Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. Berger got his start performing live music as a member of an otherwise all black vocal group called the Brothers of Soul while serving military duty in Viet Nam. Upon returning to the states, he joined the police force and worked the streets of Baltimore City.
He eventually put together a group of musicians to play oldies and Top-40. Early members were Larry Shade (rhythm guitar –ex-Mojos), Rich Bowman (bass ex-Upsetters, Fidels –later with Majic…), and Joe Rosinski (drums –later with Solid Gold). The group became known as Goin’ Back, and earned a steady job playing at the Moose on Holabird Avenue 1974-1977. With the success of the band, Berger found himself splitting time between his regular job as a police officer and the band. This mix of occupations often created interesting, and sometimes humorous situations, when on duty he was obligated to uphold the law against musician peers.
The Goin’ Back Band played classic ‘50s-60s hits. In 1978 Berger began including a set devoted to a tribute to Al Jolson, complete with black face. A package deal was also available to include Bobby’s sister Lauretta Paone performing a tribute to Brenda Lee.
The group played throughout the Baltimore area (Higdon’s, Graceland Inn, Perch’s, Cannery, Sidepockets, Shangri-La, Four Season’s house band…), Annapolis (Desi’s), Ocean City (Carousel, Jack Spot), Moose’s, American Legion’s, state fairs and festivals (Fells Point), Las Vegas (Frontier Club with Sam Butera), New York (Roosevelt Hotel).
Television and radio appearances included City Line (TV show in Baltimore), The Joe Franklin Show (TV) in New York, Montel Williams Show (1988), and a telethon in Hazelton, PA.
Things were going well for Berger and his band but an objection was made by the NAACP regarding the black face Jolson act. Picketers began to appear at his performances and when the patrons began to be hassled it became necessary to stop the show. To make matters worse Berger lost his job as a police officer due to the publicity.
With the help of the ACLU and the police union, a suit was filed and taken all the way to the Supreme Court, which eventually ruled in favor of Berger. By this time, he was no longer able to play the Jolson tribute in big halls because of the small number of individuals who insisted on protesting the shows.
In the 1990’s Berger purchased Al Hoffman’s Inn and renamed it Bobby B’s Palace. Long known as a hot spot for ‘veteran’ musicians, live bands and jam sessions continued to occur on most weekends. The location also included a supper club that featured tribute shows and dinner theaters. Tributes included some of Baltimore’s best musicians backing professional impersonations of Jolson, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli, Brenda Lee, Marilyn Monroe, Reba McEntire, Judy Garland, Elvis, and Neil Diamond.
Over the years Bobby’s band has included a virtual ‘who’s who’ of local musicians. Bobby is apologetic that it would be impossible to name everyone.
Of the most highly praised players from Baltimore are saxophonists Al Baitch, and Roger Pace. Other players in no particular order Dave Leoni (guitar), Jim Sowder (guitar –Boss Company), Jo Jo Vitale (vocals), Kenny Kerns (vocals), Carl Ratcliff (drums -Ronnie Dove, Fox & Co.), Daryl Davis (piano –played for Chuck Berry), Frank Chase (keyboards ex-Ducanes, Michaels & Chase), Jackson Davis (keyboards), Art Volpe (bass –Scott Cunningham Band), Rich Collier (keyboard ex–Nocturnes), Vince Corolla (keyboards ex-Del Vinos, Blackfoot Smoke, Krackerjax), Rick Segraves (guitar –later in Nashville based blues band Double Ought.00), Danny Sapanero (drums ex-Crystals, Professionals, Continentals, Bell System), Warren Kellerhouse (keyboard –leader of Navy Band), Bobby Morris (keyboards, guitar –Boss Company, Gene Vincentt/Cadillac Cruisers), Nicky C (drums ex-Nicky C & Chateaux, Sticky Leaf, United Endeavor, Pzazz), Benny Cellitto (keyboards ex-B.J. & Betrayers, Paco, Teddy Bell), Tony Sweet (drums –had played with Richard Klender, Karen Goldberg, went on to the Glen Miller Band)… John Grant (guitar, bass), Rusty (guitar ex-Teddy Bell Band), Jimmy (from Dundalk Music),
Berger also played in a group featuring Roger Pace (sax), Jo Jo Vitale (vocals), and Jackson Davis (keys) on the Bay Lady on Inner Harbor cruises.
Photos of Bobby Berger’s band circa 2006:
Berger hosted his own popular call-in talk radio show “Bobby B’s Baltimore” on WCBM-AM 680 from the late-‘90s through 2006.
Bobby B’s Palace was also the site of the 2005 and 2008 R&B Jams.
1988(45) B.B.B. Prod. They Don’t Write ‘Em Like That Anymore / Tell Me What’s Wrong
198*(CS) Al Jolson Revue
