The Classic IV (Philadelphia) aka The Classic Four
Personnel :
Andy Petruzelli (Lead)
Albert Buccini (Baritone)
Johnny Delagol (Tenor)
Bob Camardella (Bass)
Discography :
Singles:
The Classic IV 1962 - Island Of Paradise / What Will I Do (Without You) (Twist 1001) 1962 - Please Be Mine / Heavenly Bliss (Twist 1003/1004)
The Classic Four 1962 - Early Christmas / Limbo Under The Christmas Tree (Algonquin 1650) 1962 - What Will I Do (Without You) / True Story (Algonquin 1651)
Unreleased:
1962 - This To Me Is Love (Twist) 1962 - My Mama Told Me (Twist)
Biography :
The Classic Four were from Penn & Magnolia streets in Germantown, Philadelphia. Members were Andy Petruzelli, Johnny Delagol, Al Buccini & Bob Camardella. They cut some demos for Artie Singer (discoverer of Danny & Juniors & owner of Singular & Twist Records) .Two singles was released on his Twist label in 1962 as The Classic IV. "Island of Paradise" was a local hit for the group..
After their two singles on Twist records, Johnny Delagol Left the group. At this time, the group was managed by Jeanette Carey. An enterprising sort, Jimmy Testa from the Fabulous Four was employed by Crisconi Oldsmobile, where he sidled up to the owner’s daughter, Jeanette Carey….
Jeanette Auditioned Jimy on the spot and convincing him to join the Classic IV. Jimmy Testa replaced Johnny Delagol in the group. They signed a recording contract with Algonquin records, a New Yorl Label and cut two new singles as the Classic Four.
The Classic IV's both algonquin disking's were quickly ground into sawdust. With that they went their separate ways.
Songs :
Island Of Paradise What Will I Do Please Be Mine
Heavenly Bliss Early Christmas Limbo Under The Christmas Tree
The Continders (Knoxville, TN.) aka The Fabulous Six
Personnel :
Clifford Curry
Lewey Guy
Dewey Guy
Bob Adams
Jerry Johnson
Wayne Cronan
Discography :
The Continders 1959 - Mr. Dee Jay / Yes I Do (Blue Sky 105)
Dewey Guy & The Fabulous Six 1959 - Rock A While / Can't Stand To Be Alone (Ridgecrest 1201)
Biography :
While The Five Pennies toured during high school, Clifford Curry & four other friends formed a group called The Bingos. That group included, Willie Earl Drummond, Veste Huddleston, Clayton Whittington and Leon “Mickey” Prater. Curry wrote his own songs and sang into his small reel-to-reel tape recorder until the group saved enough money to drive to Nashville to record one 45 on Nashboro Records.
Clifford Curry
Curry was the lead singer on both; “Don’t Say Tomorrow” and “You For Me” the later, a song Curry co-wrote with Mickey Prater. Then the owner of Nashboro Records, Ernie Young, changed their name to The Hollyhocks. The man loved flowers. The following year, he joined a band called the Contenders (Dewey Guy, his twin brother, Lewey Guy, Jerry Johnson, Wayne Cronan, and Bob Adams).
Dewey Guy & the Fabulous Six
In late 1958, they recorded "Mr. Dee Jay"/"Yes I Do" for Earl Dorrance's Blue Sky Records (although the label called them the "Continders"). Then, as "Dewey Guy and the Fabulous Six," they had "Rock A While"/"Can't Stand To Be Alone" on Ralph Stevens' Ridgecrest Records in early 1959.
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.
Pete Antell grew up as Peter Blaise Antonio in St. Albans, Queens, home to musical luminaries like Count Basie. When Pete was 10, his family moved to Levittown, Long Island. Pete took up playing the guitar. By the time he was in high school, Pete had expanded his musical horizons by writing his own songs. His first band was called Tony Leopard and the Spots. This band was fortunate enough to make several 45s as the backing band for the Charades and other vocal groups recording at Allegro Studio in New York City.
