The Galaxies (2) (Los Angeles, California) aka The Royal Galaxies
Personnel :
Hal Hazan
Pat
Judy
Discography :
The Galaxies (2) 1960 - The big triangle / Until the next time (Capitol 4427)
The Royal Galaxies 1960 - Trouble on a Double Date / Over and Done With (Capitol 4488) 1960 - Zoom Golly Golly (Capitol) (Unreleased) 1960 - Cinderella Blue (Capitol) (Unreleased)
Biography :
Just months after returning from military duty, Capitol Records contacted Al Hazan to see if he knew any group that might be worth recording. Al said he did - that he had such a group already, along with some material.
Actually, Al had no group ready - he literally ran across the street where two female friends lived. He asked if they wanted to record some of his songs and the girls were all for it. Al wrote "The Big Triangle" and made a demonstration record with the girls.
They took the demo to the people at Capitol, who loved the idea and signed Al and the girls to a recording contract, naming the group "The Galaxies." "The Big Triangle" did well enough on the charts to warrant a follow-up record.
Al and the girls returned in November, 1960 to Capitol Records' with Tom Morgan, Al's producer, to record four more songs (three of them written by Hazan), although only two were released. "Zoom Golly Golly," and the song "Cinderella Blue" were not released.
Because of a conflict with another singing group, Capitol changed the name of the group from "The Galaxies" to "The Royal Galaxies, featuring Al Hazan." The group continued appearing in various cities around the U.S., doing TV interviews and special concert appearances to promote their two records. http://alhazan.com/galaxies.html
The Vibes (3) (Chicago) aka The Jayhawks aka The Vibrations aka The Marathons (2) aka The Cleeshays
Personnel :
Richard Owens (High Tenor)
James Johnson (First Tenor)
Carl Fisher (Second Tenor)
Dave Govan (Baritone)
Don Bradley (Bass)
Discography :
1958 - What's Her Name / You Are (Allied 10006 ) 1959 - Misunderstood / Let The Old Folks Talk (Allied 10007)
Biography :
When their last singles ("Everyone Should Know"/"The Creature") failed to take off, the Jayhawks hooked up with promoter C.E. Tebbets. They decided to change their image, because they felt they were being typecast as a "novelty" act. The first thing was to get a new name.
They changed their name to the Vibes for two singles on the Allied label, but in 1959 they were again credited as the Jayhawks for a further two singles on Eastman Records. Then, in 1960, they changed their name - almost for the last time - to the Vibrations. http://www.uncamarvy.com/Jayhawks/jayhawks.html
Singles : 1957 - When The Saints Come Marching In / Gone Is My Love (Cindy 3005) 1958 - Someone / Moonlight (Impala 501/Seeco 6008) 1962 - Christmas Plea / Dream Girl (Dynamic sound 578/9) 1961 - Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams / I Can't Give You Anything But Love (Lavere 186)
Unreleased : N/A - Angel Of Love N/A - Newly Weds N/A - Wedding Bells N/A - Too Young (Acappela) N/A - Pigeon Prance (Acappela) N/A - Too Young (Acappela) N/A - Pigeon Prance (Acappela)
Biography :
Hey, North Side is famous for its singers. In the fifties, a group of guys from the Shadeland Avenue neighborhood discovered they made a pretty good sound together and became the Dynamics.They were George Winesburgh (lead), Jimmy Shoup (first tenor), Earl Viney (second tenor), Dick Johns (baritone), and Donny Fuchs (bass). They released their first wax on the George Goldner/Jay Michael's Cindy label in 1957, "When The Saints Come Marching In" b/w "Gone Is My Love." The flip got a lot of air time locally. Looking to break out of the Pittsburgh market, they approached Brighton Height's George Bodnar, who organized area hops, managed West View Park's Danceland , and was the founder of a then-new local label, Impala Records.
Bodnar was impressed with the act, and took them to Nashville to tape two songs at the Bradley Film and Recording Studios. On May 4, 1958, the Dynamics had a tape of "Someone" penned by Dick Johns and "Moonlight," written by Donnie Fuchs. It was reissued as Seeco 6008; they even sold European rights to the song. But we all know how the industry worked then - Seeco didn't push the record, and the Pittsburgh connection didn't receive a red penny for the work. Winesburgh and Viney split, and Ron Barnett and Dick Spracier replaced them. But the new Dynamics didn't have much more luck than the originals. They released a couple of more singles - "Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams" b/w "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" on Laverve Records in 1961, and "Christmas Plea' b/w "Dream Girl" for Jules Kruspar's Dynamic Sound Records in 1962.
