R&B / soul group. Ricky Ratliff was the bass player for the group from the beginning to the end, and was the main founder of the group when they were all 13 years old in Lexington Terrace in 1968.
The group started out as The Sensationals, honing their skills in the Lexington Terrace laundry room. They later met four guys from east Baltimore who called themselves The Critics. The two groups joined forced as The Sensationals & The Critics.
In 1970 the vocal quartet split off and founded the group Cream Soda. Members of Cream Soda included vocalists Chuck Addison, Kenny Hill, Steve Cooper, Michael ‘Chip’ McDaniel, and Mervin Gyant. The backing band featured Ricky Ratliffe (bass), Hank Bruce (sax ex-Jay Grangers Persuasions)…
The group became very popular throughout the area. They opened shows for many artists including Black Ivory at the Ambassador Ballroom on Liberty Heights Avenue, The Chi-lites, Curtis Mayfield, Frankie and the Spindles at the Embassy Room on Park Heights, Julius Brockington, and a host of other stars. At that time they were on their way, releasing a single “Remember the Rain” that was played locally on Baltimore radio stations.
Photo courtesy of Maryland Department, Enoch Pratt Free Library
Above: Cream Soda live photo (left) and promo photo (right). Photos courtesy of Kelton Addison
Cream Soda performed at school dances and proms, St. Paul’s Church, The Scene… Played as house band at the Chanticleer. They opened for Curtis Mayfield for a show at Edmondson Village shopping center.
The group recorded at Flite Three Studios and released a single that was arranged and produced by Mr. B.
The group stayed together until 1974, and according to Ricky, like many other bands at that time, bad management was responsible for their breakup.
Bruce later played with the Sonics, Satin Rhythm, Persuaders, released solo projects, and worked as a music instructor at Bill’s Music House.
Ricky Ratliff, the only original member still in Baltimore, tells us that in the ‘00s he “heads a band called Colur Blynd, who is a band you’ll never forget. They are at the top of the music game here in Baltimore and they are really moving forward in this new day in time.”
Colur Blynd is a seven-piece funk and variety band formed in 2011. They have performed throughout the Baltimore/D.C. area for weddings, corporate affairs, clubs, parties, and opened for national recording artists. Check them out if you have the chance! Support local music!
Thanks to Ricky for the additional information.
197* Woodstock 101 Remember the Rain / (instr)
