R&B vocal harmony group from West Baltimore around Lexington Street that began as an a cappella group. Original members featured Buster Banks (lead), Johnny Paige (tenor), David Jones (baritone), and Henry Abrams (bass), later adding guitarist Tommy Bonds. WSID DJ Bill Franklin discovered the group and helped them secure a recording contract with Jubilee Records in New York.
The group was managed at times by Paul Fleishman (record shop owner on Pennsylvania Avenue), Mary Osborne, and Lou Krefetz. They appeared locally at the University Lounge, Johnny’s Sports Arena, the Royal Theater… On September 4, 5, & 6, 1954 they performed in a three-day Battle of groups at Carr’s Beach vs. the Sparks, Blue Jays, and Warblers. On local television the group was featured on Channel 13’s “I Discovered a Star” program.
Banks and Paige later formed the New Marylanders with Freddie Yarbrough (tenor), and Gerald Carter (bass). The group eventually became Paige, and Carter, with William ‘Til’ George (lead tenor), and O’Dell (baritone). The New Marylanders toured extensively throughout the mid-Atlantic region.
In 1959 the group recorded and released a record on the Jay Wing label as the Stylists. O’Dell was later replaced with Delaney Bolden (tenor). Paige continued as the lead vocalist and kept the group together eventually growing to an 8-piece band known as the New Stylists. The group performed locally into the mid-’70s.
Record releases by the Marylanders:
1952 Jubilee 5079 I’m A Sentimental Fool / Sittin’ by The River
1952 Jubilee 5091 Make Me Thrill Again / Please Love Me
1953 Jubilee 5114 Fried Chicken / Good Old 99
19** Roadhouse 1015 I Really Don’t Care / Last Night (studio out-take with Frank Motley & Crew)
As The Stylists:
1959 Jay Wing 5807 Move It On Over, Baby / Mourning
