One of the most popular local teen club bands of the ‘60s. An early lineup of the East Baltimore group featured John Barfield (lead vocals), Bill Antkowiak (guitar), George Larsen (accordion), Joe Woika (bass), Gordon Creamer (sax), and Frank Creamer (drums).
The Rockin’ Airs performed at all the area teen centers, CYO’s, Hamilton Rec Center, Hollywood Park battles of the bands, Al Brown’s Place on Pennsylvania Avenue, the Baltimore Arena… They were one of the finalists in Buddy Deane’s Battle of the Bands. One of their crowd favorites was a dance called the Gigolo which later became popular as “The Freddie.”
Front L-R: G. Creamer, Barfield, F. Creamer. Courtesy of Bill Antkowiak
The group did recordings in the studio with WITH radio personality Jack Gale. They released “What’d I Say” b/w “Have You Ever Had the Blues.” The B-side was going to be sold to RCA but meanwhile vocalist Bobby Darin released a version and the group missed a chance for a major record label deal.
The original band went through some personnel changes. Gordon went on to join the Montclairs. By 1964 Barfield, Antkowiak and Woika remained with the group along with new members Jerry Kaminski (piano), Rudy D’Antoni (sax), Joe Primavera (sax), and Bert Zimmerman (drums).
Antkowiak left the group in 1965 and was replaced with guitarist Joe Sanzone. In 1966 Larsen, Zimmerman, and Kaminski were drafted. Woika and D’Antoni continued on for a while with the group. Woika was later replaced with Skip Shinnick (bass)…
Later members included Dave Loukonen (vibraphone, drums), Norb Bertling (drums), Ron Harryman (bass), Jack Hill (keyboard), and Bruce Womer (guitar)…
As Seventh Son with the Rockin’ Airs they released the single “Modesty – Part 1” b/w “Modesty – Part 2” (Wynwood 220), which was styled after the popular song “The Madison.” WWIN radio personality Champ Haggins aka ‘Seventh Son’ provided the vocals with backing by the Rockin’ Airs band recorded at Dave Smith’s studio.
The late ‘60s incarnation of the group performed at the Alcazar Ballroom, also at the Zoo Club’s St. Jude Parade of Stars concert on April 17, 1968 along with nine other local bands. In February 1969 the group ran a contest for all eligible Baltimore girls to compete for a date with their favorite Rockin’ Air with one girl to be crowned the Rockin’ Airs Queen.
The Rockin’ Airs later changed their name to the Patent Pending. Sanzone was later with Penelope. Zimmerman formed the band Crossroads, then was later with Lou Meyers & the MoJos… Shinnick played for the Dynamics. Bertling later went on to Southwind, the Gigs… Zimmerman, Primavera and Kaminski formed Wee Three…
196* What’d I Say / Have You Ever Had the Blues
As Seventh Son with The Rockin’ Airs
196* Wynwood 2200 Modesty – Part 1 / (Part 2)
