1959 - I'm Dreaming Of You / Lonesome Road (V-Tone 202) 1959 - I'm Dreaming Of You / I Love You So (V-Tone 202)
Biography :
V-tone Records was an important regional R&B label during the late fifties and early sixties. Couceived in the back room of Venton "Buddy" Caldwell's busy upholstery shop on Ridege avenue in Philadelphia. Jacki La Vant had just graduated from Dobbins Vocational high school in North Philadelphia in the Summer 1957 when her father, booking agent Leroy Jackson, teamed her up with Charles Davis, Herb Williams, Robbie and Bobby. They called themselves the Fashions and their only though quite memorable, V-tone single, "I'm Dreaming Of You" b/w "Lonesome Road", was released in March 1959. The Fashions set their sights on greater goals, and eventually became a polished club and show band which toured military bases all over the world. "I'm Dreaming Of You" received strong regional R&B airplay, although Caldwell replace "Lonesome Road " with an original song, "I love You So" at the flip side, probably to avoid higher royalty payments… Jacki La Vantmade the transition to gospel in the seventies and continued to sing regularly with various church group.
Left to Right, Carol Dawn Sorenson, Merilyn Luke, Marilyn Worsley, and Joan Rosell
The Mamselles (1) (Provo, UT)
Personnel :
Donna Glazier
Merilyn Luke
Marilyn Worsley
Pat Strong
Discography :
1957 - He's Graduating / I'll Always Thank You For The Sunshine (Vik 0272)
Biography :
The Mamselles group on the Vik Label all attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. The Group is known in the area as "the sophomores" since 1955. The members were Donna Glazier, Merilyn Luke, Marilyn Worsley, and Pat Strong. As The Sophomores, they receive women's independent award from Ralph Boswell at Fieldhouse Frolics in 1956. They made the rounds, Record hops and Teen contest.
1956 - The Sophomores with Ralph Boswell
In 1957, The Sophomores signed a recording contract with Vik Records, RCA Subsidiary. Vik recordings is the replacement name for RCA Victor's "X" which operated from April 20, 1953 to September 10, 1955 when the name change occurred.
"He's Graduating" b/w "I'll Always Thank You For The Sunshine" on Vik 272 is credited to The Mamselles with Buddy Cole His Orchestra. The group all graduated from high school between 1957 and 1958 and went their separate ways.
1957 - Shakin' Time / Rocking Baby (Gilco 212) 1958 - You Are / Rock & Roll Baby (Red Top 101) 1959 - I Desire / Uh-mmm (Impala 203) 1961 - The Creep / Little Girl Don't Cry (Riff 105)
Biography :
Billy & Mickey are a Delaware Valley duo consisting of two gentleman who would go on to have very successful solo careers. Billy is Billy Harner and Mickey is Mickey Carroll. Mickey Carroll caught his first taste of show biz as a dancer on American Bandstand in the pre-Dick Clark days when the show was still being hosted by founder Bob Horn. Although Billy started his own career as a singer, he was playing drums .
It was at a Battle of the Bands competition when Billy Harner, playing drums for his band, met Mickey Carroll who sang and played guitar for another band in the competition. After the contest Billy tracked down Mickey and expressed interest in wanting to sing again. Carroll then went on to form a doo-wop singing duo. Four months later they were picked up as, “Billy and Mickey" on Gilco 212.
Mickey Carroll with friend...
Red Top Records, an enthusiastic label with a reputation for hard work, talent and success released "You Are" b/w "Rock & Roll Baby" in 1958. The a-side was a doo-wop styled, two part harmony ballad and the flip was an uptempo rocker with an introduction clearly lifted from the popular "Short Shorts" by The Royal Teens. The twosome had two more releases, one for Riff records with the nice doo-wop : "Little Girl Don't Cry" and one for Franny Williamson's Impala label with another beautiful song :"I Desire". That was the end of Billy & Mickey, however just the beginning for Billy Harner and Mickey Carroll. http://beldonsbluespoint.blogspot.fr/2013/01/mickey-carroll-old-tricks-still-work_14.html http://phillyon45.blogspot.fr/2014_05_01_archive.html
1957 - Love, Love Baby / Oh My Darling (Excello 2115)
Biography :
No information found on this group which in 1957 cut "Love, Love Baby" b/w "Oh My Darling" for Excello Records. Excello Records was an American blues record label, started by Ernie Young in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1953 as a subsidiary of Nashboro, a gospel label.
Ernie Young Excello recorded such artists as Lonnie Brooks, Lightnin' Slim, Slim Harpo, Charles Sheffield, Roscoe Shelton, Lazy Lester, the Kelly Brothers, Lonesome Sundown, Martin Luther King, Silas Hogan, Arthur Gunter, Carol Fran, and Maceo and All the King's Men. Ernie Young ran an empire that dominated black music in the American south for nearly 30 years.
