First, I want to say, “Hello” to everyone, and I hope that you and your family are happy and doing well. I want to bring you up to date about my husband, “Boo-Boo” “Shorty” who checked into Saint Agnes Hospital on March 28th to have surgery on his lungs. We are hoping and praying for complete removal of the cancer. He is expected to be in the hospital for at least 5 days. Please keep him in your prayers.
I received news last week that a friend, and one of my entertainers Robert “Bobby Star” Ferguson passed away on March 18, 2022; he was born January 19, 1937. I was lucky to have managed “Bobby Star” for a couple of years back in the late 1970s as a solo artist. One of the first gigs that I booked for him was Moe’s Cocktail Lounge on Green Street. Bobby was born and raised in Baltimore; he always could sing. He toured with a variety of vocal groups as a teen before he formed his own group called “Bobby Starr and the Versatilles.”
While on tour with the Versatilles, he met the Philadelphia recording group, “The Intruders.” The Intruders’ lead singer, Samuel “Little Sonny” Brown chose Starr to replace him when he opted out to spend time with his family. The rest is history. Bobby Starr joining the Intruders led to many hit singles such as “When We Get Married,” “I’m Girl Scoutin,” “Cowboys to Girls” and “I Bet He Don’t Love You,” just to name a few on the Gamble Recording Label.
The Intruders disbanded in the early 1980s and reformed under the direction of Glenn Montgomery. The members then were Bobby Starr, Glenn Montgomery, James Murphy and Phil Gay. With the support of Phillip “Phil” Terry and Robert “Big Sonny” Edwards, the surviving members of the original group, The Intruders continue to perform today. Big Sonny and Phil proudly passed the torch. Sadly, missed are Eugene “Bird” Daughtry, who passed away on December 25, 1994 and Sam “Little Sonny” Brown, who died four months later on April 17, 1995 and now Robert “Bobby Starr” Ferguson in 2022. Condolences to the Ferguson family as well as the R&B singer families. We lost another good one!
“LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
IS ALIVE AGAIN”
Okay my dear fans and followers, we have a few shows with live entertainment to tell you about. First, we want to tell you about Greg Hatza Hammond Organ Trio who will be performing in concert at An Die Musik on Charles Street on Sunday, April 10 starting at 7 p.m. Greg will be hammering on his B-3 Organ. Man–o-man this will be a show to check out and remember for weeks after it is over. So if you are into some down-home blues and Be-bop jazz, I suggest that you get your ticket now and check out this show. For more information, call 410-385-2638.
We don’t want to stop there, another one of my musicians Phill Butts will be doing his thing too. He is calling it “Hot Jazz & Razzama Tazz.” Dr. Phill Butts Big Band featuring song stylist “LARZINE” will take place at the Roof House of the Arena Players, 801 McCulloh Street on Saturday, April 9 from 6-9 p.m. For tickets and information call 443-676-4543 or 410-493-5022.
The Gladiator Association will be celebrating their “46th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast” at Martin’s West, on Dogwood Road on Sunday, April 10 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information call 410-428-0270. I don’t believe they will have live entertainment, but you will be so busy eating that good food, the DJ will be all that you will need.
Oh, My Goodness! My dear friend! The Caton Castle Night Club and Lounge, 20 S. Caton Avenue will be back open and swinging this weekend. Thank God! I am so glad. I know you are too!
Well, my dear friends, I have got to go to spend some time with my “Boo-Boo”. Remember if you need me call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.