East Baltimore based R&B vocal harmony group. The teen group formed in 1961 and sang on the street corners near Valley Street and Biddle. They sang the current hits of the day including songs by the Drifters, Sam Cooke, etc. As they improved their sound they enlisted the managerial help of James Dupree, Sr. and began practicing in Jim’s basement. Members included Braxton Hunter (lead vocals), Charlie Kerrington (lead vocals), Milton Allen, Michael Jones, and a female singer known as Lovey – with backing by the musical group the G-Notes.
In 1962 Jim contacted Ray Donahoe of Chesapeake Records to come over and hear the group. Ray was impressed and invited the group to a recording session. They released the single “Oh Why” b/w “We Will Walk Together”. The songs were written by Charlie Kerrington who also provided the lead vocals.
The Satisfactions performed at the Stage Coach Lounge, The Zoo in Brooklyn on a double bill with Kenny Hamber, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and many teen centers and parties. The song “Oh Why” received some local airplay and the group began to develop a following. They made appearances on the Buddy Deane Show and performed as an opening act at the Civic Center.
With the growing interest in the group and their increasing popularity some members thought that they had made the big time and quit their jobs. Unfortunately, this contributed to creating hardships and friction among group members. The Satisfactions continued to perform together until finally splitting up in 1965.
In the ‘70s manager Jim Dupree was instrumental in the “Do you know where your children are?” PSA program which used to run at 11:PM on TV. The program continued into the ‘00s and had nationwide sponsorship by businesses such as J.C. Penney’s, McDonald’s, and Burger King. The foundation makes visits to homes of inner-city teens and presents them with gifts if they are home or if their parent or guardian knows where they are.
1962 Chesapeake 610 Oh Why / We Will Walk Together
