Doo Wop - Rhythm & Blues - jcpiazza26@gmail.com

The Cruisers (3) - Ref : The Strollers (4)

Posted on February 1 2012 by dion1

Top : McKinley Anthony, Eugene Williams - Bottom : Paul Long, Randy Hamilton

The Cruisers (3) (Washington, D.C.)
Ref : The Strollers (4)

Personnel :

Eugene Williams (Lead)

Paul Long

McKinley Anthony (Second Tenor)

Randy Hamilton

Discography :

The Cruisers   (3)
1960 - If I Knew / Miss Fine (V-Tone 207)
1960 - Cryin' Over You / Don't Tease Me (V-Tone 213)
1967 - I Need You So / Take A Chance (Gamble 207)
1969 - Picture Us / Mink and Sable Mable (Gamble 4000)

Herb Johnson bb The Cruisers (3)
1960 - Guilty / Have You Heard (Len 1007 )

Bunny Sigler bb The Cruisers (3)
1962 - Happy Dance / Hold On (V-Tone 500)

The Strollers (4)
1961 - Come on Over / There's No One But You (Carlton 546)

Biography :

The Cruisers from Philadelphia, PA never had a significant record. Patterning themselves after the Harptones, group leader Gene Williams, Randy Hamilton, Paul Long, and McKinley Anthony began recording on V-Tone Records. The deal resulted in two single releases in 1960: "Miss Fine" b/w "If I Knew," and "Don't Tease Me" b/w "Crying Over You;" the latter got pegged for mass distribution two years later by Guyden Records only to die a second time.

Herb Johnson was the most notable single artist who sang for Len/V-Tone/Palm. Herb's first single for Len was "Guilty" "Have You Heard" released in the spring of 1960, According to Johnson, he was backed by the cruisers from Washington, D.C. who handled vocal harmonies. Eugene Williams form the Strollers with new personnel in 1961. Their sole Carlton release, "Come on Over" , made a fleeting appearance on the hot 100 that April but Carlton did not issue a follow-up and the new group soon floundered .

Five years passed before their next deal in 1967 with Gamble Records, who were charting with the Intruders' records. "I Need You So" b/w "Take A Chance," reeked with sentiment but despite its charm didn't sell, and the Cruisers languished for nearly three years before their final release. Bunny Sigler brought the Cruisers' doo-wop skills out the closet with "Picture Us" b/w "Mink and Sable Mable," but Gamble Records only seem able to get hits on Sonny & the Intruders; while others including Ruth McFadden, the Jaggerz, the Futures, the Butlers, and the Epsilons always came up empty. Sigler later cut a solo version of "Picture Us" on Philadelphia International Records, and the Cruisers went on with their lives.
http://devildick.blogspot.com/2011/11/cruisers-if-i-knew-miss-fine.html

Songs :

The Cruisers (3)

If I Knew Miss Fine

Cryin' Over You Don't Tease Me

Herb Johnson bb The Cruisers (3)

Guilty Have You Heard

The Strollers (4)

There's No One But You Come on Over

...

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The Paradons aka The Trend-Tones

Posted on January 30 2012 by dion1

The Paradons (Bakersfield, California.)
aka The Trend-Tones

Personnel :

West Tyler (Lead)

William Powers (Baritone)

Bill Meyers (Bass)

Chuck Weldon (Tenor)

Discography :

The Paradons
1960 - Diamonds And Pearls / I Want Love (Milestone 2003)
1960 - Bells Ring / Please Tell Me (Milestone 2005)
1961 - I Had A Dream / Never, Never, Never (Milestone 2015)
1961 - Never Again / This Is Love (Tuffest 102)
1961 - Take All Of Me / So Fine, So Fine, So Fine (Warner Bros. 5186)

The Trend-Tones
1961 - This Is Love / Never Again (Superb 100)

Biography :

The Paradons are know best for the beautiful "Diamonds and Pearls," which reached number 18 on the pop chart in 1960, nine rungs higher than it registered on the R&B chart. The quartet, comprised of friends William Powers and Bill Meyers plus Chuck Weldon and West Tyler, gigged at school dances and local clubs around Bakersfield, CA, singing what the audience requested until a chance to record came about with Milestone Records. Their first session, one night of work, yielded eight sides, including the hit "Diamonds and Pearls" and the B-side "I Want Love."

