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

The Ivories (1) aka The Love Notes (3)

Posted on February 13 2008 by dion1

The Love Notes (3) (Manhattan, New York)
aka The Ivories (1)

Personnel :

Johnny Hicks (Lead tenor)

Dave Cole (First tenor)

Joe Shallow (Second tenor)

Johnny Earl Jackson (Baritone)

James Coney (Bass)

Discography :

The Ivories (1)
1955 - Alone / Baby Send A Letter (Jaguar 3019)
1956 - Alone / Baby Send A Letter (Jaguar 3023)

The Love Notes (3)
1957 - United / Tonight (Holiday 2605)
1957 - If I Could Make You Mine / Don't Go (Holiday 2607)

Biography :

The Ivories started in early 1955 with Johnny Hicks (lead tenor), Dave Cole (first tenor), Joe Shallow (second tenor), Johnny Earl Jackson (baritone), and James Coney (bass). The pianist and arranger was Sylvester Bradford. The group took its name from Sylvester's piano keys: the Ivories. They auditioned for George Bennett, owner of Jaguar Records and cut "Alone " b/w "Baby Send A Letter". The record was released in November 1955. By late 1956, Dave Cole was replaced by second tenor Lucy Cedeno & Johnny Earl Jackson left. In early 1957, the Ivories changed their name to the Love Notes.

Pretty soon they had a contract to record for Danny Robinson and Clarence Johnson's Holiday label. At their first session, they recorded "United" and "Tonight,". "United" started taking off in New York. It did so well so quickly, that the Love Notes were hurried into a show at the Apollo. Somewhere along the way, the Love Notes managed to fit in a second session. This time the songs were "If I Could Make You Mine" and "Don't Go," another pair led by Johnny Hicks. They were released in mid-August, 1957. Shortly after the band broke up.

The Love Notes (3) - Lucy Cedeno, Joe Shallow, James Coney, Johnny Hicks

After leaving the Ivories, Johnny Earl Jackson formed a new Ivories group consisted of Johnny Earl Jackson (baritone/bass), his girlfriend, Ella Lewis (lead), her brother, Richard Lewis (first tenor), Moses Brown (baritone), and a second tenor named "Blinky." They recorded a pair of tunes "Me And You" b/w "I'm In Love" for Mercury. Then Moses Brown got disgusted and left the Ivories, to be replaced by a baritone named "Chink."they changing their name to the Ivoleers and recorded "Lovers' Quarrel" and "Come With Me" for Bobby Smith's Buzz label in early 1959.
http://www.uncamarvy.com/Ivories/ivories.html

Songs :

The Ivories (1)


Alone                                  Baby Send A Letter

The Love Notes (3)


United                                 Tonight                      If I Could Make You Mine

Don't Go

...

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The Paramounts (2)

Posted on February 12 2008 by dion1

The Paramounts (2) (Bronx, New York)

Personnel :

Milton Delgado (Lead)

Joey Mility

Freddie La Bianca

Jimmy Giattino

Richie Black

Discography :

The Paramounts (2)
1960 - Trying / Girl Friend (Carlton 524)

Ralph De Marco & The Paramounts (2)
1960 - Old Shep / More Than Riches (Guaranteed 202)

Biography :

Group from the Zerega Avenue in the Bronx consisted of Milton Delgado, Joey Militi, Freddie LaBianca, Jimmy Giattino and Richie Black. They are managed by Jim Gribble manager of groups as The Passions,The Mystics or The Fiestas.

He send the group to Carlton Records where they back up to Ralph De Marco on the side "Old Shep" finally released in 1959 on Carlton's subsidiary label Guaranteed Records.

Songs :

The Paramounts (2)


Girl Friend                                              Trying

Ralph De Marco & The Paramounts (2)


Old Shep                                         More Than Riches

….

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The Five Owls aka The Thunderbirds (1) ?

Posted on February 12 2008 by dion1

The Five Owls aka The Thunderbirds (1) ?

The Five Owls (Birmingham, Alabama)
aka The Thunderbirds (1) ?

