The Classics (2)

1962, L to R : Hank Stevenson, Larry Fields, Chico Waters and Ray (Boone) Leary

The Classics (2) (Portland, OR)

Personnel :

William “Mickey” Stevenson

Elliott Gabriel

J. Marls


Discography :

1958 - If Only The Sky Was A Mirror / Gosh But This is Love (Class 219)
1959 - Let Me Dream / You're The Prettiest One (Crest 1063)


Biography :

Vocal group from Portland in Oregon, the Classics will have several personal changes during their five-year performance, between 1958 and 1962. For their first records, Group members were Elliott Gabriel (bass), J. Marls and most famous member William “Mickey” Stevenson. They wrote both songs and recorded in L.A..  Elliott Peter Gabriel sings bass vocal on the songs and was the brother of renowned musician Charles Henry Gabriel (Charlie Gabriel). Elliott was traveling touring with many vocal groups around the country, Bobby day and the Satelites, The Classics, Bobby Thurston. William Stevenson went on to become song writer, producer and head of Motown Records’ A&R department through the 1960’s. During this time he was husband to Motown star Kim Weston and wrote or co-wrote many of Motown’s monster hits.

 
                                                                  The Classics With "Ray Boone" (2nd from the right)

The single was released by Class Records. Class Records was stablished in Los Angeles, California in 1951 by songwriter and record producer Leon René. In 1959, the Classics recorded "Let Me Dream" and "You're The Prettiest One" again in L.A., at this time The group members were William Young (Lead Singer), Larry Fields, Chico Waters, William “Mickey” Stevenson and Howard Bullard. Their second single was released by Crest Records. Ellis Ray Leary aka "Ray Boone", father of The Whitney Family children became the lead vocalist for The Classics from 1960 until 1962 with Hank Stevenson, Larry Fields and Chico Waters.



Songs :
(updated by Hans-Joachim) 

  
If Only The Sky Was A Mirror                 Gosh But This Love       

  
       Let Me Dream                            You're The Prettiest One

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