The Cherokees (1) (Philadelphia) 
aka The Cobras (2)

Personnel:

Russel Carter (Lead)

Melvin Story

Karl English (First tenor)

George Pounds (Bass)

Discography :

The Cherokees (1)
1954 - Rainbow Of Love / I Had A Thrill (Grand 106/Lost nite 321)
1954 - Please Tell Me So / Remenber When? (Grand 109/Lost nite 325)
1963 - Brenda / By The Candlelight (Lost nite 379/Grand 111)

The Cobras (2)
1964 - La La (hey baby) / Goodbye Molly (Casino 1309/Swan 4176)
1964 - Thumpin' / Don't Ever Know Your Name (Monogram 519)

Biography :

The Cherokees got together in 1949-1950. They were trained vocalists who were also able to dance, read music,and perform comedy. They did not do the corner singing that most other groups did — their parents would not permit it.They made several chaperoned appearances at local Philadelphia nightspots in 1949 through 1952.In 1954 they won a Philadelphia talent contest over every other amateur group in town.  They won with what is now known as "Please Tell Her So." The prize was a recording contract with Grand Records. And record they did! Tenor Thomas Lee joined the Cherokees on Grand 109.

     
Billy Taylor                                                                                                              

Following Story's draft notification and their second release on Grand, the remaining four Cherokees enlisted in the army in 1954. In 1964 Billy Taylor (The Castelles) was recording for Swan Records in Philadelphia. Needing a backup group, he found English, Story, Thomas Lee, and Pete Kevin, a bass. They recorded "La La" for Swan as the Cobras.
Mitch Rosalsky (Enyclopedia of Rhythm & Blues and Doo-Wop vocal Groups)

Songs :

The Cherokees (1)

   
Rainbow Of Love                              Please Tell Me So

   
Remenber When?                                       Brenda

   
 I Had A Thrill                                          By The Candlelight

The Cobras (2)

 La La (hey baby)

 ...