<<<<<<<< NEWS >>>>>>>>



Here's some news... Unfortunately the Baltimore Sounds book is currently out of print. We thank everyone for your support over the years.
Please send us any news or additional information regarding Baltimore area local artists circa 1950-2000.


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LEAF - superb Baltimore funk and rock band released a couple of 7" records in early '80s that are now highly sought after collector records.
The band made some recordings in the early-mid-'90s. Throughout some very unfortunate circumstances the tapes were lost (long story explained on drummer Joe Senger's website). In short, on a visit to True Vine Records, Ian showed Joe V. a recent acquisition of some LEAF records and tapes he purchased from someone who had brought them into the store. Joe V. contacted Joe S. and with help from Ian the tapes were reunited to Joe S.
Fast forward almost 20 years... the 30 year old tapes are out of storage and have been remastered and now available for the world to enjoy!
LEAF - Too Many Junkies (A Funk-Rock Time Capsule) is available on vinyl, CD, or by download through Joe's website:
http://www.fcfoffunk.com
Also check out the SALTYmf PODCAST interview with Joe Senger via the website.

LEAF album - LEAF band L-R: Billie Senger, Byron Bowen, Joe Senger
Posted December 2024


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Saying goodbye and remembering friends and musicians...


Don Bellew, guitarist, singer, songwriter. Member of groups Bella Donna, The Xpressions, Snowblind. Also performed as a solo artists in local clubs and Ocean City. Don lost his battle with cancer on December 30, 2024.
Don Bellew photo borrowed from Facebook


Radio legend Jack (John Herbert) Edwards passed away December 17, 2024. The Kenwood High School graduate began his 15+ year career at WCAO-AM right out of high school taking over the all-night shift. He later went on to work at WCBM, WLPL, WYST, WTTR. Jack was 86.



John Spokus, 61, passed away unexpectedly on November 13, 2024. John played bass guitar with Blunt Force Trauma, The Beltways (releasing several albums), one album with George Brigman, Bagworm, and other groups.

Photo: The Beltways - John on right



Aleta Greene, on November 7, 2024 (69) iconic vocalist performed rock, soul, jazz - solo or with countless bands and combos, studio work and commercial recordings.




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Announcing the 2025 Arbutus Record & CD Show schedule!



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Rumor has it that the MEHOF Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame may be returning in 2025. Stay tuned! The Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame honors individuals and groups who have made signifigant contributions to the history of entertainment in the State of Maryland.
Honorees include Musicians, Singers, Radio and Television Personalities, Promotional Icons, and all facets of entertainment.


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Congratulations to Jimmy Briscoe & the Beavers! . A street will be named in their honor!
The ceremony will take place on October 21, 2023 (2:00 PM) at the corner of Bethune and Round Road in Cherry Hill neighborhood, Baltimore.



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It was recently brought to my attention that drummer Billy Lipman was incorrectly noted in the book as Billy Litwin. Billy Lipman's groups included The Heyokas, and A New Day. My information source and I regret the error.


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Great times and music at 2022 HampdenFest. Three stages and multiple bands all day long!
Ran into the amazing Skizz and many others.


Joe meets Skizz before his band Yard Sale goes on.

Snuck a photo of Skizz setting up his lime green shag drums, Go Dog Go band behind him setting up on stage.


Many thanks to Skizz with his help and information about local bands!



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Announcing the long awaited book and CD set by Jay Bruder
DC R&B: 1940-1960 (Bear Family 17052)
Co-produced by Jay Bruder with the assistance of Bear Family Records founder Richard Weize.
R&B in DC is "A comprehensive survey of Washington, D.C.'s contribution to the rise of Rhythm & Blues music from the swing era to the dawn of soul. This detailed history places music made by performers with significant ties to the Washington region in the context of the local and national scene. From street corner vocal quartets to national stars over 100 artist biographies trace the development of the D.C. Sound. Based on a chronology drawn from extensive research in contemporary sources, it includes vignettes on local record companies, the African-American press, and radio and television in the Washington area. It illustrates the role of Washington's schools, churches, and amateur shows as a launching pad for local talent and Washington's clubs and theaters as major destinations on the R&B circuit. 478 audio tracks, 16 CDs, and an illustrated book bring this long overlooked musical community to back to life."
  See Washington Post article published on September 23, 2021: "https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/randb-in-dc-box-set-washington/2021/09/21/1ca21e2c-1aee-11ec-a99a-5fea2b2da34b_story.html