Personnel :

Oliver (Charles?) Henderson

Robert Harris

Moses B. Dickerson

Thomas Sumlin

Rufus R. White

Discography :

The Five Owls
1955 - Pleading to You / I Like Moonshine (Vulcan 302)

The Thunderbirds (1)
1955 - Baby, Let's PLay House / Pledging My Love (Deluxe 6075)
1955 - Love is A Problem / Rock Boom Boom (G. G. 518)

Biography :

Abbey Records his a little label based in New York City was the creation of Peter Doraine, and was his attempt to become a major player in the world of the Rhythm & Blues independent record companies during the late 1940s. In May of 1955, it is announced that former New York record producer Doraine, now located in Birmingham, Alabama, will begin a new R & B label called Vulcan Records. The first of only two known releases for the label is "Pleading To You" / "I Like Moonshine" by The Five Owls on Vulcan #1025.

The Five Owls aka The Thunderbirds (1) ?

Marv Goldberg say : The lead singer on "I Like Moonshine" is the same voice as on the Thunderbirds' "Love Is A Problem" (G G 103 - another Birmingham label - it's from November 1955 and the flip is "Rock Boom Boom"). The writers of "Love Is A Problem" were Peter Doraine (A&R man for the label, as he was for Vulcan) and "Sumtin", who has to be the same guy as the "Sumton" on the 5 Owls label (but I don't know which spelling is correct). In 1940, there were several people named "Sumton" (all in North Carolina) and only one "Sumtin" (in Florida). It's the only unusual name out of the five, so looking up the others wouldn't do much good. (However, there is a Charles Henderson in Birmingham, Alabama in the 1940 census who was born in 1934, so he's a good choice.) I believe (although I don't remember why) that the lead singer on both those songs is Charles Henderson). I've always thought that the two groups were the same, but that would have to be checked with someone who has a very good ear for voices.
Thanks to Michael Sweeney for the personnel

Songs :

The Five Owls

Pleading to You I Like Moonshine

The Thunderbirds (1)


Baby, Let's PLay House                             Pledging My Love


Love is A Problem                                Rock Boom Boom

...

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The Frontiers (2) aka Roger & The Travelers (4) aka The Premiers (5)

Posted on February 12 2008 by dion1

Roger & the Travelers (4) Aka Premiers (5)

The Premiers (5)   (New Haven, Conn.)
 aka Roger & The Travelers (4) aka The Frontiers (2)

 Personnel :  

Roger Koob (Lead)  

Billy Koob

  Gus Delcos

Frank Polimus

 Discography :  

The Premiers (5)

Singles :
1958 - Jolene / Oh Theresa (Alert 706)
1960 - Pigtails Eyes of Blue / I Pray (Fury 1029)
1961 - Falling Star / She Gives Me Fever (Rust 5032)

Unreleased :
1958 - I'll Wait For You
1959 - In The Still Of The Night (acap)
1959 - When You Dance (acap)
1960- I Needed Love
1958 - Linda
1959 - P.S. I Love You (practice session - acap)
1959 - The Glory of Love
1960 - To Be My Love

-----------

Roger & The Travelers (4)

 Singles :
1961 - You're Daddy's Little Girl / Just Gotta Be That Way (Ember 1079)

Unreleased :
1961 - Little Boy
1961 - You Are An Angel
1961 - Smile

------------

Johnny Maestro bb Roger & The Travelers (4)

Singles :
1961 - I. O. U. / The Way You Look Tonight (Coed 557 )
1961 - Besame Baby / It Must Be Love (Coed 562 )

------------

The Frontiers (2) 

Singles :
1963 - I Only Have Eyes For You / Don't Come Cryin' (Philips 40113)
1964 - I Just Want You / I'm Still Loving You (Philips 40148)
1967 - When I See You / You (Only You) (MGM 13722)

Unreleased :
1966 - The 10 Commandments of Love
1967 - Run to Me Baby

Biography :

On November 19, 1956, from New Haven, came Lead singer Roger Koob and the Premiers. Brother Billy, Frank Polimus and Gus Delros took their name from "Premier Theater", a top T.V. Show at the time. Brothers Roger and Billy Koob students at Amity High in Woodbridge. The group performed locally and gained a loyal following. Roger was writing original songs for the group "Oh Theresa", "Linda", "I'll Wait For You". It was at the last moment before an audition with Leo Rogers that he penned the novelty tune "Jolene".

