The Deltas passed away on May 31, 2017 (67)

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Weston, Denny - very prolific bass guitarist, whose groups included The Londonaires, Emmel & His Counts, The Esquires, Tommy Vann's Professionals, Al Rossi's Joy, and Dion's Streeheart Band. Passed away a couple of years ago.
2/2016 - Thanks to his Londonaires bandmate Vern Ruppert for the memory.

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White, Kim - Vocalist with Archer, Kim White Band. Recent inductee into the Maryland Entertainers Hall of Fame. Kim passed away May 27, 2021.

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Wilcox, Dave - aka Steptoe T. Magnificent, Baltimore's Godfather of Punk. A stalwart of the Marble Bar scene, Dave's artistry graced dozens (maybe hundreds of concert posters, he designed album atwork, logos and advertisments. Dave was lead vocalist and played guitar in many local groups including Pooba, Alcoholics, Problem Pets, Rockhard Peter, Pang Pang, and in later years Chelsea Graveyard. June 6, 2022 (72).

(Photo: Steptoe)

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Williams, Jessica (George Maxwell), keyboard / pianist, composer, prolific recording artist (Adelphi, Clean Cuts, Black Hawk), and a Grammy nominee. Passed away March 12, 2022.

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Wimbrough, Don – Passed away on October 5, 2022 in Ocean City, MD at age 71. Don played keyboards with many local groups including The Road Runners (appearing on Dome Records), Tommy & the Artelles, Paper Cup / Shor Patrol (appearing on Paper Cup indie 45's and Shor Patrol national release on Arista Records), The Heat & The Cold Sweat Horns, The Klassix.

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Wines, Brad - Pianist-vocalist. May 1, 2004 (67).

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Wockenfuss, Eddie - Keyboardist, founding member of The Inner Cyrkle, passed away January 22, 2022. Eddie was a member of 1960s bands Little John & the Merrymen, The Statics, The Stratfords, he co-founded the popular 60s-70s group Inner Cyrkle that played extensively locally throughout Baltimore, D.C., Ocean City, as well as touring the east coast. Record releases he appeared on included The Stratfords, and Chuck Blevins.

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Wood, James 'Biddy' - Jazz promoter, writer for the Afro-American News. Married singer Damita Jo DeBlanc and toured with her worldwide. In Baltimore he booked big names to perform at clubs along Pennsylvania Avenue and as far away as Atlantic City and Las Vegas. He passed away October 7, 2011 (87)

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Yawn, Jesse H., 78, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away on July 5, 2016.
From AEI VBooking Agency website:
"Blues Singer Extraordinaire, Jesse H. Yawn has been a fixture in Baltimore, Washington areas blues scene for over 25 years. A personable Gentle Giant of a Man, Jesse has enjoyed a huge loyal following wherever he appears.
"Born in Florida, he cut his teeth on Gospel music. Later he was recuited by the national touring acts such as The Visionaires and The Trumpets of Joy.
"Jesse moved to Rochester, New York in the early 50's to join the Travelling Six Spirituals group and later formed his own group, The Flower City Gospelaires.
"Turning to the blues scene, Jesse worked with legendary giants such as Jack McDuff, George Benson, Grant Green and Albert King at such clubs as The Pithod Club, Lee's Hotel, Club Mr. Wonderful & V.I.P Lounge.
"Moving to Baltimore in 1971, Jesse was rediscovered by Bobby Parker and Larry Benicewicz of the Baltimore Blues Society at club 8X10. Jesse went on to help form the Soul Providers group and won the D.C Blues Best Artists Competition. He was sent to represent the Mid Atlantic Region in Memphis, Tennessee at the National Finals of the Blues Foundation.
"Jesse Yawn has established his name on the local music scene and his popularity has sent him to various venues throughout the states, including shows for President Clinton's Inaugural Events.
His distinction for the blues has brought about engagements in Italy and Germany as well.
"You will find him performing at major Blues Festivals on the basis of his critically acclaimed album, "Forever More," newly released from HorsePlay Records [1997]. This accomplishment features not only the finest musicians with international credentials, but also received accolades from such notables like John Lee Hooker and Bernard "Pretty" Purdie."

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Zack, Michael - Drummer - Lawrence & the Arabians, Wild Honey (appeared on TV's Wing Ding), Puzzle, Cherry People, DC Dog, backed many artists including Roy Buchanan, Bobby Parker, Nils Lofgren, Stella Parton...
Mike passed away August 21, 2018, age 69.

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