Nick Cardell
With John Lindle, Pete Antell was part of the Chants. Pete Antell resumed his creative schedule, recording some sides for Amy Records under the pseudonym Jay Walker and The Pedestrians with Nick Cardell on first tenor. In 1963, Nick Cardell & his new group recorded as the Four Fifths.
Charlie DiComo, Peter Milazzo, Steve Matisi and Tony DiGiovanni
The Encounters (Brooklyn, New York)
Personnel :
Charlie DiComo
Pete Milazzo
Eddie Almordovur
Steve Matisi
Discography :
1963 - Don't Stop / A Place In Your Heart (Swan 4205)
Biography :
Originated in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, mid 1963. By the end of the year they had a recording contract with Swan Records and recorded an original, "Don't Stop", written by Joe Venneri (Tokens) & Billy Carlucci (Billy & the Essentials).
Charlie DiComo Pete Milazzo Tony DiGiovanni Steve Matissi Live at RKO Madisson
Eddie Almodovar was singing with a group called The Delorients from Ridgewood, Brooklyn. He also sang in 1959 with "The Tropicals" in Puerto Rico . From 1963 to 1979 the group entertained in the Laurel's Country Club,The NY Hilton and the Friars Club as well as hundreds of corporate and private affairs. http://www.theencounters.com/
The Monitors (1) (New Orleans, LA) aka The Senors aka The Mellow Drops
Personnel :
Robert Kidd (Lead Tenor)
Vontell Lane (Tenor)
Adolph Smith (Tenor)
Clarence Phoenix (Contralto)
Billy Tircuit (Bass / Baritone)
Discography :
The Mellow Drops Singles : 1954 - The Crazy Song / When I Grow Too Old To Dream (Imperial 5324) Unreleased : 1954 - I Want Your Love (Imperial) 1954 - Mother Will Stand Up For You (Imperial)
The Monitors (1) Singles : 1956 - Candy Coated Kisses / Tonight's The Night (Aladdin 3309) 1956 - A Little Word / That's What I'll Do (Aladdin 3313) 1957 - Our School Days / I've Got A Dream (Speciality 595) 1957 - Closer To Heaven / Rock 'N' Roll Fever (Speciality 622) 1958 - Mama Linda / Hop Scotch (Speciality 636) Unreleased : 1956 - Guiding Light (Aladdin) 1956 - O, O, Daddy, O (Aladdin) 1957/58 - Crazy Green Lizard 1957/58 - Groovy Ruby 1957/58 - If I Could See You Again 1957/58 - My Baby's Rockin' 1957/58 - My Greatest Mistake 1957/58 - Red Sails In The Sunset 1957/58 - Too Young 1957/58 - Wobble When She Walks
The Senors 1962 - May I Have This Dance / Searching For Olive Oil (Sue 756)
Biography :
This New Orleans vocal group First got together in New Orleans in 1952, They were friends in their early twenties and calling themselves the Mellow-Drops, playing bars and clubs in the New Orleans vicinity. Finally they were discovered by Imperial's Dave Bartholomew. Bartholomew got them a session on November 15, 1954. "The Crazy Song" and "When I Grow Too Old to Dream" by the Mellow Drops later that year. For some forgotten reason, the group decided to change their name to the Monitors. They met and backed up Shirley and Lee one day. The producer that day was Eddie Mesner of Aladdin Records. That session eventually led to a session for the Monitors with Aladdin. Kidd was the usual lead, but he was unable to make the Monitors session with Aladdin and Vontell Lane filled in. Four tunes were recorded at the one session they had with Aladdin — only two were used.
