Country band based in Ellicott City. Their first club appearances were at Ellicott City’s Blue Ribbon Inn. Eventually they became a house band at Mike’s on Eastern Avenue and appeared regularly at Zebelean’s Lounge where they opened for country music stars such as Jack Greene and Ernest Tubb.
The group released two singles on Darrell Johnson’s Greenbrier Records. The label was named after the West Virginia county where most of the band members originated before migrating to the Baltimore area. The first single featured Sammy Johnson (vocals, guitar), ‘Little Al’ Dinkenberger (pedal steel), Bobby Sparks (lead and steel guitar), Tony Johnson (bass), and Bill Schrader (drums). The second record featured Johnson and Dinkenberger with Billy Nutter (lead guitar), Kayo Campbell (bass), and Wendel Kevin (drums).
In the ‘70s the group was also known as Ernie West & the Country Rhythm Lads. With lead guitarist Bobby Godsey (ex-Triumphs), they performed frequently at Carl’s Club 33 Nite Club on Keswick Avenue, Big Dipper (Beltsville), and the CSA Jubilee television program. Ernie had previously been with Burly & his Missiles, and Sound of Country.
West eventually went to Nashville. Johnson and Dinkenberger were later with the Kinfolk. Godsey later played for Dave Nicely’s band, and 301 Country. Sparks led his own country bands…
1967 Greenbrier 101 You’re Not Telling Me (Everything You Know) / Play Me the Blues
1968 Greenbrier 102 Once A Teen-Age Angel / You Take the Cake
