One of the premier R&B/soul bands of their era. The East Baltimore group was led by tenor saxophonist Ricky Wilson. Band members included Johnny Jones (guitar), ‘Blue’ (bass), … The group’s horn section included Carl Vaughn (trumpet), Leslie (baritone sax), Roy aka ‘Sugar Bear’ (trumpet), Preston (trombone)…
The vocal group featured Little Major (ex-5 Shadows), along with Garry Cooper (later known as Mudbone), Elliott Barnes, James Gyant aka ‘JaGue’, Franklin Howell, and Robert Johnson aka ‘P-Nut.’
The group was noted for their James Brown revue with Cooper on lead vocals. They could be seen at school dances, teen centers, and benefit dances for Operation Champ. Appeared at the Locust Point K of C Hall. Also performed along with 9 other bands at The Zoo’s St. Jude Parade of Stars on April 17, 1968.
Ricky & the Chips did some studio work but unfortunately never released a record.
In the ‘70s Wilson and Jones performed with Jimmy Dotson’s group One Step Beyond. The vocal group became known as the Civics. Members went on to Madhouse, 15th Chapter…
Below right: poster for the dance