Eddie Mesner Billy Tircuit
The Aladdin disc did well locally but received little support from the label, and they next called on Specialty Records in 1956. While this group had been the Mellow Drops on Imperial and was renamed the Monitors and the Senors, it's curious that despite their Louisiana origin, they recorded for the Sue label in New York and for California's Imperial, Aladdin, and Speciality labels. The Monitors' first session for Specialty was held in December 1956 and their first release on that label occurred in January 1957. It did well locally in New Orleans, but Speciality’s Art Rupe failed to support it. Similarly, their two other Specialty releases had good local support but no push. Differences between group members began to surface and they split up in 1958. Later that year,Vontell Lane and Billy Tircuit got together with Johnny Meyers, Simon Washington, and Elaine Edwards to form the Moonbeems .
Art Rupe
In 1961, many of the Monitors original members got together and renamed themselves again to the Senors. The group members were Billy Tircuit, Adolph Smith, Vontell Lane, and Clarence Phoenix. Their new lead singer was Adolph's brother, Milton Smith. They recorded a couple of sides at Cosimo's: "May I Have This Dance" and "Searching For Olive Oil". By 1964, the Monitors / Señors had disbanded for good.
The De Vaurs aka Henrietta & The Hairdooz aka Baby Jane & The Rockabyes aka The Elektras aka The Lullabyes (1) (Bronx, New-York)
Personnel :
Brenda Carrow
Yvonne DeMunn
Paula Hutchinson
Estelle McEwan
Discography : The De Vaurs 1958 - Baby Doll / Teenager (D-Tone A-3/A-4) 1959 - Where Are You / Boy In Mexico (Moon 105)
Baby Washington Backed by The De Vaurs 1959 - The Bells / Why Did My Baby Put Me Down (Neptune 104) 1959 - Work Out / Let's Love In The Moonlight (Neptune 107) 1960 - Medicine Man / Tears Fall (Neptune 120) 1961 - Nobody Cares / Money's Funny (Neptune 122)
Biography :
Girl group Baby Jane & the Rockabyes formed in the Bronx, New York in 1958 -- according to John Clemente's exhaustive article on the Spectropop web site. The original lineup comprised vocalists Estelle McEwan, Yvonne DeMunn, Paula Hutchinson and Brenda Carrow, schoolmates united in their common affection for the Chantels. Originally dubbed the DeVaurs, a moniker inspired in part by DeMunn's surname, the fledgling group soon won a local talent show, earning the chance to cut a record with the small Brooklyn label D-Tone; Hutchinson assumed lead vocal duties on the finished single, "Baby Doll," a McEwan-penned original that failed to catch on with local radio.
The DeVaurs relocated to the Moon label for the 1959 follow-up, "Where Are You," which hit the Top 20 on local station WNJR; Moon owner Al Browne also recruited the group to handle backing vocals behind a then-unknown Baby Washington, appearing on four of her Neptune label singles, among them "The Bells" and "Nobody Cares".
But despite the regional success of "Where Are You," the DeVaurs began to splinter as its members married and took on day jobs -- Carrow's 1961 exit prompted the addition of five-octave dynamo Madelyn Moore, and following Hutchinson's departure, the remaining group forged ahead as a trio.
While recording demos for songwriter Arthur Crier, the DeVaurs worked with fellow session vocalist Yolanda Robinson, who soon signed on as a full-time member -- the reconstituted quartet would soon become one of the busiest session groups in New York City, regularly recording demos for writers including Bert Berns and the team of Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller. When Phil Spector protégés Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans scored a Top Ten pop smash in 1962 with their update of the Disney chestnut "Zip-a-Dee Doo-Da," Lieber and Stoller borrowed the formula to remake the Patti Page smash "How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?" with the DeVaurs on lead .