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The Higgins Family of Bill's Music House competes on TV's "Family Feud" game show
Thursday November 4 and Friday November 12, 2021 seen on WBFF, and WNUV-TV


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Stan Gibson announces the release of his new book "The Adventures of Verdell Katmandu - Gansta Kitty" published February 2021 is now available...
"What do you get when a man in a wheelchair and his girlfriend take in a stray (Verdell / Max) cat that smokes catnip, runs a numbers game, and is always conjuring up a get rich quick scam?" website: https://verdellkatmandu.com/
Also available at Amazon




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Announcing a new book release: "Alias Emperor Rodger: A Majestic Memoir by Baltimore's Emperor of Insanity In The Crazy Daze of '60s Top 40 Radio" by Paul H. D. Rothfuss
"ALIAS EMPEROR RODGERS..." is a memoir of the crazy days of Top 40 Radio, the "new" format that launched like a rocket in the 1950s and blasted whacky DJs and Rock 'n' Roll music across America like a streaking comet. Top 40 hit Baltimore, Maryland in 1956 when WCAO "grabbed it and ran" - that story is told here through the journey of a high school kid from Pennsylvania who hopped aboard the juggernaut early and rode it to the top.
This radio history is filled with fun and frivolity, just as AM Radio was back then - with promotions people scheming up crazy stunts that would never be allowed today. The story combines insight into the business of radio, told with genuine affection for the many people who helped this writer build a radio career that reached heights far beyond his wildest dreams.
On a whim, seventeen year old Paul Rothfuss auditions for an announcer's job at a small AM radio station in South Williamsport, PA. While learning the business at minimum wage he cements a lasting bond, and begins a journey with a serious upward trajectory - first to WSBA in York, PA and WARM in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA as Paul Roberts (Alias #1), then to Baltimore's premier Top 40 radio station, WCAO, where he rises to prominence as Paul Rodgers (Alias #2), and where he is soon elevated to the exalted rank of 'Emperor Rodgers' (Alias #3).
Eventually the Emperor hung up his toga and laurel wreath (actually, they were plastic grapes). Yet another dream was fulfilled when he left Top 40 radio to join the staff of radio personalities at Metro Media's WCBM, an early adopter of yet another 'new' radio format called Hot Adult Contemporary - 'Hot AC' for short.
All along the way it was Paul's privilege to be working with the best, which enabled him to become one of the best.
"ALIAS EMPEROR RODGERS..." is also a story of friendship; a bond between two boys making a pact at an age when wiser observers would dismiss it as the silly musings of two clueless kids. But defying those odds, they followed it through in parallel careers that propelled them to achieving their ultimate goal. (That part of the story to be explored in our sequel: PAUL AND KERBY'S GREAT ADVENTURE.)
Finally, the book is sprinkled with links and images that illuminate the story and enhance the reader's experience.
If you enjoyed watching 'WKRP In Cincinnati' you'll love reading, or listening to, ALIAS EMPEROR RODGERS: A Majestic Memoir by Baltimore's Emperor of Insanity in the Crazy Daze of '60s Top 40 Radio.
Now available through Amazon Books!
6.10.18

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Announcing the new book by Tom Carson
is now available thru Amazon.com
Titled "One Singer's Legendary Journey - A Baltimore and Beyond Musical Memoir"
is a no-holds-barred autobiographical account of Tom's experiences through the years as a member of popular local bands The Lafayettes, The Fugitives, and Legend. There are tales of legendary local night clubs, his brushes with major stars, anecdotes and stories about other local musicians and bands, experiences as a booking agent, his work as a Stanstock Festival organizer, and many other facets of his life as a lead singer in a rock and roll band.
Nice read, lots of nostalgia. It's only available at Amazon.com.
5.2018

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We recently heard from Ken Kaplan of The Hi Notes
Ken spent a few years living in Florida and has recently returned to Baltimore. He said all along he has continued playing with two members of The Hi Notes, and there are several of the band members itching to get something going again. Ken asked if there are any reunions on the horizon - or any interest in organizing another reunion? Anyone???
1/30/2018

