The Better Half was a versatile band that played Top-40 rock, ballads, soul, and oldies. The group was formed by members of the Scottsmen Bill Whitney (bass), Bob Kropkowski (keyboards), and Kenny Heiser (trumpet), along with Benny Westerfield (guitar), and former Elegants drummer Buddy Novak.
After the breakup of the Peppermint Rainbow, guitarist Doug Lewis joined the Better Half. He replaced Benny Westerfield who had taken on a position in the traveling backup band for the Drifters. Westerfield was musical director for the Drifters, traveling with the group and arranging local bands to back them in the cities they visited.
The Better Half released a single on Chatim Records “Good Lovin’” b/w “City Song,” a song penned by Doug Lewis and Joe Stamboni. Lewis was with the band for a brief time before receiving an offer he couldn’t refuse to join Phil Hanes group Cyrkle. With the departure of Lewis, guitarist Gary Rainey (ex-Time Machine) joined the band. Other members throughout the ‘70s included Bill Krahling (guitar ex-Artesians, Legend), Rusty Hill (keyboards – ex-Uptowns, Brandy), Chick Padeletti (drums ex-Expressway), Rick Olaguer (guitar ex-Snickers, Delightful) replaced Krahling.
Better Half ads above:
Better Half photos courtesy of Bob Kropkowski
The Better Half performed at most of the major clubs in the area while also traveling to clubs in the mid-west and the west coast. At the Gentlemen II club in Baltimore, they backed up many big-name stars who came to town including the Drifters, Bobby Lewis, Gary U.S. Bonds, Johnny Thunder, Jimmy Clanton, Coasters, etc… Other local clubs played by the Better Half included the Chanticleer (with D.C.’s Feminine Society), the Pirates Den, Club 175, Act III, Mr. Bojangles, Keystone, Eastwind… Seen at the Mago Vista Beach party on Saturday September 15, 1973 with the Royal 5+1, Animal Crackers, and Coyote, also seen at the Wishing Well (featuring songs by Chris Wagner of Double Exposure), Flaming Pit, Pecora’s, Cavalier Lounge…
Kropkowski later played in the bands Windows, and Phoenix. He also played piano during the late ‘80s / early ‘90s at Little Ditties in downtown Baltimore. Krahling joined the Lower East Side. Heiser was later with Hide-N-Seek. Westerfield toured with the Drifters road band… Hill later with City Lights… Stamboni’s later groups included Phoenix, the Dalton Gang… Olaguer joined Rosco… Padeletti and Olaguer later with Tiffany.
Record by the Better Half:
1970 Chatim 1778 Good Lovin’ / City Song