Roger & the Travelers (4) Aka Premiers (5)

(1957) - (L to R) : G. Delcos, R. Koob, F.Polimus and Billy Koob (front)

It was this tune that began the groups recording career on the Alert label, a subsidiary of ABC Records. New Haven-area radio stations played the record regularly, and "Jolene"reached the Top 10 on WAVZ's "Giant 13" survey in January 1959. This record's success led the Premiers to an Alan Freed show and an extensive tour through the East Coast, as well a "Star of 59 Show" all through Canada.

Roger & the Travelers (4) Aka Premiers (5)

Personnel and label changes followed with Joe Vence and Gordy Corvtmanche coming into the group and eventually Johnny Roddi replacing Gordy as they moved to Fury. After a mildly successful release on Fury in 1960 ("Pigtails Eyes of Blue"), The Premiers had their biggest hit and most successful year in 1961 with their recording of "She Gives Me Fever".

The Premiers (5)   aka Roger & The Travelers (4) aka The Frontiers (2)

The disc topped the charts in the East, including a stint at the number one position on the "Fabulous 40" survey of WNHC in New Haven in May, 1961. A tour with Dick Clark and an appearance on "American Bandstand" also increased their popularity. Many Commitments and engagements kept the group busy. They were now being managed by Jim Gribble who would suddenly die of a heart attack. Their next single was due to be released on the Ember label when they were informed that another group had the name the Premiers and they had to change theirs.

Roger & the Travelers (4) Aka Premiers (5)

So was born Roger & The Travellers, in 1961. Before Gribbles death he had Roger and the group contracted to sing background on four songs for Johnny Maestro who had just broke with the Crests. In 1962, Roger teamed up with Bill Baker (Who formally sang with the Five Satins and the Chestnuts) recording as the Buddies.

Roger & the Travelers (4) Aka Premiers (5)

Soon the group would find a new label as well as a new name "The Frontiers". Roger's brother, Billy had left the group to serve in the military and was replaced by Charlie of the Academics (Another local Connecticut group). Now at Philips records working with Van McCoy, Roger and grouper told to style themselves much like the popular Four Seasons of Vee Jay Records. After two releases, Philips signed the Four Seasons and the Frontiers were sent packing although they would have one last release in 1967 . At this time, with Roger Singing lead, the frontiers consisted of Jerry Warner Jr., Phil Vallie, Skip Bianco, Fred Maffeo and Andy Smith.

Songs :

(updated by Hans-Joachim)

The Premiers (5)


Jolene                        Oh Theresa                     Pigtails Eyes of Blue


I Pray                           Falling Star                  She Gives Me Fever


I'll Wait For You      The Glory Of Love / To Be My Love        Linda / I Needed Love

In The Still Of The Night / P. S. I Love You / When You Dance

Roger & The Travelers (4)
 

You're Daddy's Little Girl       Just Gotta Be That Way               Little Boy


You Are An Angel                         Smile

Johnny Maestro bb Roger & The Travelers (4)

I. O. U. The Way You Look Tonight Besame Baby

It Must Be Love

The Frontiers (2)


I'm Still Loving You        I Only Have Eyes For You            Don't Come Cryin'


I Just Want You             When I See You          The 10 Commandments of Love


Run To Me Baby                    You (Only You)

...

