Rock & roll and British sounds group originated in the Lutherville area. The original group known as the Chasers consisted of Bob Wilkerson (guitar), Bill Wilkerson and Alan Spoler alternated on bass, Les Sparks (keyboards), Steve Crompton (drums), and Doug Riley (trumpet). Breck Chapman (guitar) joined the group in spring 1965. Spoler and Riley departed in June and bass guitarist Larry Collins joined. Vocalist Tim Barger accompanied the group on a gig or two (he was later with the Summer’s Misfits…).
The group settled as Wilkerson, Chapman, Collins, and Crompton, and in September 1965 added lead vocalist Jeff Drinkwater, becoming Jay Dee & the Chasers. This lineup recorded at Flite Three Studios and released their single “I Do” b/w “Gloria” on their own Audio Stereo Sound label in late 1965. Three hundred copies were pressed. “I Do” has become somewhat of a cult garage classic and is included on the CD “Teenage Shutdown: No Tease…” (Teenage Shutdown label).
1965 Audio Stereo Sound I Do / Gloria
Courtesy of Larry Collins
Breck Chapman and Larry Collins – early 1966 photos by Bill Wilkerson
Front: Wilkerson. Photo courtesy of Larry Collins.
Jay Dee & the Chasers worked consistently throughout the Baltimore area during 1965-66. Notably they were a regular at the Bluesette on Charles Street. They performed many Kerby Scott promotions. Seen at Eastpoint Gardens, Northpoint Mall, Pot Springs Teen Center…
In May 1966 Crompton’s family moved to Cleveland. Sonny Lombardo became the new drummer and the band changed their name to the Children.
Riley went on join the Esquires.