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RU-JAC LIVES!!!
Omnivore Records releases excellent 4-disc retrospective of the legendary Baltimore soul label!
From Omnivore Records:
The Baltimore soul/R&B label Ru-Jac Records was founded in 1963 by local promoter Rufus Mitchell and investor partner Jack Bennett (their names forming the Ru-Jac name). The label primarily released regional soul/R&B singles from 1963 until the mid 1970s, when Mitchell stepped away to focus on another business venture. Omnivore has already released albums by two of the label's biggest names, Winfield Parker - Mr. Clean: Winfield Parker at Ru-Jac (Parker also serves as the consulting producer for all of Omnivore's Ru-Jac releases) and Gene & Eddie - True Enough: Gene & Eddie With Sir Joe at Ru-Jac.
In January, Omnivore will roll out four various-artists volumes, collecting for the very first time anywhere the audio history of Ru-Jac Records. Kevin Coombe, series co-producer and East Coast soul historian, provides liner notes detailing the rise and eventual closure of the label, and its close ties to the then-segregated beaches and performance spaces of the region. Rare photos and ephemera will be included in each volume to help illustrate and trace the history of the label.




Various Artists - Something Got a Hold on Me: The Ru-Jac Records Story Volume 1, 1963-1964 (CD/Digital)
Various Artists - Get Right: The Ru-Jac Records Story Volume 2, 1964-1966 (CD/Digital)
Various Artists - Finally Together: The Ru-Jac Records Story Volume 3, 1966-1967 (CD/Digital)
Various Artists - Changes: The Ru-Jac Records Story Volume 4, 1967-1980 (CD/Digital)

Omnivore Music Publishing has also acquired the accompanying publishing catalogs for Ditty Bop and Ru-Jac Publishing.
All releases have been produced and compiled by Pawelski and Coombe, with mastering and restoration by Graves. Ru-Jac artist Winfield Parker, serves as the consulting producer and is helping oversee the projects.
This package has all the original remastered releases, many never before heard unreleased tracks and great liner notes.

AND they graciously mentioned yours truly (Joe V) for my relatively tiny contributions to the project. Thanks Omnivore, maybe we can work on getting some more very deserving Baltimore sounds reissued!

Speaking of which...

Did I mention the Omnivore releases of Winfield Parker and Gene & Eddie retrospectives? Both are great releases of music and historical information about these Ru-Jac artists.



1/30/2018

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tENTATIVELY a cONVENIENCE , aka BalTimOre is still alive and well and residing in the Pittsburgh area. Recent experimental usic collections include retro as well as contemporary tracks.
2013(CD) - mm bad 001 -- MM26
2015(CD) - mm bad 002 -- 12 selections from 40 years
2016(CD) - mm bad 003 -- Significantly Different from the Other One
2017(CD) - mm bad 004 -- Amusical Music Atheatrical Theater


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Had the pleasure of speaking with Jack Boucher (Boucher Brothers Band) 30+ years since he and his group were playing as our regular Sunday night band at Back of the Vac. They also performed regularly at Spittel's Salty Dog Saloon, and The Horse in Fells Point among others. Jack has since relocted to Nashville where he continues to be quite busy producing, songwriting, performing, and running a nightclub. He has promised to provide some updates and additional information...
I was very saddened to learn that his brother Steve Boucher passed away in January 2015 after a long battle with cancer.

Steve Boucher at Back Of The Vac circa 1983
4/10/2016

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Songwriter extrordinaire (and Maryland Entertainment Hall Of Fame inductee) Kenny Kerns stopped by the Arbutus Record & CD Expo in February to say hello, and to make sure I had copies of his songs as recorded by Baltimore groups Blueberry Blend and Billy Joy & The Verdicts.
Thanks, Kenny, for the records!


Kenny Kerns and Joe Vaccarino Feb. 21, 2016


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Psychedelic States: Maryland In The 60s
Various Artists (Artist) Format: Audio CD



Gear Fab Records presents the 20th edition to their Psychedelic States series. This one features Maryland and DC area artists. Released in 2014"The definitive collection of over 40 great bands from the Chesapeake State. Featuring many never before heard and unreleased songs from 1965 through 1970. Double CD Jewel Case with a 20 page full color booklet."
Most of the original records are quite rare. This is your chance to own remastered versions of them all at a reasonable price.

