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), Lee Dreiger.
The Essentials 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.
DeWitt later played for the Collections & the Civics. Allgeier went on to Side Show, Just Us.
Steve Zeller, Bob Torbit, Dennis Allgeier, Leon Umberger, Gilbert DeWitt,
Lee Dreiger, Alvin Johnson, Ray Reigle, Lee Smith. (Courtesy Steve Zeller
Front: Dreiger, Johnson, Reigle, Smith