"Diamonds and Pearls" became a favorite on radio stations and generated appearances on American Bandstand, the Apollo, the Howard, and other top venues for R&B artists. Money problems put a monkey wrench in the mix, however, and the group disbanded after disenchantment set in.

The Paradons aka The Trend-Tones

The follow-up "Bells Ring" failed to do anything, and neither did "Take All of Me" nor "I Had a Dream." The group stayed together less than a year, but Milestone kept issuing Paradons sides until they exhausted the supply. Making rock & roll records, even good ones, didn't prove fruitful for the Bakersfield lads.

The final Milestone's Paradons, “Never Again” b/w “I Had A Dream” also showed up on Tufffest (102). The a-side, “Never Againz” b/w a new b-side, “This Is Love” was also issued as the Trend-Tones on Superb (100) in 1961. After this failure to properly cash in on an important hit, the Paradons moved on to the Warner Bros.
http://rockinsteve.wordpress.com/page/2/
http://stormyweather.de/index.php?id=161&L=2

Songs :

Diamonds And Pearls (First Pressing with Guitar Intro!)

       I Want Love                    Bells Ring          Never Again


       Please Tell Me              I Had A Dream          So Fine, So Fine, So Fine


   This Is Love                     Take All Of Me

....

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The Lyrics (2)

Posted on January 28 2012 by dion1

The Lyrics (2)

The Lyrics (2) (San Antonio,Texas)

Personnel :

Abel Martinez (Lead)

Carl Henderson

Dimas Garza

Alex Pato

Discography :

Singles :
1959 - The Girl I Love / Oh, Please Love Me (Harlem 101 / Wildcat 028 / Coral 62322)
1959 - I Want To Know / The Beating Of My Heart (Harlem 104)

Unreleased :
1959 - I'm Allright (Harlem) (Unreleased)
1959 - Love And Affection (Harlem)
1959 - Maybe You Always Say (Harlem)
1959 - Lawdy Miss Clawdy (Harlem)
1959 - Bad Boy (Harlem)
1959 - Lyric's Theme (Harlem)

Biography :

Many of the bands that emerged in the late-1950s were interracial, particularly those coming from the predominantly Chicanao west side. Examples of interracial collaboration are many, for example, the doo-wop group, The Lyrics. The group consisted of leader, Abel Martinez, and the talented young songwriter, Dimas Garza; and African American singers, Alex Pato and Carl Henderson. The Lyrics made their first recording for Joe Anthony’s Harlem label in 1959, which was also the label’s first recording.

According to business partner Henry Carr, Joe and Henry saw The Lyrics perform at the King of Clubs in downtown. They immediately approached the group to talk about a recording opportunity. The recording of “The Girl I Love” and “Oh, Please Love Me” which was written by Dimas Garza, was released in August 1959 and of course did well on KMAC’s charts, but it also 149 rose to #14 on KONO’s hit charts.

The following year it was re-released on the Wildcat label and then again in 1962 for the national Coral label. The single also appeared in Billboard under “Moderate Sales Potential” (Billboard Magazine, November 16, 1959). The single made The Lyrics one of the top groups in the city. The Lyrics lasted until 1962 when Dimas left to join another influential group, The Royal Jesters. Carl Henderson went to California and recorded some minor hits for Renfro Records in Los Angeles.

Songs :


Oh, Please Love Me                             The Girl I Love


The Beating Of My Heart                       I Want To Know


Love And Affection                      Lawdy Miss Clawdy

...