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The Spades (1) aka The Slades

Posted on February 11 2008 by dion1

The Slades (Austin, Texas)
aka The Spades (1)

Personnel :

Don Burch

John Goeke

Tommy Kasper

B.Doyle (Bass)

Discography :

The Spades (1)
1957 - Baby / You Mean Everything To Me (Domino 200/100/ Liberty 55118)

The Slades
Singles:
1958 - You Cheated / The Waddle (Domino 500)
1958 - No Time / You Gambled (Domino 800)
1959 - Summertime / You Must Try (Domino 1000)
1961 - Just You / It's Better To Love (Domino 901)
1961 - Take My Heart / It's Your Turn (Domino 906)
Unreleased :
N/A - I've Had It (Domino)
N/A - Ling Ting Tong (Domino)
N/A - Little Star (Domino)
N/A - So Tough (Domino)
N/A - Gee Whiz (Domino)
N/A - In The Still Of The Night (Domino)

Joyce Webb & The Slades
1958 - After You've Gone / Right Here (Domino 300)

Joyce Harris & The Slades
1961 - I Cheated / Do You Know What It's Like To Be Lonesome (Joce Harris)(Domino 905)

Biography :

Don Burch, Bobby Doyle, John Goeke, and Tommy Kasper -- formed at Lamar High School in Austin TX, later adding Jimmy Davis. Signing with the fledging Domino Records after graduation, they put college on hold, much to their parents' chagrin. In 1957, Burch's composition "You Mean Everything to Me" started making noise. Unable to distribute nationally, Domino leased it to Dot Records for $600. On both Domino and Liberty Records they were the Spades, but the name offended people, so Liberty pressed more copies and renamed them the Slades without informing anybody.

Joyce Webb & The Slades

The fellows originally picked Spades after the playing card suit; it had nothing to do with race or trying to be black. The Spades, a white group, had a Black/Chicano sound. "You Cheated" became their biggest hit. Its flip "The Waddle, " a dance song, was the original plug side. Joyce Webb was also on the Slades "You Cheated"- she was singing the Doo Wop in the background! She continued singing backups on many Domino sessions and had her own group the "Debs". The Slades recorded at the University of Texas' Radio House, and later at Austin Recording. Bobby Doyle, a blind child prodigy, played standup bass on the sessions. Domino started with 11 people who pooled resources for financing.

Jocks thought little of Domino's pick, but loved "You Cheated" and played the aching ballad. Once again, bigger companies clamored for a lease deal, but Domino refused, upset at the small amount received before, and furious that the sales plummeted under Liberty's imprint. Domino's refusal prompted a distributor to provide funds for George Motola, head of Tender Records, to cut a cover version. Motola assembled a group of Los Angeles R&B singers and cloned the recording. Now you had two choices: the Slades, and the Shields.

Tender leased the Shields' cover to Dot Records and it smoked the original -- zooming to number twelve, while the Slades' stalled at number 42 in 1958. The cover benefitted Domino, who also published the song. But the competition destroyed the Texas natives' shot at fame. "You Gambled" followed, it made Billboard's Hot Pics then died. In 1959, they released "Summertime" to deaf ears. They had no releases in 1960. "Just You" dropped in 1961, and later that year "Take My Heart" came and went unnoticed. A final release, "I Cheated" answered "You Cheated." Joyce Harris changed the lyrics and sang lead. Caucasian also, Harris developed her soulful singing style by hanging around blues musicians in her hometown, New Orleans. When the answer song failed, the guys called it a date. Only Davis had his heart in music, and their parents wanted them to quit.

Besides, they hated touring: in Arkansas, they practically got booed off the stage, and were only appreciated in West Texas. Kasper operates a business and has a computer degree. Burch is a family man and a grandfather; his son is a doctor. Goeke teaches at a Lutheran college. Davis drifts but stays around music. Harris lives in Bogalusa, LA. The company and Burch profited from "Mr. Blue, " a number one hit, because Dolton Records made the Fleetwoods' remake of "You Mean Everything to Me" the B-side.

The Domino Records Story, available on Ace Records, includes almost every Slades' recording, and some by other Domino artists. According to Lora Jane Richardson, an original owner "Ace didn't want the country songs the group cut." Domino forged on releasing records on Joyce Harris, the Daylighters, and others. You won't find "You Cheated" on many compilation albums. According to Richardson "the little checks (one arrived for $12.64) aren't worth all the paperwork you have to do."
http://www.colorradio.com/Slades.htm
http://www.colorradio.com/joyce_harris.htm

Songs :
(Update By Hans-Joachim)

The Spades (1)

Baby You Mean Everything To Me

The Slades

You Cheated                 The Waddle                        No Time


You Gambled                       You Must Try                        Just You

It's Better To Love                    Take My Heart                     It's Your Turn


Ling Ting Tong                       Little Star                          So Tough


Gee Whiz                        In The Still Of The Night

Joyce Harris & The Slades

I Cheated

Joyce Webb & The Slades

After you've gone

...

