Teen rock & roll group from Dundalk. The Ry-Dels, named after Bobby Rydell -the favorite artist of founder Joe Miceli, played Top-40 radio hits of the day and instrumentals mostly at CYO dances, teen centers, and some bars, eventually becoming a weekend house band at Ramona’s on Miller’s Island…
Classmates Joe Miceli (drums) and Bill Rappold (lead vocals, sax) started the group. Miceli’s cousin Rudy D’Antoni (saxophonist with the Rockin’ Airs) helped to get the group started. They added Bob Volz (bass) although Bob never actually played out with the group. Next, they added Arnold Ruff (accordionist who played the cordovox and later purchased an organ), and Gary Adams (lead guitar). Once Volz left, the group continued without a bassist by Ruff playing the bass parts on the cordovox. Next, they added a second guitarist in Herb Oliver. After a few months Rappold’s family moved away and Miceli persuaded classmate Claude Morris to join as the new lead vocalist. Claude also learned to play the bass guitar.
This lineup lasted a couple years. The group went to Ralph Johnson’s Dome Records studio and recorded a demo of the Gary Adams original “Like My Girl.” The group didn’t have the money so the song was never released as a single.
Eventually Adams left and Oliver took over on lead guitar. Next, they added saxophonist Tony Jacoweitz.
During a brief period of inactivity by the Ry-Dels Miceli played with the Mustangs. By early 1967 Miceli joined the Air Force. The Ry-Dels continued a few more months then disbanded. Miceli later played in bands in Orlando Florida until returning to Baltimore in 1992. Since then, he has played with an oldies group called the CRB Band. In the ‘80s Oliver and Ruff played in a group called Autum. Oliver was also with Eighth Day, and in the ‘00s with Flashpoint. Ruff was also with ‘90s group Crossfire. Miceli more recently with The CRB Band.
