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".
Singles: 1961 - Lights Please / She's Gone (Don El 106/Chic Car 100/Imperial 5758)
Unreleased : 1961 - Since She's Been Gone (RecoArts) 1961 - Enough To Last (RecoArts)
Biography :
The Blend-Tones began with four steadfast friends, Clay Taylor, Rob Carpenter, Bill Keith and Henry Varlack, all who resided in the confines of West Philadelphia during the mid 1950's. Bill Keith need another voices to Round out their sound. Clay Taylor said he knew two cats from Lansdowne who could really sing, so he brought Sonny barnes & Jim Dickerson. They made the rounds, Record hops, like at the Lansdowne YWCA, or at St Thomas' church, Teenage Canteens, even the senior prom for the 1958 graduating of Bartram High School. By Summer 1960, nothing was pending record-wise, so Rob Carpenter and Henry Varlack opted for college, while Bill Keith enlisted in the Air Force.
(1958) (L to R) Jim Dickerson, Clay Taylor, Henry Varlack, George "Sonny" Barnes, Bill Keith and Rob Carpenter.
The Blend-Tones was indelibly altered, They recruited Jimmy Moore and Art Aston. In 1961, The Group with the return of Bill Keith for a Few Days, have a recording Session at Recoo Art Studio in Center city. They waxed Four Songs combined with the Henry Carter Combo. The Fantastic "She's Gone"led by Bill Keith and written by Rob Carpenter b/w "Lights Please" Was released on Don El records in 1961 . Don El records Founded by C. Percy White [aka Don White] . Their songs went nowhere and the group disbanded in 1962.
Ricky & The Vacels 1962 - Bublle Gum / Lorraine ( Express 711) 1963 - His Girl / Don't Want Your Love No More (Fargo 1050)
The Vacels 1965 - You're My Baby / Hey Girl, Stop Leading Me On (Kama Sutra 200) 1965 - Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window / I'm Just A Poor Boy (Kama Sutra 204)
Biography :
It all started in 1958 when 12 year old Richard Mango moved to Valle Stream, Long Island from Brooklyn, New York. Ric wasted no time becoming very popular in his fifth grade class. He received a Valentine Day's card from almost every young girl in the school, every girl but one. So he wrote her a song "Lorraine" and told that he would perform it for her at the school's local dance.
Ricky & The Vacels With Tony Orlando Ricky & The Vacels With The Ronnie & The Hi-Lites
Not so popular with the guys, a trio of Bobby Russo and Brothers Pete and Vinny Gorman (Real name Gutowski) had invited him to perform his song with their band, planning to dump him when it was over. Unfortunately for the trio the crowd loved them and Ricky and the Vacels were born.
Ricky & The Vacels With Frankie Avalon
The Name Vacels was chosen by the original group because it's meaning is "servant's to the King". After winning a local talent contest they came the attention of Lou Fargo who record them on his Express label the songs "Bublle Gumv" b/w "Lorraine" in 1962 and the next year on The fargo label "His Girl" b/w "Don't Want Your Love No More".
The Vacels
They would eventually be managed by Sandy Yogoda of Jay & The Americans who got them a recording contract with Kama Sutra Records. The band dropped the 'Ricky &' and cut two singles in 1965 ."You're My Baby" b/w "Hey Girl, Stop Leading Me On" was the first single for the new label followed a few months later by "Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window" b/w "I'm Just A Poor Boy".
