R&B Top-40 group evolved out of the Civics and Civics Band. Most of the members were music majors at Morgan State University. Vocalists included Elliott Barnes, Garry Cooper, James Gyant, and Franklin Howell. The band included Dino Marrison (bass ex-IBM’s), Kelton Addison (percussion), ‘Bop’ (drums), Charles Funn (trombone), Leslie (baritone sax), Mike (trumpet).
The 15th Chapter toured up and down the east coast, as well as performing local cabarets. The group opened shows for many top artists including Duke Ellington at Princeton University, Curtis Mayfield at Morgan, Intruders at St. Paul College in Virginia, Funkadelic at the Civic Center (also on the bill with local band Sound Experience)… They competed in battles of the bands vs. Chuck Brown & the Soul Searchers at The Scene in Baltimore and clubs in D.C.
Members went on to form Madhouse. Funn also performed with the Royal Theater house band, Gene Walker’s big band, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and became Director of the Dunbar High School jazz band.
