Frederick group led by guitarist Demetri Callas aka ‘Penny’. Demetri had been in several Frederick teen bands including the Playboys, and the Shades before coming to Baltimore where he played for Ronnie Dove’s Beltones. He also had an early ‘60s stint traveling with the Bill Black Combo.
In 1964 Demetri along with Al Ruzicka (keyboards), Larry Mann (sax), and Eddie Crocetti (drums ex-Beltones) formed the original Bad Boys. Later in ‘64 Ruzicka and Crocetti formed the Gents.
Callas traveled to Florida with another group featuring the nucleus of what would later become known as Flavor. The group, consisting of Callas, Gary St. Clair (bass), and Danny Conway (drums) eventually assumed the name Bad Boys and moved back to the area where they performed in MD, D.C., PA, WV, OH, … In 1966 they traveled to Louisville where they recorded songs which were released on Paula Records. Charlie Daniels produced the record and laid down some of the bass tracks.
While performing at the Rabbits Foot in D.C. in 1967 the group was scouted by Columbia Records and subsequently signed a recording contract. Columbia insisted on a name change and the group became known as Flavor. They continued to perform at the Rabbits Foot and were a popular local concert draw. Under the management of Columbia Records, they released several singles including the nationally charted record “Sally Had a Party.” They traveled to many towns across the country in support of their recordings. Eventually the group split up in 1970.
Recordings by the Bad Boys:
1966 Paula 254 Love / Black Olives
Recordings by Flavor:
1968 Columbia 4-44521 Sally Had a Party / Shop Around
1968 Columbia 4-44673 Yeah, I’m Hip / Hearteaser
1969 Columbia 4-44881 Coming on Home / Dancing in The Streets
Ruzicka went on to join Tommy Vann’s Professionals, Sound Foundation, Tugboat, Monopoly, Main Event, Joy… Callas and Ruzicka went on to perform as members of Frankie Valli’s band from 1971-1973. Callas and St. Clair also performed in several Frederick area bands. St. Clair was later with the Dubonettes, which became A&M recording group the Pep Boys who played the Bayou circa mid-late ‘70s. Callas was also a member of Hollywood Cool Breeze, and the late ‘70s D.C. based band Holland. In the ‘00s his band Demetri & The Flashbacks made their home in Las Vegas where they continued performing ‘50s style rock and roll.