1961 - This Broken Heart / Lonely Christmas (Set-Co) 1962 - My Lonely Senior Year / Lonely Footsteps (Set-Co 109) 1962 - Tears Of Love / Angel In My Heart (Set-Co 110)
Biography :
In 1957 two brothers, Dick and Ron, decided to join the fun. Starting with one old guitar, a bass drum the size of those used by marching bands and a snare drum, they practiced while searching for others that were interested in making music. The band settled with six-members who are considered the original Eschelons and were featured on the band's first record. They are: Vic Hill, Jack Hazewinkel, Jim VanPutten, Al Bishoff, Dick Beatty, and Ron Beatty.
(l. to r.) Jack Hazewinkel, Vic Hill, Dick Beatty, Jim VanPutten, Marty Chirgwin. and Ron Beatty.
In 1961, The Eschelons cut their first 45. Both sides of the single, "This Broken Heart" b/w "Lonely Christmas" were composed by Ron Beatty. They were recorded at Ted Mader's studio in Downtown Grand Rapids, one of several recording studios in town. Dick and Ron's stepfather came through for them by financing the 45 which was released on the SET-CO label, an acronym for his business, the Stalter Edge Tool Company. The single was pressed at the American Record Pressing Company in Owosso, Michigan.
"This Broken Heart" reached # 16 on WGRD's Fabulous "50" chart in January of 1962, shortly before the band underwent a major lineup change compliments of their biggest Grand Rapids rivals, the Kingtones. Gil King from the Kingtones joined up with the Eschelons adding keyboards to the band and when Vic Hill decided to leave the band , The Eschelons added two girls, Cheri Woudstra and Sue Greiner.
(l. to r.) Ron Beatty, Jack Hazewinkel, Dick Beatty, Jim VanPutten, Al Bischoff, Gil King, Cheri Woudstra & Sue Greiner.
Gil King assumed both roles on the second single by the Eschelons. "Lonely Footsteps" and "My Lonely Senior Year" were recorded in 1962 . The second 45 was once again released on the SET-CO label. Ron Beatty was listed as the vocalist on both of the songs that were written and produced by Gil King. "Lonely Footsteps" was the local hit, reaching # 12 on WGRD's Fabulous "50" chart on May 12th.
(l. to r.) J. Hazewinkel, A. Bischoff, G. King, R. Beatty, C. Woudstra, J. VanPutten & Sue Greiner.
Cheri Woudstra left the Eschelons in June of 1962. The band's final single was recorded in Gil King's home studio. "Angel In My Heart" was written by Ron Beatty and "Tears Of Love" by King. The 45 was again released on the SET-CO label with both sides listed as being produced and directed by Gil King. "Angel In My Heart" reached # 41 on WGRD's Classic "50" chart in the late fall of 1962, but the original members of the Eschelons had already begin to splinter due to high school graduation, marriage, and other factors. http://www.michiganrockandrolllegends.com/mrrl-hall-of-fame/203-eschelons
Songs :
Lonely Footsteps My Lonely Senior Year Lonely Christmas
1957 - Cherry Pie / Always Be True (Perspective Sound 6457/Bullseye 1003)
Biography :
Billy Reynolds Eustis was born in Harden City, Oklahoma and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Billy sang in school group "the Contabulies" with Jim Scott, Mary Hazelton & Dan Smith. As The Tri-Lads, Billy With two other fellows from Tulsa Central High School, Bill Ragan and Chuck Fournier, went on studio and recorded "Cherry Pie" and "Always Be True" In 1957 . The Tri-Lads split up in 1957 after this record.
The Contabulies (L to R) - Jim Scott, Mary Hazelton, Dan Smith and Billy The first pressing was released on the Oklahoma based Perspective sound label in June 1957 and in December on the Bullseye label based in New York for national distribution. "Cherry Pie" disc received regional attention, especially on the west coast, but it failed to chart nationally. A few months later, in early 1960, Skip & Flip's polished waxing came out and became a huge hit.
Billy Reynolds Eustis Chuck Fournier Bill Ragan
Billy Reynolds Eustis then went on to a solo career. His first solo was “The Rope” in 1960 , produced by Sonny Thompson and recorded at the famous Chess Studios in Chicago. Billy went on to record for Famous Music (Bobby Boyd, producer), Paramount (Marty Paich, producer) and Monument Records (as Billy Reynolds, Don Law, producer).http://www.eustismusic.com
1958 - My Sentimental Heart / The Chapel By The Sea (Kay-Y 66781)

Biography :
The Quartet is composed of Walter Johnson, the lead Vocalist, Harvey Hollis, Baritone, James Dukes, Tenor and William Brown, Bass. Three of The Boys, Johnson; Hollis and Brown are graduates of Chetser High School in Martinsville, Va. Walter Johnson, well know in the Chester area for his activities in choir and chorus work, tried several times without success to form a Quartet. Hollis also was interested along the same lines. The Two met while singing with the senior choir at Bethany Baptist Church, and often were teamed as a duet.
The Search for a tenor and bass began. Dukes started rehearsing with the duos and blended well. The trio became widely know for its performances at benefits and clubs in Chester and in New Jersey. After many tryouts for a bass voice, William Brown was selected for the spot. Brown is a former member of one of the well known local religious quartet. After Months of hard work and training under the direction of Milton Harris Jr., talented young local musician, the group has reached its first success in the recording of "Chapel by The Sea" on Kay-Y Records of Chester. Al Czarenko is the Manager of the Group...
