R&B group formed by guitarist Richard Calloway in the Turner Station area of Baltimore. Early members included Otis Merrit (drums), Sylvester Barnett (trumpet), Millar ‘Teddy’ Venable (bass), John Wiggins (tenor sax ex-Casanovas), Fallow ‘June’ Womble, Jr. (tenor sax), and featured lead vocalist Cathy Jones. They recorded in a Washington D.C. studio in late 1964-or early ‘65 and released a single titled “Shalimar Shout” b/w “The Cellar” on Larry Dean and Lou Krefetz’ Leopard record label.
Ads: Shalimars at the Rally Club – April 1964. The Coliseum – May 1964
The Shalimars performed at the Desert Lounge, New Colony Club, Rally Club, Foxes Den… On May 2, 1964, the band opened for the Drifters, and the Miracles at the Baltimore Coliseum.
The group also recorded several sides at Monumental Studios including “Soul Ride,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “Motivate,” and “Row Your Boat.” These songs may have been released on Bat Records. Most of their original songs were written by Calloway and Womble.
The Shalimars had subsequent releases on Brunswick and Rack labels.
Calloway left to join the Jolly Jax in 1966. Cathy Jones later with the Starlighters…
As the Fabulous Shalimars, the group released the Fallow Womble, Jr. penned song “Funky Line” on Lou Krefetz’ Rack label.
The Shalimars continued performing through the mid-‘80s.
196* Leopard 5008 Shalimar Shout / The Cellar
1965 Brunswick 55218 Montezuma / Here We Go Round
196* Rack 701 Funky Line – Part 1 / (Part 2)