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The Ivy Leaguers

Posted on January 24 2012 by dion1

The Ivy Leaguers (Los Angeles, California)

Personnel :

Richard Owens

Louise Williams

Beverly Pecot

Lena Calhoun

Discography :

1957 - Beware Of Love / Deposit Your Love In The Bank Of My Heart (Flip 325)

Biography :

In August 1957, Flip record issued "Beware Of Love" and "Deposit Your Love In The Bank Of My Heart" by the Ivy Leaguers.

( Paste up picture : Louise Williams, Richard Owens, Beverly Pecot)

The Ivy Leaguers were a spin-off from The Six Teens, consisting of Richard Owens, Louise Williams, Beverly Pecot, and Lena Calhoun.
http://www.uncamarvy.com/Sixteens/sixteens.html

Songs :

Beware Of Love Deposit Your Love In The Bank Of My Heart

Cds :

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The Velvet Keys

Posted on January 22 2012 by dion1

The Velvet Keys (Queens, New-York)

Personnel :

Phil Spina (First Tenor)

Tommy Malon (Lead singer)

Stanley Wagner (Second Tenor)

Vinny Pascale (Baritone)

Discography :

1957 - Lets Stay After School / My Baby's Gone Away (King 5090) 
1957 - The Truth About Youth / Don't Take My Picture Take Me (King 5109)

Biography :

Velvet Keys originated out Springfield Gardens, Queens New York 1956 the members were Tommy Malon Lead Singer, Phil Spina 1st Tenor, Stanley Wagner 2nd Tenor and Vinny Pascale Baritone. We all attended Woodrow Wilson Vocational High School in Ozone Park Queens NY.

We did most our singing on the street corner and in the basements of our houses. I think we were a bit better then the average white groups that were around at the time and on our 1st audition with King Records landed a contract to do 8 sides which we only did only 4 ,they consisted Of "My Baby's Gone" "Lets Stay After School" "Don't take my picture" and "The Truth about Youth" They were released 1957-1958.

We received very little air play in the New York area and became upset with King Records and when they renewed our contract we broke up and didn't continue on as a unit. Phil Spina went on to write some songs and produce the Riffs along with Jim Tagliaferri & Dennis Lambert Sunny Records 1964 "Little Girl" "Telltale Friends"Why are the Nights so cold" and "Storm". In 1978 Fred Toscano & Phil Spina formed "Ribetones" "Crazy Little Momma" 1979 various labels Europe.
Phil Spina.

Songs :


Lets Stay After School                     My Baby's Gone Away


The Truth About Youth                   Don't Take My Picture Take Me

...

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The Four Sounds (2)

Posted on January 20 2012 by dion1

The Four Sounds (2) (Indianapolis, IN)

Personnel :

Jimmy Gilford

William "Worm" Harris

Kenneth E. Moore

Jimmy Scruggs

Discography :

1961 - When I Find My Love / Someone Yo Show Me The Way (Federal 12421)
1961 - The Ring / Peter's Gun (Tuff 1)
1962 - Nobody Wants Me / Mama Ubangi Bangi (Ran-Dee 104)

Biography :

Prior to 1960, record companies such as Capitol and Dot maintained offices in Indianapolis near the Indiana Avenue entertainment district, along Capitol Avenue. These labels sought out the best talent that Indianapolis offered, from jazz artists to doo-wop singers. Beginning in the mid-1950s, doo-wop swept the nation and the youth of Indianapolis accepted this new trend in music

Guilford recalled taking a record player and a stack of 78 RPM records to these recording studios hoping to persuade a talent scout to sign them to a deal. Guilford and his friends practiced daily on the street corners adjacent to Martindale Avenue on the east side of Indianapolis. They were familiar with the popular songs of the day, and took the record player with them for accompaniment during their tryout.

The Four Sounds (2)
Jimmy Gilford The Four Sounds

Guilford and his group, the Four Sounds, were lucky enough to record and then tour with a doo-wop revue during the 1950s, as was Indianapolis native Thurston Harris, who recorded the hit “Little Bitty Pretty One” in 1957.

