The Blendtones

1959 - Little George & the Del-Rays from left : Victor Smith, Carl Sanders, James Ewing, Gilbert Davis & Little George Davis

The Blendtones (Des Moines, Iowa)

Personnel :

George Davis

Gilbert Davis

Audrey Davis

Ronnie Brewer

John Walker

Discography :

Singles :
1963 - Dear Diary / Lovers (Success 101)
1963 - The Slide  / Come On Home (Success 105)

Lps :
1963 - Only For Teenagers And Swinging Adults (Success LP 1011MX)
The Slide  / Come On Home

Biography :

The Blendtones, like so many groups of the time, were formed at their highschool in Des Moines, Iowa in 1959. Originally called the Little George and the Del-Rays, the group consisted of Little George Davis, Victor Smith, Carl Sanders, James Ewing & Gilbert Davis. Several years later Victor Smith, Carl Sanders, James Ewing were replaced by Audrey Davis, John Walker & Ronnie Brewer.They played the local scene until they signed (and changed names : The Blendtones) to Success records in 1963.

The Blendtones

The group enjoyed some significant popularity with a West Coast tour and their song “Lovers” (with lead vocal by George) reached #3 in Los Angeles, behind #2 “Just One Look” (by Doris Troy) and the #1 hit “Fingertips” (by then 12-year-old Stevie Wonder). The flip side of the single was “Dear Diary,” with Ronnie on the lead vocal, making for a potent one-two punch. They only put out 2 45s.

    
                                                                              Ronnie Brewer 

In the summer of '63, the group went on a very successful tour on the West Coast and the chance to open for Ike and Tina in their hometown. While on tour, Success records signed more local groups including The Martinels, The Extensions, and The Casualtones. Upon completion of the tour, it was suggested that an album be produced featuring all of the artists that were currently signed with the company.


Songs :


      
Come On Home                                      Lovers         

     
The Slide                                     Dear Diary

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