It was Ric's connection with Sandy that got him into Jay & The Americans replacing Howie who left for the Army. His group The Vacels now went through another name change to the "Shaggy Boys". "The Ric Mango Story"
Songs :
Ricky & The Vacels
Lorraine Bublle Gum His Girl
Don't Wan't Your Love No More
The Vacels
I'm Just A Poor Boy You're My Baby Hey Girl, Stop Leading Me On
Planets, Rockets, Rocketeers, Magic-Tones :( L to R) Billy Steward, Jimmy Brunsen, Vince House & Woody Johnson
The Planets (1)(Chicago)
akaThe Magic Notes aka The Rockets (3) aka The Rocketeers (2) aka The Rhythm Aces
Personnel :
Billy Steward (First Tenor)
Woody Johnson (Second Tenor)
Jimmy Brunsen (Tenor)
Vince House (Baritone/Bass)
Discography :
The Rhythm Aces Singles : 1954 - I Wonder Why / Get Lost (Vee Jay 124) 1955 - Whisper To Me / Olly, Olly, Atsen Free (Vee Jay 138) 1955 - That's My Sugar / Flippety Flop (Vee Jay 160) Unreleased : 1954- I Realize Now (Vee Jay)
The Rockets (3) 1956 - You Are The First One / Be Lovey Dovey (Modern 992)
Jimmy Beasley & The Rockets (3) 1957 - Johnny's House Party, Part 1 / Part 2 (Modern 1021)
The Rocketeers (2) 1956 - Talk It Over Baby / Hey Rube (Modern 999) 1958 - My Reckless Heart / They Turned The Party Out At Bessie's House (M-J-C 501)
Darla Hood & The Rocketeers (2) 1957 - No Secret Now / Jody (Encino 1007)
The Magic Notes 1957 - The Wrong Door / Never Again (Era 1035)
The Planets (1) 1957 - Stand There Mountain / Never Again (Era 1038) 1957 - Be Sure / Wild Leaves (Era 1049)
Biography :
R&B harmony group the Rhythm Aces formed in 1950 comprising first tenor Billy Steward, second tenor Chuck Rowan, baritone Clyde Rhymes, and bass Vince House; all were members of the U.S. Army's Special Services division stationed in Germany at the time of the quartet's formation, ultimately winning the "All-Army Soldier Singing Contest" and landing an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show as a result. Following their 1954 discharge, the Rhythm Aces returned to the U.S. and mounted a tour of the Midwest -- their performance at Chicago's Crown Propeller Lounge proved such a hit that the club named the group its regular headline act, firing former marquee act the Moonglows in the process.
The Rhythm Aces : Billy Steward, Chuck Rowan, Clyde Rhymes & Vince House
Vee-Jay Records exec Ewart Abner soon caught the Rhythm Aces' act and arranged an audition with label owners Vivian and Jimmy Carter, who immediately extended a contract offer. Their debut single "I Wonder Why" followed in late 1954, but the group's sharp, sophisticated harmonies made few inroads at radio or retail. Vee-Jay issued the Rhythm Aces' luminous sophomore effort "Whisper to Me" in the spring of 1955, but it too failed to attract much attention, and when a similar fate befell their third single, "That's My Sugar," the label terminated the group's contract.
After adding guitarist Sam Alexander and installing Rowan on piano, the Rhythm Aces toured Canada in late 1955, but during a break from the road Rhymes wed while Steward and Alexander spent the holidays in their native Detroit, when only Rowan and House turned up for a scheduled gig in New York City, the group dissolved. After the Vee Jay Rhythm Aces broke up late in 1955, they all returned home. It is not known when or where, but Lloyd McCraw ( Jacks/Cadets) had previously met Vince House.
Jimmy Beasley
In 1956, he communicated with House, asking him to assemble a group and come west to record for his organization. House rounded up Steward and Rowan and picked up Jimmy Brunsen, they were now "the Rockets. McCraw got them a contract and session with Modern Records . When their Modern disc failed, Rowan left for good, rejoining the service. He was replaced in the group by Brunsen's friend Woody Johnson. Modern then changed the group's name to Rocketeers late in 1956 and released a new single.
