One of Baltimore’s premier Top-40 bands of the ‘70s. A mid-1971 lineup included Terri DiPaula, Tommy DiPaula, Rick Tehansky (keyboards), Jamie Pescetto (drums), Ezio Casalena (percussion), Jeff Pescetto (guitar).
Jeff’s original compositions “Terri” and “Two People in the World” were released as a single in 1972. Collectors note: the single was pressed at Recordings Incorporated and issued separately on red vinyl and blue vinyl. The song “Terri” was later picked up and released nationally by Evolution Records out of Philadelphia. The single was released nationally with a different B-side “Look at Me, I’m The One.”
Throughout the ‘70s the group played most of the area clubs including the Act III, Hollywood Palace, Other Place, Keystone, Mr. Bojangles, Mimmie’s, Club Venus, Frigate, Flaming Pit, Merritt House, Red Rooster, Quarter Deck, Eastwind, Oakwood Lounge, Hurricane Club (O.C.)…
The Royal 5+1 performed at many local concert events such as the Mago Vista Beach Party on September 15, 1973 with the Better Half, Animal Crackers, and Coyote; Putty Hill Rock Concert on June 23, 1974 with Pooba, OHO, Wintersunn, and Sage; and the Catonsville Community College Santa Claus Anonymous Concert on November 30, 1974 along with over 20 other bands. Also seen at the Super Rock Sundays at the Eastwind, and the Jazz on the Plaza program at Hopkins Plaza.
Above and below ads circa 1975
The group was managed by Steven Zinz / Starleigh Enterprises and signed with RCA Records in 1975 and released the R&B flavored single “Easy to Fall in Love” b/w “Just as Long as We Have Love.”
A 1977 line-up included Jeff and Jamie along with Annie Beccio (vocals ex-Lemon-Lime), Jay Williamson (keyboards ex-Notions), George Schroader (bass), Frank Sortino (guitar ex-Dryed Ice), and Tim Steele (drums ex-Cain, Blue Steel). The group continued to perform extensively throughout the local club circuit until splitting up around 1980.
Jeff (see bio) went on to collaborate with Aleta Greene, Tony Sciuto, bands Jeffrey, and Rosco. He went on to a successful career as a staff writer and producer of movie soundtracks and working with Quincy Jones and many major artists,
Tommy Dipaula could be seen in ‘00s with the Klassix. Tehansky went on to join the Sentries, Poison Whiskey, and Great Train Robbery. Schroader also played in The Stand, Trigger Happy, Rock Island Express. Larry Kegley, an original drummer for the group went on to be Tony Sciuto’s drummer for his much-heralded tour of Japan. Paul Soroka, who was also a later member of the band performed in the ‘00s on sax / keyboards for the Carl Filipiak band. Steele joined The Stand, Ravyns, and could be seen in the ‘00s with the Approach, and the Crawdaddies.
Records by the Royale 5 + 1:
1972 Royale 3357 Terri / Two People in Love
As The Royale Five Plus One:
1972 Evolution 1068 Terri / Look at Me, I’m The One
As The Royale 5:
1975 RCA 10358 Easy to Fall in Love / Just as Long as We Have Love