The Four Sounds Record on the Ran-Dee Label at Chicago's Universal recording studio

The Celeste group has no relation to the Indianapolis group with Jimmy Guilford. The Tuff (January 1961), Federal (May 1961), and Ran-Dee (October 1962) sides are by the same group. The Federal and Project sides were all leased from William Harris (Thurston Harris' brother), so these must have been independently recorded.
MARV GOLDBERG http://www.uncamarvy.com/

Songs :

(updated by Hans-Joachim)

The Four Sounds (2)

The Ring / Peter's Gun Mama Ubangi bangi

Someone To Show Me The Way Nobody Wants Me

When I Find My Love

...

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The Untouchables (2) aka Little John & The Unforgettables (2)

Posted on January 19 2012 by dion1

top : Nelson Seda - Tony Tirado, Carlos Gonzalez, Louis Rosario, Larry Gerona

Little John & The Unforgettables (2) (Brooklyn, New York)
aka The Untouchables (2)

Personnel :

Nelson Seda (Lead)

Larry Gerona (First Tenor)

Tony Tirado (Second Tenor)

Louis "Lefty" Rosario (Baritone)

Carlos Gonzales (Bass)

Discography :

The Untouchables (2)
1962 - Little Mary / Funny What A Little Kiss Can Do (Alan K Records 6901)

Little John & The Unforgettables (2)
1962 - Little Mary / Funny What A Little Kiss Can Do (Alan K Records 6901)

Biography :

The group consisteded of 5 members all from Brooklyn NY. Record was released in 1960 but because of a conflict with another group with the same name it was re-released again under The Unforgettables. Group broke up a year later and Tony Tirado with John Taylor went on to record a song called The Frog under the name R J & The Carvells featuring T & C on the Rory label.

Songs :

Funny What A Little Kiss Can Do Little Mary

....

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The Gents (1) aka The Matadors (5) aka The Dories (2)

Posted on January 18 2012 by dion1

The Gents (1) (Los Angeles)
aka The Matadors (5) aka The Dories (2)

Personnel :

Manuel Sanchez

Tony Minichiello

Discography :

1961 - Why Do I Love Her / Jump In The Line (Liberty 55332)

Biography :

Tony Minichiello and Manuel Sanchez had been schoolmates with Jan Berry (Jan & Dean) at University High School in Los Angeles. In 1961 they recorded as the Gents on Liberty Records (with music arranged by Jan). Vic Diaz was a solo artist for Del-Fi Records, who then connected with Tony and Manny for a single on Dore Records, produced by Kim Fowley in 1962. They became the Matadors who were a vital part of the Jan & Dean vocal sound, at the peak of the duo's popularity.

Songs :

Why Do I Love Her Jump In The Line

...

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The Royalettes

Posted on January 16 2012 by dion1

The Royalettes (Baltimore, Maryland)
(By Hans-Joachim)

Personnel:

Sheila Ross

Anita Ross

Veronica Brown

Terry Jones

Discography:

Singles

1962 - No Big Thing / Yesterday's Lovers (Chancellor 1133)
1963 - Blue Summer / Willie The Wolf (Chancellor 1140)
1964 - Come To Me / There He Goes (Warner Bros. 5439)
1964 - He's Gone / Don't You Cry (MGM 13283)
1965 - Watch What Happens / Poor Boy (MGM 13327)
1965 - It's Gonna Take A Miracle / Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind (MGM 13366)
1965 - I Want To Meet Him / Never Again (MGM 13405)
1965 - Only When You’re Lonely / You Bring Me Down (MGM 13451)
1966 - It's Better Not To Know / It's A Big Mistake (MGM 13507)
1966 - I Don't Want To Be The One / An Affair To Remember (Our Love Affair) (MGM 13544)
1966 - When Summer's Gone / Love Without An End (MGM 13598)
1966 - (He Is) My Man / Take My Love (MGM 13627)
1967 - River Of Tears / Something Wonderful (Roulette 4768)

Albums

1965 - It's Gonna Take A Miracle (MGM LP 4332)
It's Gonna Take A Miracle / Poor Boy / Watch What Happens / You Bring Me Down /
Yes, I'm Ready / Don't You Cry / I Want To Meet Him / Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind /
How Can You Face Me / Only When You're Lonely / He's Gone / Never Again.

