Marylanders

Baltimore-based R&B group the Marylanders formed in 1945 -- according to Marv Goldberg's profile in the September 1977 issue of Yesterday's Memories -- founders Lewis "Buster" Banks (lead tenor), Johnny Paige (second tenor), David Jones (baritone), and Henry Abrams (bass) initially pursued a career in gospel, but crossed over to secular music a few years later. With the assistance of WSID radio personality Bill Franklin, the Marylanders signed to New York City-based Jubilee Records in early 1952 -- also home to Baltimore R&B sensation the Orioles. The label paired the fledgling group with songwriters Bill Robertson and Homer Murray, best known for their collaboration with the Magictones. Developing a distinctive production approach signified by its high tenors and evocative echo effects, the Marylanders issued their Jubilee debut "I'm a Sentimental Fool" in the spring of 1952. The record was a hit back home in Baltimore as well as in New Orleans, where Arthur Prysock soon cut a competing version for Decca. "Make Me Thrill Again" followed that summer, but again failed to launch the Marylanders to national prominence. With their third single, 1953's "Fried Chicken," the group eschewed ballads for more uptempo fare, but it too failed to crack the national charts, and when their one-year contract expired, Jubilee let them go. Jones soon exited the Marylanders lineup, and with new baritone Billy Greyeyes, the group mounted a brief regional tour before splitting in 1954. A year later Banks and Paige assembled the New Marylanders with tenor Freddy Yarborough and bass Gerald Carter. In 1958, Banks resigned, and Paige and Carter continued on with lead tenor William "Til" George and a baritone/guitarist remembered only as "Odell." This lineup was credited as "the Stylists" upon...