The Scholars (1)  (Houston, Texas)

Personnel :

Al Eisman (Lead)

Kenny Rogers (First Tenor)

Bruce Mosier

John Kirby

Discography :

1956 - Poor Little Doggie / What I Did Wrong (Cue 7927)
1956 - Waddie / Spin The Wheel (Cue 7931)
1956 - Rocky Road / Spin The Wheel (Dot 15498)
1956 - If you listen with your heart / Poor Little Doggie (Dot 15519)
1956 - Beloved / I Didn't Want To Do It (Imperial 5449)
1957 - Eternally Yours / Kan-Gu-Wa (Imperial 5456)

Biography :

At Jefferson Davis High School, though, Young Kenny Rogers began to develop his childhood interest in music. He put together his first band, a four–part harmony group called the Scholars.  Through his friendship with 17–year–old Houston DJ Larry Kane, Lelan (His brother and manager) was able to ditch it all and get a job promoting and distributing records first for the local label Cue, then for Decca Records where he specialized in rhythm 'n' blues music.

The Scholars played the hits of the day, the pop, rhythm 'n' blues and especially vocal–harmony stuff that Kenny and his three bandmates enjoyed. Kenny sang the high parts, and played stand–up bass. The Scholars cut a couple of singles that sold around Houston, and subsequently the ante was upped via a one–shot deal with Dot Records. In 1956, Dot released "Rocky Road" b/w "Spin The Wheel" and "If You Listen With Your Heart" b/w "Poor Little Doggie".  The Scholars appeared on Dick Clark's American Bandstand.

 After a long, hot drive, with Kenny's bass strapped to the roof of the car, the Scholars recorded four sides in a Los Angeles studio  "Beloved," with a song called "Kangewah" on the B–side. Improbaby, "Kan-Gu-Wa" had been composed by Hollywood gossip columnist Louella Parsons; the Scholars reasoned that she'd plug their record on her radio show and wammo, instant hit. The Scholars disbanded after  Kenny Rogers moved on to a solo career. In 1957 Kenny recorded "Crazy Feeling " released by Carlton records. The Song went to N° 1 in Houston.

Songs :(updated by Hans-Joachim) 

The Scholars (1)

   
 Beloved                                       Eternally Yours

   
 Kan-Gu-Wa                                  I Didn't Want To Do It

   
What I Did Wrong                                   Spin The Wheel
 
   
If You Listen With Your Heart                          Rocky Road            

  
   Waddie                                 The Poor Little Doggie

 Kenny Rogers


That Crazy Feeling

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