The Dawns in 1956 - Top : (L to R) Jim Carling and Joel Greenspan Lower : (L to R) Stan Goldstein and Bobby Carling - Center : Billy Campbell (Lead Singer)
The Dawns (2) (Chinatown / Little Italy, New York) Ref The C-Tones
Personnel :
Mike Caminiti (Lead)
Louie Matos (First Tenor)
Stan Goldstein
Oscar (Baritone)
Harry Solomon (Bass)
Discography :
The C-Tones 1957 - On Your Mark / From Now On (Everlast 5005)
The Dawns (2) 1959 - How Deep Is The Ocean / Why Did You Let Me Love You (Climax 104)
Biography :
The C-Tones were a group from NYC's (Chinatown & Mulberry Street in Little Italy) and was comprised Mike Caminiti on lead, Harry Solomon on bass, Tony Lee on piano & 2nd tenor, Donny DiRienzi on baritone and Louie Matos on 1st tenor. The Group consisted of 5 Italian American teenagers and practiced in Columbus Park. The Group cut "On Your Mark" b/w "From Now On" On Everlast 5005. They re-formed as "The Dawns" with Oscar ? replacing Donnie & Stan Goldstein replacing Tony Lee. They recorded "How Deep is the Ocean" b/w "Why Did You Let Me Love You" .
Jimmy Carling Trio At Willy Pep's Melody Lane, 57th St. NYC, March '62
It was released on the short lived Climax Records founded by Jack Gold, label which issued a grand total of ten records between 1959-60 before closing. Jim Carling replaced Oscar in 1960 but The Group broke up in 1962 without having another record out. In 1962, Jim Carling continued in the music business in the Jimmy Carling Trio (Jim Carling on Piano, Gene Mitchell on Guitar and Bobby Nicastro on Drums) and many other groups over the years. Thnaks to Jim Carling.
1962 - You've Got Me Crying Again / Hoy, Hoy (Tri-Phi 1008) 1963 - I Was Teasin' / Our Summer Vacation Is Over (Vida 0109)
Biography :
Seven years ago, in 1955, the Davenport Sisters started singing for banquets, church affairs, private parties and eventually at a few night clubs. During this time, the girls sang on the Jan Andre Show and various radio stations in Pittsburgh and the Monongahela Valley. In the fall of 1955, Al Noble, MC for Wilken's Amateur Hour made it possible for the Monongahela singers to make a guest appearance on TV, after winning a weekly contest. Public appearances were made in Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania with the Moonglows.
The sisters then added to their talent with a six-months training course in modern jazz, tap and professional cha cha at the Cicci School of Dancing. In addition, the Sisters acquired the assistance of the noted Duncan Noble, choreographer for the Civic Light Opera, in preparing a professional act for night club engagements. Tri-Phi Recording Company of Detroit, Mich. was the brain child of Gwen Gordy (sister of Motown-man Berry Gordy) and Harvey Fuqua. The Label released their first single entitled, "You've Got crying again" written by Florence Davenport & Harvey Fuqua… In 1963, The Girls Recorded one other single "I Was Teasin" b/w "Our Summer Vacation Is Over" on Vida 109.
The Expressions (2) (Dallas,Texas) aka Jay Ramsey & The Contempos
Personnel :
Jay Ramsey (Lead)
Jerry Brown
Frank Cole
Bob Kelly
Discography :
Jay Ramsey & The Contempos 1962 - Look Away Love / Smooth Talkin Woman (Libra 1001)
The Expressions (2) 1963 - Come Back Karen / Thrill (Smash 1848) 1965 - One Plus One / Playboy (Reprise 0360)
Jay Ramsey bb The Expressions (2) Unreleased : 1965 - Lonely Girl 1965 - Gotta Keep Movin
Biography :
Bob Kelly already had his own recording studio and In 1962, three guys came into the studio , Jerry Brown, piano player and singer, Jay Ramsey, guitar player, singer, and songwriter and Frank Cole, sax, guitar, bass and singer. Bob Kelly decided to record them and put out a record locally to see if it would do anything. "Smooth Talkin' Woman" b/w "Look Away Love" on Libra Records as Jay Ramsey & The Contempos.
1962, Jay Ramsey, Jerry brown, Frank Cole and Bob Kelly
Success locally was mediocre he couldn't get a national record release. Then, Bob asked them if they would like to form a group with him. So they recorded some songs Jay singing lead, and Jerry, Frank, and Bob singing background. With slightly more success, Bob got a record leasing deal with Smash Records, a subsidiary of Mercury Records. "Thrill" b/w "Come Back Karen," published by Little Star.
They got a Best Bets in Cashbox as good as you could get at the time for a rating. Lots of airplay and sales locally, but still only moderate success nationally. It was a one-record-lease deal, so back to the drawing board.The Expressions started touring all over the country in Sept 1964 and kept going for the next sixteen years! In 1965, they were signed by Sinatra's Reprise Records and cut "One Plus One" b/w "Playboy".
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