The East Baltimore soul band formed by keyboardist Fred Allen. He brought together players from a couple of groups that had just split up to form the Jetsons. Original members were Allen (keyboards) with former Centurions Charlie Messenger (bass, trombone, vocals), Ed Murray (lead guitar, vocals), Clarence ‘Butch’ Williamson (tenor sax, vocals), with John Lockwood (alto and tenor sax, vocals ex-RaVons), Warren Raymond (drums ex-RaVons), Danny Mattio (trumpet), and another trombone player.
The Jetsons started out playing the teen center circuit, school dances and later played local clubs. Their original vocal group the Authentics eventually went on to front the Chips.
Additional members of the Jetsons included Joe Longo (drums), Jack Holnick (bass ex-Cavaliers), Phil Cashmyer (bass), Bill Kalkman (guitar ex-Admirals), Larry Simpkins (guitar), Jimmy Ciampaglio (alto sax ex-Esquires), Dennis Dross (trumpet), Ken Brown (trombone), Mike DeLuca (drums), Fred Nizer (trumpet ex-Dynamites), Danny Jenkins (guitar), Blair Schneider…
Beginning in late 1965 the Tangiers joined as the fronting vocal group. The Jetsons & the Tangiers performed extensively throughout the area. Record promoter Zim Zemarel recommended the group to Columbia Records. They went to Philadelphia and recorded two sides that were released on Columbia’s subsidiary label Date Records. “Baby It’s Cold Outside” b/w “Excuse Me for Living” (written by WCAO DJ Alan Field) was their first release. The Columbia agreement called for a certain sales threshold that was ultimately not achieved so Columbia did not renew the contract. Alan Field then released their next single on his own Pumpkin label “Dance of Love” featuring vocals by the Tangiers, while the B-side “All Souled Out” was a Jetsons instrumental. The Jetsons & the Tangiers could be seen at the Zoo Club, where they also participated in the Zoo’s St. Jude Parade of Stars (10 bands) on April 17, 1968.
In 1968 the Tangiers vocal group moved on to front the Chancellors band. The Civics vocal group formerly of Ricky & the Chips was then recruited to front the Jetsons.
In summer 1968 the group was scheduled to perform at the Milford Mill Swim Club. The segregated venue refused to allow a black vocal group so the band decided not to perform. Shortly afterward leader Fred Allen quit and was replaced with Don Muenzing.
The Jetsons & the Civics were scheduled to open for the Temptations at the Civic Center on December 8, 1968. Since Allen owned the rights to the Jetson’s name, manager Phil Collector suggested the band go on as the Collections with the Civics vocal group. From that point the core members of the group continued on as the Collections & the Civics.
The Jetsons band could be seen at the Alcazar, and as house band at the Keystone in 1969.
Allen later ran Fred Allen Productions, a talent agency that booked many local east side bands. He also performed with many groups including Kingdom, Beggars Opera, Dry Dock, Annie Oakley… Williamson later with the Admirals… Longo and Holnick later became members of Paper Cup. Kalkman joined the Majestics. Deluca went on to join Brandy. Jenkins later with Rock Island Express…
Single release as by the Tangiers & the Jetsons Band:
1966 Date 2-1548 Baby It’s Cold Outside / Excuse Me for Living
The Jetsons and the Tangiers:
1966 Pumpkin 101 Dance of Love / All Souled Out
