The Deans (2)

1963 - (L to R) Willie Howard, Alfred Judkins, Phillip Smith, Larry Knuckles & Alvin English

The Deans (2) (Detroit, Michigan)

Personnel :

Phillip Smith (Lead)

Larry Knuckles (Bass)

Alfred Judkins (Baritone)

Alvin English (Second Tenor)

Willie Howard (First Tenor)

Discography :

The Deans (2)
1962 - Oh Little Star / You Got Me Baby (Star Maker 1928)
1963 - Lady Of The Caravan / Chills, Chills, Chills (Star Maker 1931)
-----
The Deans (2) ???
1966 - No Not Now / Catch That Train (inst.)(Panik 5007) 

Biography :

The “Deans” are a group of young men, gifted with a talent,singing They're five in number and come from the city’s lower eastside. Their “home” is Franklin Settlement where three years go, they assembled in a clubroom and exercised their vocal chords together. This was the beginning. The five came back every night to practice. After six months, they made their debut at a Franklin Settlement Canteen dance, The crowd was surprised at the pleasant, harmonious sounds created by the quintet. This reception imbued them with confidence and the desire to work harder. They concentrated on five- part harmony .. . with Phillip Smith, as lead; Auss Johnson, second tenor; Willie Howard, first tenor; Alfred Judkins, baritone; and Larry Knuckles, bass.

1961- The Deans on the left

While the group was practicing at the Franklin last December, a young man knocked on the door, asked if he could come into listen to them. This was Harry Mackey, a professiona] football player, who had become curious after watching the group practice night after night. Mackey was impressed with the youths’ dedication and deligence and volunteered to “work along with them.” With Mackey as their manager, the “Deans” have sung on amateur shows all over town, was on WWJ-TV for two weeks; worked in clubs in Canada and other cities in Michigan. To date, they have 25 original songs in their repertoire. A booking agent, Al Sparer, heard the “Deans” at a cocktail party and arranged an audition at his office. He was impressed with what he heard. Early in '62 they signed a contract with Star Maker Recording Co. A debut recording entitled “Oh, Little Star” b/w "You Got Me Baby" was released followed in 1963 by "Lady Of The) Caravan" b/w "Chills, Chills, Chills" and maybe it's the same group on "No Not Now" " on the Panik label in 1966.

Songs :

The Deans (2)

  
 Oh Little Star                                You Got Me Baby

  
Lady Of The Caravan                          Chills, Chills, Chills

---------

The Deans (2) ???

  
No Not Now                                Catch That Train

...