The Objects Band and singers originally formed in 1969 with neighborhood friends Warren Lee (drums), Bertram King (guitar), and Joseph Dodson (vocals) in West Baltimore. The group expanded to seven members and four singers by early 1970.
The band added Kevin Boone (bass), and horn section of Stacy Saunders (trombone, vocals), Robin Tevy (trumpet), Joe Thomas, Jr. (alto sax, vocals), and band leader Greg Thomas (tenor sax, vocals).
Greg Thomas, Bertram King, Kevin Boone. Photo courtesy of Joe Thomas, Jr.
The Objects Band competed in a Royal Theater talent show and won second place. The band’s manager Joe Thomas, Sr. brought together the band with a vocal group that they named The Objects Singers.
The Objects Singers included Dodson, with Vernon McLean, Orlando Haden, Marvin Little, and Alvin Parks.
Joseph Dodson, Marvin Little, Alvin Parks (not pictured)
William Bastfield, Ronald Green, Jeffrey Quick. Courtesy of Joe Thomas, Jr.
The Objects Band played behind two vocal groups, one the Objects Singers, and the other called The Tone Expressions, whose members included Garrett Keene, Sidney Johnson, William Bastfield, Ronald Green, and Jeffrey Quick.
The band initially played talent shows, but eventually performed at cabarets, private events, night clubs, Operation Champ, Carr’s Beach as an opening act, and WBAL-TV show “North Star”, a show co-hosted by Edie House that showcased many of Baltimore’s best entertainment at the time. House was also a WBAL Action News reporter and co-host of the TV show “Hello Baltimore”.
In 1972, the R&B rhythm section of the band formed the group Chocolate Rain, while the Thomas brothers joined the singing group Black Ice, leaving in 1974 to form a funk/soul band called Uncle Remus.