Disc: 1
1. Get Off My Back - The Henchmen
2. It's True - The Looms
3. Please Don't Go - The Second Hand Bitter Sweet
4. Tangerine Guides - The New Diablos
5. The Fugitive - The Dagenites
6. Hey Little Girl The - Marauders
7. All I Want Is My Baby Back - Piece Kor
8. I've Been Fooling Around - The Smacks
9. Been A Long Time - The Koffee Beans
10. Psychedelic Ride - The Ides
11. Letters Of Love - The Creatures
12. I Wish I Could - The Juveniles
13. Shadows - Attic Sounds
14. Little Latin Lupe Lu - The Invaders
15. I Want You All The Time - The Limits
16. Sweet Life - The Urch Perch
17. Cumberland Railroad - Tomorrow's People
18. I Don't Want To Try Again - The Dagenites
19. Savin' All My Love For You - Bob Brady & The Con Chords
20. You Won't Find Me - The Executioners
21. In The World Of Our Own - Cherry Pink Reason
22. Flower Children - Sodom & Gomorrah
23. Gone And Left Me - Mike's Messengers
24. She Still Loves You - The Henchmen
25. Watch Out - Paper Cup
26. Come With Me - The Trespassers
27. Dance, USA! - The Shoremen

Disc: 2
1. Love - The Bad Boys
2. Everything Would Be Fine - The Fallen Angels
3. I Do - Jay Dee & The Chasers
4. Tiny Little Seeds - The Persuaders
5. All My Life - The Koffee Beans
6. I Was Wrong - Human Freedom And Security
7. J-J (Come Back To Me) - The Souls Of Britton
8. I'm Fake - The New Diablos
9. Fools Live Alone - The Lost Tribe
10. Haight Street Dream - Brandi Laine
11. I Can't Wait Till Friday Comes - The Hard Times
12. I Don't Know - The Penmar Stompers
13. Throw Stones - The Stratfords
14. Something For You - The Marauders
15. They Threw Sticks And Stones - The Nunsuch
16. Words Of The Raven - Piece Kor
17. What A Drag It Is - The Patriots
18. I'm Gone Slide - The Dagenites
19. I Can't Believe - The Omegas
20. Dawn - Summer's Misfits
21. Land Of Love - The New Diablos
22. Little Heart - The Newports
23. Carousel Of Dreams - Cherry Pink Reason
24. She's Bad - The Shoremen
25. Turtle Neck Sweaters - The Verdicts
26. I Need Love - The Mad Hatters
27. Things I See - The Urch Perch

CD available through Amazon.com


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24 years ++++ and still going strong... (as of December 2024)
Richard Taylor's ROOTS ROCK RADIO SHOW presents the best of indie ROOTS ROCK/POP, ALT COUNTRY/AMERICANA, BLUES ROCKABILLY, GARAGE/PUNK, and Real ROCK & ROLL from around the globe. Now in its 11th year in (2015)! The show has been reviewed in Rolling Stone Magazine, http://rrradio.com/images/RS_RRR52web2.jpg, Apple's iTunes has included the show in their list of a "special set of pioneering shows."
You can listen to the ROOTS ROCK RADIO show 24/7 on the Web at: Roots Rock Radio http://RRRadio.com/
You can also find Richard's 'Roots Rock Radio' show on facebook

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Just sayin'...



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I have NO JOB
I have NO MONEY
I have NO CAR
BUT I'M IN A BAND!

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Congratulations Bill's Music House on their 50th Anniversary!
Providing musical instruments, service and instruction to the Greater Baltimore Area.
Visit their store at 743 Frederick Rd., Catonsville.
Thanks to Bill, his family and staff for supporting the "Baltimore Sounds" book!

(Photo: Bill in front of the old store)
11/2015

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Anybody heard of a R&B group circa late-'60s-early-'70s called The Accents ?
Recently a demo acetate pressing of two songs has been discovered by this group. The tracks are "West Side" (similar to a mid-'60s Drifters sound), and "Elephant Jerk" (a R&B Watusi type dance record). The recording is from Accent Studios on Biddle Street. I don't know if the songs were ever released as a single. Please let me know if you know anything about this group.