Neither took off, and the group faded into the mists of musical history. One problem was that no one took proper care of the business end for them. Another drawback was the group's name itself - it was estimated that up to a dozen groups went under the Dynamics tag during the fifties and sixties, and it's hard to break from the pack without a strong brand. http://oldmonmusic.blogspot.com/2010/07/dynamics.html
1959 - - It / Don't Say Bye Bye (Argo 5350/Tamla 54025)
Biography :
Ron & Bill was a short-lived incarnation of Ronnie White and Smokey Robinson from the early days of the Motown organization -- the credit appeared on one record, the single "It" b/w "Don't Say Bye Bye," released on the Tamla label, which was the label's attempt at charting with a novelty tune.
Actually, the A-side is very pretty, with superb singing and exquisite choruses, and if the effort here was to imitate "The Purple People Eater" or "The Flying Saucer," as suggested by Bill Dahl in his notes for The Complete Motown Singles, Vol. 1 1959-1961, then the label ended up with something smoother and more sophisticated than either of those sides, and one well worth hearing as straight R&B. The record constitutes an understandably obscure event in the life of the singer and the history of the Miracles.Bruce Eder, Rovi
1960 - Alley Oop / Jungle Walk (instrumental) (Rendezvous 120)
Biography :
Led by vocalist/guitarist Rene Hall, the Dyna-Sores were the third group to enjoy a hit with "Alley Oop," the Dallas Frazier-penned ode to the comic strip caveman. Although not as successful as Dante & the Evergreens, who reached the 15th chart position, and the Hollywood Argyles, whose version went to number one, the Dyna-Sores helped to turn Frazier's tune into one of the most commercially successful releases of 1960.
Ernie Freeman (paste-up picture) Left to right : Hall, Barum, Terrell and Scott (bottom)
The group consisted of Rene Hall, H. B. Barnum (formally of "The Robins"), Jimmy Norman Scott (formally of "The Chargers and who would later become a member of "The Coasters") , Terrell Leonard who went by the name of "Ty Terrell" (also formally of "The Robins") and Ernie Freeman on piano.
The Limelighters (1) (Bronx, New York) aka The Rockets (4) aka The Teeners (1) aka The Four Blades aka The Four Angels
Personnel :
Eugene Tompkins (Tenor)
Sammy Fain (Tenor)
William 'Dutch' Nadel (Tenor)
Henry Gunter (Baritone)
Otis Anthony 'Tony' Streeter (Bass)
Discography :
The Limelighters (1) Singles: 1956 - Cabin hideaway / My sweet Norma Lee (Josie 795) Unreleased : 1956 - Dreams (Rama) 1956 - Love conquers all (Rama) 1957 - I owe my life to you (Backbeat/Pet) 1957 - Tangiers (Backbeat/Pet)
The Rockets (4) 1956 - Long tall Sally ( Ep Prom 715) 1956 - Church bells may ring ( Ep Prom 716)
The Teeners (1) 1956 - I want you to be my girl ( Ep Prom 715) 1956 - Little girl of mine ( Ep Prom 716)
The Four Blades 1956 - I want you to be my girl ( EP Big 4 Hits 190/Gateway 1170) 1956 - The magic touch / Long tall Sally ( EP 4 Hits 335) 1956 - Church bells may ring (Gateway 1174)
The Four Angels 1956 - The Magic Touch / Speedo (LP - Today's Items 1910) 1956 - I Want You To Be My Girl / Little Girl Of Mine / R-O-C-K (LP - Today's Items 1911) 1956 - Church Bells May Ring / Long Tall Sally (LP - Today's Items 1912)
Biography :
This group was formed in 1954 in the Morrisania section of the Bronx in New York City, patterning themselves after the popular R&B groups of the day. Gunter had been working in a shoe store and one of their styles was called Limelighters; hence, their name.
They got themselves a manager, Buddy Dunk. He was acquainted with someone associated with one of the budget labels and a session was arranged in 1956. The group was given seven songs to familiarize themselves with in one day. They were able to accomplish this. Incredibly, because there was time remaining at the end of the session, two original tunes they wrote, "My Sweet Norma Lee" and "Cabin Hideaway," were recorded.
These two songs were ultimately sold to Jubilee's Jerry Blaine. Eventually both were released on the Jubilee subsidiary label, Josie. The other songs recorded that day found their way to budget LPs, EPs, and singles as by the Rockets, Teeners, Four Blades, or Four Angels. This in spite of the fact that the group was a quintet.
