Formed in 1959 by brothers Del Clements and Will Clements. Del played lead guitar and Will played rhythm. The group also consisted of Paul Sivik (bass), Jim Lockard (sax), and Joe Speranzella (drums). Named after the popular hit “The Stroll”, they began a musical group that would last over thirty years!
The band started out playing the Baltimore club circuit including frequent appearances at the Tarry Inn on Ritchie Highway in Glen Burnie, and weekends at the Bridge Inn at Marley Bridge. Their playlist always reflected the latest trends in rock and roll music.
After a brief period, Will left the band, moving to Nashville, eventually becoming a successful songwriter. Jerry Passon joined the group as the new rhythm guitarist. In 1962, the Strollers recorded a single titled “Dance Little Girl.” As Jerry Passon & the Strollers they were seen at places such as Beck’s Musical Bar on Light Street, and at the Keystone Inn.
Throughout the 1960s the Strollers played full-time in clubs such as the Rhapsody, Buddy’s Subway, Golden Ring Inn, The Pub, Surf Club… and in the ‘70s played as house band at the Golden Ring Inn…
Along the way Speranzella was replaced with Jimmy Holmes on drums, and keyboard player Ronnie Kitchen was added.
Memories from Mary Ellen Kitchen:
“When Jerry Passon left the band approximately 1969, they went through some changes. He was replaced by another singer. He wasn’t there long. This was also when Ron (Kitchen) joined the band. The bass player was replaced by Dave Campbell. The drummer replaced by Jimmy Holmes, Glenn Decker joined the group after the singer that replaced Jerry left. Jimmy’s brother Billy Holmes played drums for Ronnie Dove. “
“The Strollers were the house band at the Terry Inn and then the house band for The Golden Ring Inn for 5 years until it burned down. I’m guessing it was around 1971 because Ron and I were married that year.”
“The Strollers played at the Aero Lounge and The Bevins Brothers were the alternate band. There were two stages at the Aero Lounge. Dell Clements left The Strollers while they were playing at the Aero Lounge and they changed their name to The Survivors.”
Glenn Decker (guitar), Dave Campbell (bass), Ron Kitchen (keys), and Jimmy Holmes (drums) played as the Survivors, frequenting the Aero Lounge where they alternated sets with the Bevins Brothers. Mary Ellen adds: “They put on some show. They played rock and country.”
When the Survivors were breaking up Ron was asked to to join the Bevins Brothers.
