The Civics vocal group was originally managed by Glenny Moore aka ‘Duke.’ The group members consisted of Elliott Barnes (tenor, baritone, lead), and Robert Johnson (second tenor and occasional lead). Around 1966 enters James Gyant (baritone, bass, lead ex-Deltones). Frankie Fleming (lead) was next to join, then lead vocalist Gary Cooper rounded out the quintet. They were the front vocalists for Ricky & the Chips. In 1968 they met up with the Jetsons band who had previously backed the Tangiers vocal group. Around this time the Jetsons band became known as the Collections and joined forces as the backing band for the Civics. Vocalist Franklin Howell (Ricky & the Chips, 15th Chapter) was also a member of The Civics vocal group. In fact, he sang lead on their 1969 record release “Come Back, Run Back” (Soultrain 009).
Members of the Collections included Larry Simpkins (guitar ex-Contours, Noblemen), Phil Cashmyer (bass), Don Muenzing (keyboards), Joe Longo (drums), Gil DeWitt (sax ex-A.J.& the Essentials), Leslie (baritone sax ex-Ricky & Chips), John Lockwood (tenor sax ex-RaVons), Fred Nizer (trumpet), Dennis Dross (trumpet), Jimmy Ciampaglio (alto sax)…
Cashmyer was later replaced with bassist ‘Dino’ Marrison. Simpkins was replaced with Ron Rouch (guitar ex-Electra-Tones) in 1969. Longo was replaced with Ned Lawrence aka ‘Bop’ on drums.
The Collections & the Civics released a single in 1969 “I’ll Be There” b/w “Come Back, Run Back” (Soultrain 009). Both sides were written by Drake Hollon.
The group was managed by Phil Collector and Premier Attractions. With this relationship they were booked to play many events at the Baltimore Civic Center opening for many popular acts such as Stevie Wonder, Wilson Pickett, Four Tops, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Temptations, Righteous Brothers, Intruders, James Brown and others. They opened shows for the Rascals and Four Seasons at the Merriweather Post Pavilion. The group could be seen at the Club Venus, Eastwind, Belvedere Hotel, Dark Corner, Park Plaza, teen dances including Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Catonsville and Parkville High Schools, and numerous clubs, senior proms, school dances, and the college frat circuit…
In 1971 they were reportedly signed to a recording contract by Curtis Mayfield’s Curtom label, but due to internal conflicts the group split the very same day. The Civics continued to perform with a new backup band that later became known as the 15th Chapter. Bop and the Civics vocalists went on to form the funk band Madhouse. The Collections band continued on their own – with Ron Rouch (guitar), Don Muenzing (keyboards), Phil Cashmyer (bass), Dennis Cashmyer (drums), John Lockwood (tenor sax, vocals), and Jimmy Ciampaglio (alto sax). They performed as house band at the Frigate Lounge in Glen Burnie ‘71-73, the Club Venus…
Rouch semi-retired from music, later returning in early ‘80s to form the Sonics. The Cashmyer’s both went on to play for Sharon Hammond & Clover, Chapter IV…
Single release by Collections & the Civics:
1969 Soultrain 009 I’ll Be There / Come Back, Run Back
