Rock band from the Hawthorne and Bowley’s Quarters area of Baltimore County. Founding members Jim Tilton (drums), and Frank Stone (organ) had previously tried to start a band in ‘65. Out of that came a teen group called the Barbs. By this time Stone had bought a Farfisa organ and he contacted Tilton to put another band together. In the spring of 1967, they added Mick DeMarco (lead guitar), Bill Harris (rhythm guitar), and John Novik (bass). All members provided vocals. With a new line-up and the exciting sounds of Frank’s Farfisa organ the group decided on a new name to reflect the happening psychedelic scene. The name King Solomon’s Minds came about as a play on the phrase “blow your mind” along with the literary mystical wisdom of the biblical King.
Photo courtesy of Frank Stone
The band made the teen center rounds and later began playing clubs. Eventually they were signed by the Premier Attractions agency. Their repertoire consisted of album cuts and psychedelic sounds of groups such as Steppenwolf, Doors, Iron Butterfly, etc. They competed in the Teen Fair Battle of the Bands at the Civic Center in June 1968, and another band battle at Our Lady of Fatima CYO on September 20, 1968 vs. Lemon Merengue, and the Exploits. The group traveled to the Pier Ballroom in Ocean City, later taking up residence as house band at the Lantern on Frederick Road in Irvington.
The group performed on the Kerby Scott Show on March 15, 1969 in promotion of their March 16 appearance at the Civic Center on a bill featuring B. B. King, and Canned Heat. In order to appear on Kerby Scott the group needed an original song and they cut “Upset and Excited.” The song was originally titled “Frigid and Excited” but their agent made the group change the title in order to be presentable for television. The demo of the song was never pressed on record.
with some pretty good company – 1969
Shortly after the Civic Center gig Stone left the band. KSM continued for a short while before splitting up. Tilton, DeMarco, and Novik went on to play with Renaud & the Junction.
Tilton also played for White Lightning, Aaron’s Rod, and Legend.
