The Bristols were from Rosedale/Middle River area. The group originated as a British rock cover band and as such derived their name from a city in England. In later years they evolved to include a playlist of a mix between psychedelic and soul music. The original members were George ‘Kookie’ Pelyac (lead singer), Steve Adamski (guitar), Joe Reinhart (bass), Eddie Bartholomey (keyboards), and Jerry Carraway (drums)… Guitarist Rob Fahey (ex-Shandells, Sounds of the British Realm) joined the group in 1970. Gigs lead vocalist Reed Martin also fronted the group.
The band was in demand throughout the teen center / school dance circuits and played a steady schedule of gigs such as St. Elizabeth’s CYO, Carney Teen Center, Stemmers Jr. H.S, Orchard Swim Club, St. Clement’s Teen Center, St. Ursula’s CYO, Roger’s Forge CYO, St. James Church, Kenwood High, Patapsco High, the UAW Hall on Oldham Street. They performed in a benefit concert for St. Jude’s Hospital on April 27, 1968 along with the Gigs, Little Richy & the Jesters, and the Hypnotics.
Jerry Carraway (drums), Steve Adamski (guitar)
The Bristols made television appearances on the Kerby Scott Show (June 14, 1968), and the Ron Richman Show.
In 1971 the band became known as America.
Adamski also played for the Summer’s Misfits, the Gigs… Fahey and Bartholomey later went on to form Wizard. Carraway later a member of Freewater, Fat Tuesday, Section 8…
In 2008 all six members of the original Bristols reunited. The group performed at the Ride4Life benefit concert for the Baltimore Child Abuse Center.
