A soul and rock band from the Gardenville area originally known as the Wall of Sound. Members were Chuck Huber (lead guitar), John ‘Smitty’ Smith (rhythm), Bill ‘Butch’ Hensel (bass), Ronnie Carroll (drums), Lou Hammond (vocals), and Dennis Balog (organ). Len ‘Jumbo’ Dodson worked for the group as road manager and ‘chief security officer’ from 1967 through 1970.
The Sand Pebbles performed at many local teen centers and school dances including Herring Run Rec. Center, Villa Cresta Teen Center, Berkshire Teen Center, St. Elizabeth’s CYO, Parkville Rec. Center, Ridge Garden Community Center, Mount Washington Country Club.
The Sand Pebbles made several television appearances including the Jack Alix Show in Washington, D.C. on December 16, 1968, the Kerby Scott Show in 1969, and on the Dark Hour with Johnny Dark on channel 45 during its first broadcast year. The group also performed at Painter’s Mill on May 28, 1969 for the huge March of Dimes benefit festival “Mod ’69 Act III.”
In May 1970 the group split up after Hensel joined the Maryland Air National Guard and went away for basic training.
Hensel later played for the Bay Sound group Crystal. Balog joined the After Six Combo.
