Uptowns, The

Soul and Top-40 group featuring Lead vocalists Donna Marie (Coral recording artist, ex-Shelley’s Emeralds) and Jimmy Winters (ex-Frustrations), with Tony Pandolfini (guitar), Howard Ridgley (bass), Rusty Hill (keyboards), Scott Cathcart (drums), Scott Robson (sax), Nick Barker (trombone), and Kenny Heiser (trumpet).

Seen at teen centers and school dances including the Last Straw in Ellicott City, St. Agnes Hall CYO, St. Frances of Assisi Teen Center, Shangri-la Club aboard the Port Welcome, Howard High School, Andover High School…

The Uptowns also enhanced their stage show with a troupe of professional dancers circa 1966: Jim Zinn, Joan Gayan, Jackie Sissaman, Freida Teider, and Susan Newman

In March 1966 Ridgley and Hill left the band and were replaced with Bill Whitney (bass) and Bob Kropkowski (keyboards ex-Moonlighters). Lead vocalist Jimmy Winters also left (later joining The Spectres), and was replaced with Tommy Day. In March 1966 Pandolfini left the group and was replaced with Tom Nowakowski (guitar ex-Limits, 24 Karat Five). Donna Marie was later replaced with vocalist Alana Shor.

The band became known as the Scottsmen (Alana & / Donna &) and members later went on to form the Better Half. Ridgley went on to play with the Upsetters. Barker later joined the Gross National Product, Blueberry Blend, and his band appeared as the backup group for Clay Hunt on Bay Sound Records. Hill was later with Brandy, Better Half…

The Uptowns released records on their own Shangri-la label and include original songs written by WCAO radio personality Alan Field. Their first two singles feature the original group noted above. Their last record features the re-formed group which went on to become the Scottsmen.

Record releases by the Uptowns:

1965           Shangri-La 101            The Lion Sleeps Tonight / Rockville

1965           Shangri-La 102            Things Go Better with Love / Lion Back

1966           Shangri-La 103            Where Have You Been / Loud and Clear, Part II