Baby Jane & the Rockabyes
The group was shocked when the record appeared on United Artists credited to "Baby Jane & the Rockabyes. Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
The Emanons (1) (Brooklyn, New York) ref : The Sequins (1)
Personnel :
Ronald Coleman (Lead)
Carl White (First Tenor)
Ralph Steely (Second Tenor)
James Dukes (Baritone)
James Hill (Bass)
Discography :
The Emanons (1) Singles : 1956 - Change of Time / Hindu Baby (Gee 1005) 1956 - Blue Moon / Wish I Had My Baby (Josie 801) Unreleased : 1956 - Itty Bitty Mama (JOZ/Josie 801)
The Sequins (1) 1956 - Don't Fall In Love / Why Can't You Treat Me Right (Red Robin 140)
Biography :
The Emanons hailed from New York. The group members were Ronald Coleman (Lead), Carl White (First Tenor), Ralph Steely (Second Tenor), James Dukes (Baritone) and James Hill (Bass). Coleman also was the lead voice for the Sequins with Carl White when they recorded "Don't Fall In Love" and "Why Can't You Treat Me Right" who was the last record on the Red Robin label. The Emanons (the No Names spelled backward) recorded "Change of Time" / "Hindu Baby" for Gee Records, a New York-based American record label formed as a subsidiary to George Goldner's Tico Records and Rama Records labels. The same year, they recorded "Blue Moon" and it’s the first time it was performed in an up-tempo fashion, five years before Pittsburgh’s Marcels had a #1 hit with it. The Marcels’ version on Colpix #186 charted nationally on Billboard in April 1961 for 14 weeks reaching #1. It stayed #1 for 3 weeks. "Blue Moon" is one of the classic popular standard songs written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934. Through its different lyric changes by Hart, it has been featured in many movies through the years and recorded by many artists. Some artists were: Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Dean Martin, Herb Lance & The Classics, Sam Cooke, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Bobby Vinton, Nat King Cole, Billy Eckstine, Mel Torme, Rosemary Clooney, Jo Stafford - with too many more to list.
The Egyptian Kings : top : Morris Wade - bottom (L to R): William Suber, Leo Blakely & Paul Moore
The Columbus Pharaohs (Columbus, Ohio)
aka The King Pharaoh & The Egyptians (1) aka The Four Pharaohs aka The Egyptian Kings
Personnel :
Morris Wade (Lead)
Robert Taylor (First Tenor)
Ronnie Wilson (Baritone)
Bernard Wilson (Bass)
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 Falcons (3) (Columbus, Ohio ) aka The Lyrics (4) aka The Vallejos
Personnel:
Pete Caldwell
Bart Chatman
Kynne Winston
Barry Austin
Paul Jackson
Discography:
The Lyrics (4) 1957 - Come On Home / Stop (Why Don't You Stop) (Vee Jay 285)
The Falcons (3) 1957 - My Only Love / Now That It's Over (Falcon 1006/Abner 1006/Quality 1721)
Biography :
One of the best doo-wop groups from Columbus, The Vallejos were composed of East High School students with the exception of Kynne Winston from Central.The other members were Paul Jackson, Ben "Pete" Caldwell, Barry Austin, Bart Chatman, and Dwayne Haddock. He was recruited to replace an earlier member who left due to personal differences. They were in direct competition with such other local groups as the Five Hearts and The Symbols.
The Vallejos
When Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars appeared at Vet's Memorial in 1956, they landed a spot on the bill along with Fats Domino, Little Richard, Frankie Avalon, The Flamingos, The Moonglows, The Turbans, The Clovers, etc. Soon, they were signed to recording contract with Chess/Checker. However, after seven months of waiting around, they jumped at the chance to record with Vee-Jay.
For their first release, "Come On Home" b/w "Stop," they were called The Lyrics. But for their second, "My Only Love" b/w "Now That It's Over," their name was changed to The Falcons in order to kick off the Falcon label. The Falcons made their Chicago debut at the Regal Theater with Al Benson's show during Christmas week, 1957. Their song, "My Only Love," later resurfaced in the movie Rocky II. http://www.kynne.com/kynnewTheStory2.htm http://hubcap.clemson.edu/~campber/alsmith2.html
/image%2F0655033%2F20241207%2Fob_c217a1_belmonts-site-2.jpeg)