Johnny Otis Show
Nothing happened with the name change or the Modern release, and the group moved to Era, where House's name was changed to Vince Howard. The Group cut three singles, as the Planets & The Magic Tones. One disc that the Planets released on Era, "Stand There Mountain," became their biggest hit. At this point they hooked up with Johnny Otis and became part of his touring "Johnny Otis Show" (once again as the Rockets). In early 1958, they became the "Rocketeers" again, for a single recording as backup for Willie Davis. http://www.uncamarvy.com/RhythmAces/rhythmaces.html
Planets, Rockets, Rocketeers, Magic-Tones :( L to R) Billy Steward, Jimmy Brunsen, Vince House & Woody Johnson
The Planets (1)(Chicago)
akaThe Magic Notes aka The Rockets (3) aka The Rocketeers (2) aka The Rhythm Aces
Personnel :
Billy Steward (First Tenor)
Woody Johnson (Second Tenor)
Jimmy Brunsen (Tenor)
Vince House (Baritone/Bass)
Discography :
The Rhythm Aces Singles : 1954 - I Wonder Why / Get Lost (Vee Jay 124) 1955 - Whisper To Me / Olly, Olly, Atsen Free (Vee Jay 138) 1955 - That's My Sugar / Flippety Flop (Vee Jay 160) Unreleased : 1954- I Realize Now (Vee Jay)
The Rockets (3) 1956 - You Are The First One / Be Lovey Dovey (Modern 992)
Jimmy Beasley & The Rockets (3) 1957 - Johnny's House Party, Part 1 / Part 2 (Modern 1021)
The Rocketeers (2) 1956 - Talk It Over Baby / Hey Rube (Modern 999) 1958 - My Reckless Heart / They Turned The Party Out At Bessie's House (M-J-C 501)
Darla Hood & The Rocketeers (2) 1957 - No Secret Now / Jody (Encino 1007)
The Magic Notes 1957 - The Wrong Door / Never Again (Era 1035)
The Planets (1) 1957 - Stand There Mountain / Never Again (Era 1038) 1957 - Be Sure / Wild Leaves (Era 1049)
Biography :
R&B harmony group the Rhythm Aces formed in 1950 comprising first tenor Billy Steward, second tenor Chuck Rowan, baritone Clyde Rhymes, and bass Vince House; all were members of the U.S. Army's Special Services division stationed in Germany at the time of the quartet's formation, ultimately winning the "All-Army Soldier Singing Contest" and landing an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show as a result. Following their 1954 discharge, the Rhythm Aces returned to the U.S. and mounted a tour of the Midwest -- their performance at Chicago's Crown Propeller Lounge proved such a hit that the club named the group its regular headline act, firing former marquee act the Moonglows in the process.
The Rhythm Aces : Billy Steward, Chuck Rowan, Clyde Rhymes & Vince House
Vee-Jay Records exec Ewart Abner soon caught the Rhythm Aces' act and arranged an audition with label owners Vivian and Jimmy Carter, who immediately extended a contract offer. Their debut single "I Wonder Why" followed in late 1954, but the group's sharp, sophisticated harmonies made few inroads at radio or retail. Vee-Jay issued the Rhythm Aces' luminous sophomore effort "Whisper to Me" in the spring of 1955, but it too failed to attract much attention, and when a similar fate befell their third single, "That's My Sugar," the label terminated the group's contract.
After adding guitarist Sam Alexander and installing Rowan on piano, the Rhythm Aces toured Canada in late 1955, but during a break from the road Rhymes wed while Steward and Alexander spent the holidays in their native Detroit, when only Rowan and House turned up for a scheduled gig in New York City, the group dissolved. After the Vee Jay Rhythm Aces broke up late in 1955, they all returned home. It is not known when or where, but Lloyd McCraw ( Jacks/Cadets) had previously met Vince House.
Jimmy Beasley
In 1956, he communicated with House, asking him to assemble a group and come west to record for his organization. House rounded up Steward and Rowan and picked up Jimmy Brunsen, they were now "the Rockets. McCraw got them a contract and session with Modern Records . When their Modern disc failed, Rowan left for good, rejoining the service. He was replaced in the group by Brunsen's friend Woody Johnson. Modern then changed the group's name to Rocketeers late in 1956 and released a new single.
Johnny Otis Show
Nothing happened with the name change or the Modern release, and the group moved to Era, where House's name was changed to Vince Howard. The Group cut three singles, as the Planets & The Magic Tones. One disc that the Planets released on Era, "Stand There Mountain," became their biggest hit. At this point they hooked up with Johnny Otis and became part of his touring "Johnny Otis Show" (once again as the Rockets). In early 1958, they became the "Rocketeers" again, for a single recording as backup for Willie Davis. http://www.uncamarvy.com/RhythmAces/rhythmaces.html
Brent and the Spectres were a teen band from Chelmsford, Massachusetts in existence from 1962 - 1966. They were one of the earliest performing groups in the area, influencing many local bands to follow. They ran their own Friday night record hops and won several battle of the bands culminating in the finals at the old Boston Garden (now the TD Garden). They released one 45 on their own label, “Oh, Darlin’” b/w “Patricia”, the flip, but most popular side. These were both originals.
The band comprised Brent Paul – vocals, sax, and blues harp; Ray Tuck – drums; Jeff Thompson – lead guitar; Harry Boisvert – rhythm guitar; and George Shepherd – bass. Brent and Ray are still (separately) performing regularly in the New England area, and remain close friends.