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Now available - The Kenny Hamber Story "Tears In My Eyes"

Congratulations Kenny on the release of your book!

Tears in My Eyes: The Kenny Hamber Story
by Kenny Hamber and John Smith (Author)
Paperback: 194 pages
ASIN: B00NI5FPZY
Price: $15
Available from Amazon.com



Kenny Hamber was born in Baltimore in 1943. Growing up in the projects there, he was strongly drawn to singing (much more so than to general education). After embarking on a musical journey as a member of a vocal harmony group, he struck out on his own as a solo singer just as soul music's golden age was dawning. He spent much of the 1960's performing in & around his home city though he headed off to New York and Philadelphia to progress his recording career (working with the likes of Bert Berns, King Curtis, Cissy Houston, Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and others in the process). Towards the end of the 1960's, once again a member of a group, he relocated to Providence, Rhode Island to seek new opportunities. After establishing himself there, he built a new group and landed another recording contract. Moving on once again, this time to Hartford, he continued his career meeting numerous challenges along the way. After getting to perform overseas, Kenny finally learnt that all his efforts had not been in vain and that his old records were much sought after in various parts of the world. Over fifty years after he started out, Kenny is still chasing his dreams. He has experienced a lot en-route and 'Tears In My Eyes' tells his fascinating story. (from book intro)
2015.1.31

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Jay Graboski (OHO, et al) surprised me with a package of two new CD releases.

First is a single by OHO titled "Ocean City Ditty" a song about everyone's favorite summer vacation destination. This is the current OHO configuration with Jay (vocals, guitar, bass), David Reeve ("rhythmelodic deployment, engineering") and Ray Jozwiak (keyboards), with Bill Pratt (engineering, keyboards, vocals), and Gene Meros (tenor sax). I've been a fan of OHO since first witnessing a performance at the Catonsville Community College Santa Claus Anonymous benefit in 1974, and shortly thereafter obtaining their first album "Okinawa".

Second is an awesome retrospective of the group Grok . The CD consists of vintage studio and live recordings of Grok, plus a new song by the group, and remastered recordings of precursor group The Verdicts. All this comes in a very nice package with extensive liner notes. Grok members included Bob Funk, Dale German, J.P. Graboski, Don Henritz, Bill Joy, and Colette Kelly, with appearances by Garrett Henritz, Bill Pratt, and Jamie Wilson.

Both discs are available at CD Baby.
Oct. 2014

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Check out Joe's Baltimore Sounds Facebook page!
Joe is now posting now&then photos and ads of local night clubs and entertainment venues of yore.
Stop in, check it out, and feel free to add your comments and memories to the postings!


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Announcing the "Bricologe" CD/DVD release for Jay Graboski (OHO). The "Bricologe" DVD anthology documents OHO 1988-1992 with video footage of the band's performance opening for Cheap Trick at Universal Amphitheater, Hollywood, CA., plus their Star Search auditions, and footage of the OHO 1990 CD release party at the Eight By Ten, The new CD release features 13 new songs plus eight bonus tracks spanning 1985-2007. There are already a number of notable reviews about these releases including Dirty Linen #106 "OHO sounds like Jefferson Airplane landing on top of Genesis and then taking a time machine ride with Fairport Convention to play at the H.G. Wells birthday party", and one from Rolling Stone "Shimmering Folk-Rock that would appeal particularly to fans of female vocalists: plenty of sprightly acoustic guitars and airy vocal harmonies."
Note from Joe V: I first saw OHO at the 1974 Santa Claus Anonymous benefit concert at Catonsville Community College while working as a soundman for Top-40 group Sage. I enjoyed prog/keyboard laden groups such as ELP and Yes. I was blown away by OHO and went out and bought their album "Okinawa," an album that was quite progressive for the time. OHO has continued to evolve from those days in musical style and many quality recordings. Good luck Jay, and thanks for continuing to keep me in the loop with important happenings!

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STINSON BARTH Ellicott City's own country music songwriter-guitarist-vocalist has been inducted into the Rockabilly Hall Of Fame! Stinson released two singles on the Rebel label in 1960. The recordings have enjoyed continued popularity in Canada over the years. Mr. Barth is working on a re-release of the originals recordings along with some newer original tunes. See his story and photos at www.rockabillyhall.com