Popular show and dance band from East Baltimore originated by brothers Gerald Lee aka ‘Abbey’ (vocals, keyboards), and Robert ‘Bug’ Lee (vocals, drums ex-Rollex).
Other early members included Kevin Spriggs (vocals, percussion)…
Keyboardist Gary Hudgins came aboard as band leader and musical director. He brought in lead vocalist Ira Glover, along with the nucleus of his former band Crosswind to replace the original Panama backing band. Robert Lee (drums) remained with the group with new band consisting of ‘Hudge’ (keyboards), Robert Wilson (lead guitar), Bill Harris aka ‘Billy Bass’ (bass), and Stephen Carter (sax).
Panama played eight years as a house band at Club Paradise, as well as Club 347, Maceo’s, Patapsco Arena, Elk’s Convention at the Baltimore Convention Center… They shared stages with many top local and national artists including Fabulous Friends, Spindles, Softones…
Hudge eventually left to concentrate on studio work. This evolved to a partnership of Code Red Studios with founder DJ Spen, and forming Code Red Records, going on to create and market records to an eager European market.
The Panama Band later split off with Glover to form the group Priority.
