Kotton made the teen center and school dance rounds. Seen at St. Ursula’s CYO. Also performed at the Putty Hill Park free Concert on June 2, 1974 with Fragile, Appaloosa, Expressway, Wizard, and others.

An early lineup featured Carl Contrino (lead vocals), John Medel (guitar), Mike Warfield (bass), Jim Peters (keyboard), and Angelo Contrino (drums).

Kotton at Essex Community College – December 28, 1971 – L-R: John Medel, Angelo Contrino, Carl Contrino, Mike Warfield, Jim Peters (not shown). Photo courtesy Maryland Department, Enoch Pratt Free Library

Carl and Angelo were formerly with Tray ‘n the Diamonds. The group later featured Bub Deskin (guitar, vocals ex-Wanted, Side Show, Just Us), Mike Warfield (bass), Jim Peters (keyboards ex-Renaissance), Mickey Eckman (drums), Ralph (drums), and Dave Glaser (guitar, ex-Orange Sunshine). Sam Alascia (drums, vocals), Ellis Bowers (trombone), Jimmy Peters (keys, vocals). Ted Smith (guitar), Rick Dempsey (bass), and Charlie (guitar).

Kotton at Lansdowne Sr. H. S. – 1974 – L-R: Warfield, Deskin, Eckman, Peters
Kotton – circa 1976 – Top L-R: Sammy Alascia, Ellis Bowers, Jimmy Peters. Botton L-R: Ted Smith, Rick Dempsey, Charlie – Photo courtesy of Rick Dempsey

In the 1980s were Earl Spivey (guitar), Craig Weaver (bass ex-Beginnings), Iris Peters (vocals), Jim Peters (keys), Eddie, Rick Dempsey (bass), and Andy Armetta (drums)….

Kotton – 1983 – Top: Greg, Iris Peters, Jim Peters – Bottom: Eddie, Rick, Andy.
Courtesy of Andy Armetta

Deskin (see bio) did some solo recordings and worked with bandleader Zim Zemarel. Carl Contrino joined Fragile. Angelo Contrino was later with Wee Three/Charm City Band… Glaser went on to Van Dyke & Glaser. Armetta later with The Foundation… Dempsey later with The Cadillac Cruisers…

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