R&B/pop band formed by ‘King Curtis Wise’. Originating in the Guilford area of Howard County, members hailed from Severn, to Rockville, to Glenelg…
The group performed a mix of “Top-20” hits including R&B, pop and some country. Their first set usually consisted of some ‘warm-up’ instrumentals mood setting, followed by the introduction of vocalists. An early ‘70s lineup included leader Curtis (drums), with Bob Harrison (lead guitar), Sam Denby (bass), Charles Stanley (keyboards), and Larry Johnson (tenor sax). Other members over the years included Spriggs (baritone sax), Charles ‘Little Charlie’ Williams (tenor sax), Lester Johnson (tenor sax)… Vocalists included Barbara Wise, Wilson Johnson, and Mike Young. Barbara’s brother Leroy Maybin was lead vocalist of the Catonsville/Woodlawn based High Tyde.
(L-R: Charles Stanley, Curtis Wise, Bob Harrison, Larry Johnson, Sam Denby (hidden)
Curtis Wise & the Trojans performed for school dances, proms, church picnics, private affairs, American Legion halls, Bay Lady cruises… Seen at The Place, the Lisbon Teen Center, Edgewood Country Club, Moonlight Inn (Route 301), Lamplight Inn (Jessup), Fort Meade Officer’s Club, 1630 Club (Ft. Meade), Ellicott City Armory, Turf Valley Country Club…
The group was sometimes called upon to perform functions that the Van Dykes could not fit into their schedule. They also performed a show as backing band for Lou Rawls.
The Wise’s continued to perform for local church choirs. Wilson Johnson went on to the Family & Friends gospel group. Larry Johnson subsequently released several gospel albums.