1966 - The Elegant Sound Of The Royalettes (MGM LP 4366)
Baby Are You Putting Me On / Love Without An End / Gettin' Through To Me /
It's A Big Mistake / Don't Throw Me Away / Lonely Girl / I Don't Want To Be The One /
Shangri-La / It's Better Not To Know / Think Before You Act /
Let Me Know When It's Over / Forever More / The Rest Of My Life /
Can't Stop Running Away / An Affair To Remember (Our Love Affair).

Biography:

This Baltimore quartet was something of a link between the girl group and "sweet soul" styles. Their harmonies were clearly grounded in the early-'60s girl group approach. But they also benefited from pop-oriented, occasionally grandiose production at the MGM label, where they recorded their most successful work.

If they sometimes sounded like a female version of Little Anthony & the Imperials' later recordings, it's no coincidence. Little Anthony's producer, Teddy Randazzo, also handled the Royalettes, and wrote much of their MGM material.

On a Bandstand Show

The Royalettes made some obscure singles for Chancellor and Warner Bros. before being signed to MGM in 1964. Their third single, the lush "It's Gonna Take A Miracle," was by far their most successful outing, stopping just shy of the Top 40.

The Royalettes

It was destined to be more identified, however, with singer/songwriter Laura Nyro, who made it the title track of her 1971 album of soul covers. In 1982, Deniece Williams took the song into the Top Ten with her own rendition.

The Royalettes did have another small hit in 1965 with "I Want to Meet Him," but never dented the charts again, although MGM spared no expense on their elaborate productions for the group's singles.

A final MGM single, produced by Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers, also failed to get anywhere, and the group broke up by the end of the 1960s, after a final 45 for Roulette.
Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide
http://www.soulfulkindamusic.net/royalettes.htm

Videos:

It’s Gonna Be A Miracle

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind

Songs :


Willie The Wolf                                He’s Gone


The Rest Of My Life                        It’s No Big Thing


Yesterday’s Lover                           Blue Summer

more songs : KROBIGRAUBART

...

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Sam Hawkins & The Crystals (3)

Posted on January 14 2012 by dion1

Sam Hawkins & The Crystals (3) (Harlem, New York)

Personnel :

Sam Hawkins (Lead)

J.R. Bailey (Tenor)

Bobby Spencer (Baritone)

Freddy Barksdale (Bass)

Ronnie Bright (Bass)

Discography :

1958 - King Of Fools / The Whatchamacallit (Gone 5042)
1959 - When Nobody Loves You / She Don't Notice Me (Gone 5054)
1961 - Nobody but You / You're Something Out Of This World (Decca 31160)
1961 - You're The Reason /I'd Be A Fool Again (Decca 31233)

Biography :

Quartet formed out of members of The Cadillacs/Solitaires/Valentines/Crickets .
Fred Barksdale, with old friends Bobby Spencer and J.R. Bailey and with former Valentine and Cadillac Ronnie Bright, formed the Crystals, singing behind Sam Hawkins.

Sam Hawkins

Hawkins, who had recorded a pair of singles for Gone Records, including the minor 1958 hit, "King of Fools", was a regular in New York nightclubs. For about a year, Hawkins and the Crystals sang together.

The Crystals (3) (paste-up picture) Left to right : Barksdale, Bailey, Spencer, Bright

They sang in clubs, like the Baby Grand on St. Nicholas and 125th with Nipsey Russell, appeared at the Apollo, and recorded two singles for Decca in 1961.

Songs :


Nobody but You                                 King Of Fools


You're The Reason                                I'd Be A Fool Again

You're Something Out Of This World She Don't Notice Me

The Whatchamacallit When Nobody Loves You (Come To Me)

Cds :

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