Overlea area soul and Motown group formerly known as the Soul Proprietors. Members included Alvin Johnson aka A.J. (lead vocals), The Vinni Brothers (background vocals), Bob Dill (lead guitar), Bob Torbit (rhythm), Steve Zeller (bass), Dennis Allgeier (drums ex-Sonz of Burdon), Gil DeWitt (trumpet, sax), Lee Smith (trumpet), Ray Reigle (sax), Leon Umberger (organ). Bob Dill left the group and was replaced with Lee Dregier as lead guitarist. Steve recalled “The band did sort of take off at that time. So we went with the new name of A.J. and the Essentials.”
The group performed at school dances, and teen centers including Parkville, Harford, Overlea, Edgewood, Woodlawn High School’s ‘Teen Fling’…. also seen at the Highlandtown K of C Hall, St. Michael’s CYO in Overlea. The group competed in a Battle of the Bands on October 29, 1970 at the Stoney Creek Democratic Club vs. the Mod Ones, Dead Whisper, and God Speed.
Gilbert DeWitt, Bottom L-R: Lee Dregier, Alvin Johnson, Ray Reigle, Lee Smith. (Courtesy of Steve Zeller)
Gilbert DeWitt (sax), Alvin “A.J.” Johnson (lead singer), Lee Smith (trumpet), Leon Umberger (organ – poor organ player was always
hidden in the back – you can just see a sliver of his head) – Photo courtesy of Steven Zeller
Dennis Allgeier (drums), Alvin “A.J.” Johnson (lead singer), Ray Reigle (alto sax).
The band broke up in late 1972 as Steve got married, two of the guys were drafted, and A.J. graduated from the U of M Pharmaceutical School.
DeWitt later played for the Collections & the Civics. Allgeier went on to Side Show, Just Us…
Band members continued getting together through the years. Lee died in a boating accident in 2015.