Dunk got them to record for several other labels, including Rama, but nothing else was ever released. Tenor Willie Williams sang for the Limelighters when Streeter went into the service. Since they were all getting older and nothing ever happened for them professionally, they broke up in 1959. Years later Tompkins and Fain joined with Lillian Leach and the Mellows Mitch Rosalsky "Encyclopedia of rhythm and blues and doo wop vocal groups" http://www.uncamarvy.com/Limelighters/limelighters.html
The Egyptian Kings : top : Morris Wade - bottom (L to R): William Suber, Leo Blakely & Paul Moore
King Pharaoh & The Egyptians (1) (Columbus, Ohio)
aka The Four Pharaohs aka The Columbus Pharaohs aka The Egyptian Kings
Personnel :
Harold Smith "King Pharaoh" (Guitar)
Morris Wade (Lead)
Ronnie Wilson (Baritone)
Paul Moore (Bass)
Leo Blakely (First Tenor)
Discography :
The Columbus Pharaohs 1958 - Give Me Your Love / China Girl (Esta 290)
The Four Pharaohs 1958 - Give Me Your Love / China Doll (Ransom 101) 1957 - Pray For Me / The Move Around (Ransom 100)
Morris Wade & music by Manhattans bb The Four Pharaohs 1959 - Is It Too Late / It Was A Nite Like This (Ransom 102)
King Pharaoh & The Egyptians (1) 1961 - By The Candlelite / Shimmy Sham (Federal 12413)
The Egyptian Kings Single: 1963 - Give Me Your Love / I Need Your Love (Nanc 1120) Unreleased : 1963 - School days (Nanc) 1963 - Summertime (Nanc)
Biography :
The Four Pharaohs were a top R&B vocal group in Columbus, lasting for more than 10 years and several name changes. The group started as the Columbus Pharaohs by four teenagers, Morris Wade (on lead), Benard Wilson, Ronnie Wilson, and Robert Taylor The Wilsons were brothers who attended Central High School. Taylor attended East High, while Wade had moved between the two schools. The group recorded a 45 for Esta records in Hamilton, singing two original songs, "Give Me Your Love" and "China Girl".
King Pharaoh & The Egyptians (L to R) Leo Blakely, Morris Wade, Paul Moore, Ronnie Wilson & Harold Smith
On the recording session, they were backed by Tommy Wills and his band, and the recording was done at King. At the time, the band was managed by Howard Ransom in Columbus, and shortly after the Esta record was released, he released the songs on his own Ransom, changing the title from China Girl, the correct name, to China Doll. To make things even more confusing, the Esta 45 had the group name as Columbus Pharaohs. Possibly, Ransom wanted the record to come out under the group's correct name as Four Pharaohs. The record had some sales but only in the Columbus area.
King Pharaoh & The Egyptians with Harold Smith
After a couple years, Robert Taylor left, replaced by George Smith, and Bernard Wilson was replaced by Robert Lowery, both from Columbus. This new lineup recorded a second 45 on Ransom, the ballad "Pray For Me" and the uptempo "The Move Around". When the record was released, the label name was mispelled as Ranson. Although being on a local label, this record seems to have sold more copies than the first one as plenty of used copies turn up.
King Pharaoh & The Egyptians with Harold Smith The Egyptian Kings
About a half year later (mid 1959), Ransom released a third 45. The artist was credited as Morris Wade with music by the Manhattans. The Four Pharaohs sang, and the backing band was hired by Ransom. The band was a working band that had backed up Sonny Til, Ransom gave them the Manhattans name, presumably to make people think they were a sophisticated group from NYC. The songs were "Is It Too Late"(mispelled 'To' on the label) and "It Was A Nite Like This". Around the time of this release, the group's first 45"Give Me Your Love"/:China Girl" was rereleased on the Paradise label from NYC.
The Egyptian Kings (L to R) : Forest Porter, Leo Blakely, Paul Moore, Harold Smith & Morris Wade
During the time these records were coming out, the group spent a lot of time on the road, playing standard chitlin circuit venues in Detroit, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, etc. In 1961 the group was reorganized as King Pharaoh and the Egyptians. The group added a guitarist, Harold Smith, and George Smith left. Then, Robert Lowery left and was replaced by Paul Moore, who brought Leo Blakely with him. Harold Smith was "King Pharaoh". During this time, they recorded a 45 on Deluxe, using their usual style of a ballad "By the Candle Lite" and the uptempo "Shimmy Sham".
In 1959 or 1960, Howard Ransom had moved to California where he continued in the record business. In 1963, with Pete Oden having replaced the last original member (other than Morris Wade) Bernard Wilson, the group decided to move to Los Angeles. They reconnected with Ransom, who had a new label, Nanc. The group, now known as the Egyptian Kings - without Harold Smith - recorded a 45 on Nanc, featuring a remake of "Give Me Yout Love".