Little Joey & The Flips (4) 1962 - Bongo Stomp / Lost Love (Joy 262) 1962 - Bongo Gully / It Was Like Heaven (Joy 268) 1976 - The Mystery Of The Night / Hot Rod (Monogram 111)
Joey & The Flips (4) 1964 - The Beachcomber / Fool Fool Fool (Cameo 327)
Biography :
This group began in 1959 in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, harmonizing in the familiar places that made groups sound great — hallways, restrooms, and so on. They started out as The Elads (first tenor Fred Gerace, second tenor James Mehagher, baritone John Smith, bass Jeff Leonard and falsetto Jimmy Dilks). Sy Kaplan, who later became their manager, overheard them harmonizing. He was joined by Barry Rich, another collector, and soon after had them record demo tapes. Kaplan felt that original lead Jimmy Dilks was not unique enough and was replaced at lead by diminutive (5 feet) black Joseph Hall.
Rich and Kaplan brought "Bongo Stomp" to Eddie Joy of Joy Records to see if he was satisfied with the Flips song. Joy Records was opened as a sideline in 1958 by Guy Mitchell's manager, Eddie Joy, and operated through to 1965 featuring such artists as Guy, The Five Blobs, James Gilreath, Jamie Horton and Senor Wences, the ventriloquist of The Ed Sullivan Show fame. Joy loved it and soon released it on his label.
When the tune began to take off, the Flips began touring up and down the East Coast. As the story usually goes, Joy and his organization, despite inquiries and litigation, paid the Flips or their management no royalties. Little Joey & The Flips fared no better as none among Bongo Gully b/w It Was Like Heaven on Joy 268 in 1962, The Beachcomber b/w Fool Fool Fool on Cameo 327 in 1964, and The Mystery Of The Night b/w Hot Rod on Monogram 111 in 1972 could get them back on the charts.
Fortunately, the success of "Bongo Stomp" provided work for the group, including commercials and so on, but personal problems prevailed and after their Cameo disc, they decided to call it quits.
Ronald H.Metty always wanted a group to record the songs that he wrote and the Magics was a good group, considering this was his second group. They recorded four songs acapella that Ronald wrote , brought them to Al Browne bandleader and recording artist. He liked what he heard and had the Magics back up one of his vocalists Johnny Bronet aka Johnny Bronay on Aljon Label.
Al Browne (Piano) with his band
"I'll Pray" b/w "Billet D'Amour" was released around April 1961. The Magics were promised two record deals, but, times moves on and they knew we were never going to record, so after two years of singing at various affairs in the five boroughs of new York They finally to persue their individual careers.
(L to R) Ronald H. Metty, Robert McNamara, George Muller & Tony DiGregorio
George started his own auto service business, Tony became a painter for the city of NY, Robert became a police officer in Suffolk County, NY and Ronald enjoyed a forty year career with Panam & Delta. Thanks to Ronald H. Metty
Bobby Davis (bb The Big "3" Trio) 1959 - I Was Wrong / Hype You Into Sellin' (Your Head) (Bandera 2505)
Bobby Davis and The Big "3" Trio 1960 - One Love Have I / She's A Problem (Bandera 2508)
Biography :
Bandera was a small Chicago label launched by Vi Muszynski, and her son Bernie Harville, with money Muszynski made off one of her biggest discoveries, the Impressions. The label released a variety of music in the late '50s and early '60s, from hillbilly and rock, to blues and gospel.
Vi Muszynski
Bobby Davis and The Big "3" Trio recorded the song "One Love Have I" and "She's A Problem" in two different styles: once as a blues and once as a Rhythm'blues / Doo wop, but the blues' version were previously unissued track, and only the Rhythm'blues / Doo wop tracks are released on Bandera 2508. This leave another question : were the Big"3" trio the vocal group? Probably not : Jody "Guitar" Williams played just that, Bob Walton played bass and Loretta Taylor Played Drums.
Davis started his career as bassist with ZuZu Bollin, moving on to tour as one of Rosco Gordon's ensemble, before joining up with Albert Collins in Houston touring with him as either drummer or bassist. At The tail end of the 50s he pitched up in Chicago and formed his band. Bobby Davis and The Big "3" Trio had one earlier release on bandera 2505 which coupled the Chicago blues sides "I Was Wrong" and "Hype You Into Sellin'". Bobby Davis would go on to record for M-pac, Firma and as Bobby Cool for Expo From Bandera Doo Wop
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