The Talismen, named after a variation of the word for good luck charm, originated in the Northeast Baltimore area around Loch Raven Boulevard. The group formed in late 1965 as a British rock cover band featuring Steve Empie (vocals), Dave Haupt (guitar), and Ray Cuomo (drums), with the addition of bass guitarist Jim Slusser.
By 1966 the British rock sounds were giving way to the popularity of soul music. The Talismen decided to try adding a horn section. At that time they added Gary DeLuca (trumpet), Albert Maggitti (alto sax), John McDonough (tenor sax), and Danny McDonough (valve trombone), while also adding keyboardists Gary Cook (electric piano), and Bob Skillman (organ). Gary’s dad, Anthony DeLuca, managed the group.
The Talismen performed a lot around Highlandtown and East Baltimore at CYO dances, Unity Hall, UAW Hall, Belair Road Assembly Hall… Havre de Grace waterfront, Havre de Grace High School dances… The group also performed at the Tom Foolery Lounge at the Park Plaza Hotel. Group members were all around sixteen years old and due to the liquor license laws, they had to stay in the kitchen between sets.
Front: Dave, Bob S., Steve E., ?, Dave Y.
The McDonough brothers knew of a Broadway/Fells Point area vocal group known as the Cobells who wanted to sing for a band and recruited them in mid-1967. The Talismen & the Fabulous Cobells performed teen center circuit as well as gigs at the Dixie Ballroom and as an opener for the Chaumonts with Patti LaBelle & the Bluebells at Unity Hall in Dundalk. Chaumonts vocalist Milton Dugger complimented the group for their rendition of his song “Love Is the Thing.”
Cuomo left the group in December 1967 and was replaced with Andy Armetta (drums ex-Sussex). Slusser was replaced with Dave Yanuk (bass).
Photos courtesy of Andy Armetta
The Talismen could be seen at the Sacred Heart of Mary CYO. On May 3, 1968 they performed in a concert at St. Elizabeth’s CYO with the Playmates, Midnights Suns, and Rysing Sun. The group competed in the Teen Fair Battle of the Bands on Wednesday June 19, 1968.
Haupt, and the McDonough brothers went on to join the Cavaliers. Armetta later joined the Arlingtons and eventually rejoined some former Sussex bandmates to form Exit. Skillman later with Exit. DeLuca was later with Brandy
A group called the Talismen + Times performed at the Catonsville Rock Concert on August 23, 1970.