The Egyptian Kings - (L to R) : Paul Moore, Leo Blakely, William Suber & Morris Wade
After a couple years in LA, the group wasn't going anywhere so they returned to Columbus. William Suber replaced Pete Oden. The group tried to get something going with Way Out records in Cleveland, and performed there at clubs like the Music Box, but nothing came of that. There were no more recordings done. Finally, Morris Wade decided to relocate for good to Los Angeles, and that was the end of the Egyptian Kings (and their ancient Egypt inspired outfits!). When he was settled in LA, Morris joined a touring group that did USO shows. He joined fellow Columbus native Bobby Hendricks in a version of the Drifters in 1983. Back in 1974, he had an appearance as a hit man in the movie "Baby Needs a New Pair Of Shoes", later retitled "Jive Turkey", which was produced by Howard Ransom. Robert Taylor relocated to Vancouver, BC and became Bobby Taylor who recorded the hit "Does Your Mother Know" for Motown. http://www.uncamarvy.com/4Pharaohs/4pharaohs.html http://www.buckeyebeat.com/fourpharoahs.html
Songs :
The Columbus Pharaohs
Give Me Your Love China Girl
The Four Pharaohs
Give Me Your Love Pray For Me / The Move Around
King Pharaoh & The Egyptians (1)
Shimmy Sham
Morris Wade & music by Manhattans bb The Four Pharaohs
The Shepherd Sisters 1954 - Love's Not A Dream / I'll Be There (Benida 5034) 1956 - Gone With The Wind / Rock 'N Roll Cha Cha Cha (Melba 100) 1957 - I Walked Beside The Sea / Remember That Crazy Rock 'N Roll Tune (Melba 108) 1957 - Alone (Why Must I Be Alone) / Congratulations To Someone (Lance T-125) 1957 - Just Multiply / You're In love (Mercury Master) 1957 - The Best Thing There Is / Getting' Ready For Freddy (Mercury 71244) 1958 - Eatin' Pizza / A Boy And Girl (Mercury 71306) 1958 - Is It A Crime / Dancin' Baby (Mercury 71350) 1959 - Heart And Soul / (it's No) Sin (MGM K12766/58) 1959 - Here Comes Heaven Again / I Think It's Time (Warwick 511) 1960 - Alone / Rocky (Warwick 530) 1960 - Yea Yea Dixie / How Softly A Heart Beats (Warwick 548) 1961 - Schoen-a, Schoen-a / Hapsburg Serenade (Big Top 3066) 1961 - Deeply / I'm Still Dancin' (United Artists 350) 1962 - Lolita Ya-Ya / Marvin (United Artists 456) 1963 - Don't Mention My Name / What Makes Little Girls Cry (Atlantic 45-2176) 1963 - Talk Is Cheap / The Greatest Lover (Atlantic 45-2195) 1964 - Finders Keepers / I've Got A Secret (20th CF468)
Peter Marshall & The Shepherd Sisters 1956 - My Lovely Love / Nice And Cozy (Peter Marshall & The Deputees) (Melba 103)
Biography
The Shepherd Sisters were a female vocal group from the mid-'50s featuring four real life sisters, Martha, Gayle, Judy, and Mary Lou Shepherd, who enjoyed one brief taste of chart success when their signature song, "Alone (Why Must I Be Alone)," hit the Top 20 in 1957.
Originally from the town of Middletown, OH, they had appeared on the TV shows Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts and Dick Clark's American Bandstand.
Initially performing as a trio with Martha, Gayle, and Mary Lou, they later added sister Judy to their line-up. Record producer and Lance label owner Morty Craft introduced them to the song "Alone (Why Must I Be Alone)" and they found themselves in the charts alongside competing versions by Petula Clark, The Southlanders, and the Kaye Sisters.
It was their only chart entry both in the U.K. and the U.S. He also introduced them to the DJ Alan Freed and they toured with his America's Greatest Teenage Recording Stars;
the sisters later concentrated on cabaret work rather than recording. Sharon Mawer, All Music Guide http://www.theshepherdsisters.com
Videos :
Alone (Why Must I Be Alone)
Songs :
Alone (Why Must I Be Alone) Congratulations To Someone
Jake Porter & The Buzzards (2) (Los Angeles) aka The Robins
Personnel :
Jake Porter (Lead)
Carl Gardner (Tenor)
Ty Terrell (Tenor)
Grady Chapman (Tenor)
Bobby Nunn (Tenor)
Roy Richards (Baritone)
Billy Richards (Bass)
Discography :
1955 - Wine, Women And Gold / The Bop (Instrumental) (Combo 91)
Biography :
The Robins was the Buzzards who backed Vernon "Jake" Porter, owner of Combo Records on his recording of "Wine, Women And Gold" Released around June of 1955.
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