The Rivieras soul group originated in Catonsville area. Members included Jimmy Hughes (guitar), Vaughn Wrightson (guitar), Gene Bracken (keyboards), Dave Armbruster (bass ex-Sentries, Del Capos), Mike Porter (drums), Sandy Herol (sax), Dick Porter (sax), Greg Serau (trumpet), and Marvin Cooper (vocals).
Chuck Jones replaced Cooper as the lead vocalist, and the group became known as CJ & the Rivieras. Chuck’s dynamic vocal ability along with the horn section gave the band the versatility to play a wide variety of soul and rock music. The band played mostly teen centers around the Catonsville area, Maiden Choice, Arbutus Fire Hall, Howard High School… They soon began playing larger events organized by the social clubs in the area. As their popularity grew some personnel changes took place and the band eventually became known as CJ & the Legends (see – Legend).
me playing guitar, Dick Porter on sax, Arbutus Fire Hall, circa 1965, I guess…
dig those “Princeton” haircuts!”
Photo courtesy of Walt Kraus / Jimmy Hughes (February 2010)
