Towson / Lutherville soul band formerly known as the Esquires. The group was originally fronted by lead vocalist Denny Picasso (ex-Majestics, Dynamics, later with The Soul Machine), thus the name Denny & the Hitchhikers, with Craig Seaman (trumpet), Craig Bradenbaugh (sax ex-Admirals), Steve Sackett (bass), and Jeff Jobe (drums ex-Deltas). Keyboardist Mike Lang (ex-Scotch Grains, Barbara & the Yellow Pages) was later with the group.
The Hitchhikers quickly established themselves as a quality band. They were in demand at many teen centers and school dances. Seen at the Hillendale Teen Center, The Zoo in Brooklyn, Holy Rosary CYO, 1521 Club at the Parkville Armory (shows hosted by WCAO’s Paul Rodgers), Harbor Lights Cruises on the Port Welcome, Towson State College, and also performed at the UAW Concert Hall on October 31, 1969 with the Sound Keepers. They performed as house band at Capt. Harvey’s, and the Keystone Inn – sometimes on double bills with local groups such as the 21 Century.
The Hitchhikers opened for the Marvelettes on March 24, 1967 at the Parkville Armory along with Gary & the Artesians. In ‘67 they opened for Wilson Pickett at the armory in a show that also featured C.J. & the Legends.
In 1969 saxophonist Warren Garrison (ex-Uptowns) joined the group. After Denny Picasso left, they brought in vocalist Winfield Parker for a few weeks, but he had to leave due to other engagements. Kenny Hamber then joined as the lead vocalist. Original members of the group began being replaced with James Gilyard aka ‘J.G.’ (bass ex-Shyndel’s Band), Kenny Roane (drums), Eddie Walters (sax), Paul Johns (sax), Denny Welsh (trombone), Larry Moore (guitar), and Robert Covington (sax). Eventually the group grew to 10 pieces. The new version of the group became known as the J.G. Hitchhikers.
Female vocalist Vonda Maria briefly accompanied Kenny, then later came Kitty Karl (Baltimore native, actually Esther Kate Peoples, sister of Five Satins singer Louis Peoples).
The group’s engagements included two years as house band at the Black Jack Club, backing many national acts such as Tammi Terrell, and Walter Jackson…
Kenny Hamber’s 1969 single “Camel Walk” was credited to Kenny & the Hitchhikers.
Hamber later took the Hitchhikers name and assembled a new group in the New England area releasing an LP in 1976 “The Hitchhikers” (ABC 973) and single “You’re Making a Big Mistake” written by Baltimore keyboardist Bill DeLoach. The new Hitchhikers group appeared regularly at the Junction Club in Connecticut. (see Kenny Hamber).
Record releases
1976 ABC 12248 You’re Making a Big Mistake /
1976(LP) ABC 973 The Hitchhikers
Of the early group, Picasso went on to join Hinge. Sackett played for B.J. & the Betrayers, Majestics… Lang later played for Dichotomy, After Six Combo, Side Show, Sentries…
Garrison later went on to join the Luther Ingram Band. Hamber (see bio) continued to perform in the ‘00s along with his bandleader James Gilyard (J.G.). They released a 2001 CD supported by a European tour. The group also occasionally played local gigs, seen at the Arch Social Club on North and Pennsylvania Avenues.