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Johnny Woodson & The Crescendos (4) aka The Kuf-Linx

Posted on February 11 2008 by dion1

Johnny Woodson & The Crescendos (4) aka The Kuf-Linx
(1957) L ro R: Johnny Woodson, John Jennings, Darrell Johnson, Jennell & Gaines Steele

Johnny Woodson & The Crescendos (4) (Los Angeles)
aka The Kuf-Linx

Personnel :

John Jennings (Lead Tenor)

Johnny Woodson (Tenor)

Gaines Steele (Tenor)

George "Biggy" McFadden (Bass)

Leo Z. Manley

Darrell Johnson

Gwen Johnson

Discography :

The Kuf-Linx
1957 - So Tough / What'cha Gonna Do (Challenge 1013/59102)
1958 - Eyeballin' / Service With A Smile (Challenge 59004)
1958 - Climb Love's Mountain / All That's Good (Challenge 59015)

Johnny Woodson & The Crescendos (4)
1957 - Dreamer From My Heart / All That's Good (Spry 108)

Biography :

The Kuf-Linx are not an easy group to follow. Nor is the song So Tough, especially since there were at least three different group that sang the song, and close spellings of the same group. The Kuf-Linx consisted of John Jennings (lead tenor), Johnny Woodson (tenor), Gaines Steele (tenor), George (Biggie) McFadden (bass), Leo Z. Manley, Darrell Johnson, and Gwen Johnson. Jennings and McFadden had been in the Jubalaires in the mid-40s. L.Z. Manley was a well-known gospel lead singer, who had been with the Heavenly Gospel Singers and the Stars Of Harmony.

Johnny Woodson & The Crescendos (4) aka The Kuf-Linx

Gaines Steele, younger brother of gospel great Silas Steele, sang with Detroit-area gospel groups and a West Coast Ink Spots group (with Clifford Givens); in the mid-60s, he was a member of the 4 Tunes. Gwen Johnson was a Los Angeles session backup singer. This basic group consisting of a whopping seven members, likely recording as John Woodson and the Crescendos on the Spry label. John Jennings was lead singer of the group. They signed to Challenge Records, a Los Angeles label, and recorded several songs including "So Tough" with backup band The Champs who recorded pop hit "Tequila" at the same recording session.

Johnny Woodson & The Crescendos (4) aka The Kuf-Linx

The Kuf-Linx version of "So Tough" was released soon after another version of the song was released by The Casuals (later renamed Original Casuals). The song versions duked it out on the charts. On March 17, 1958, Billboard listed "So Tough" as tied for Number 76 on "Top 100 Sides for Survey Week Ending March 8". The Kuf-Linx only recorded three records in two sessions for Challenge, They disbanded in 1958, and later some of the members went on to other bands.
http://www.uncamarvy.com/Cufflinks/cufflinks.html
http://www.colorradio.com/kuf-linx.html

Songs :

Johnny Woodson & The Crescendos (4)

Dreamer From My Heart All That's Good

The Kuf-Linx


So Tough                     What'cha Gonna Do                          Eyeballin'


Service With A Smile             Climb Love's Mountain        All That's Good

...

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The Run-A-Rounds aka The Runarounds (2)

Posted on February 10 2008 by dion1

The Run-A-Rounds aka The Runarounds (2)

The Run-A-Rounds (Bronx, New York)
aka The Runarounds (2)
ref: The Regents (3)
ref : The Desires (3)   

 Personnel :

Guy Villari (Lead)

Chuck Fassert

Ronnie Lapinsky

Sal Corrente

Discography : 

The Run-A-Rounds
1963 - Unbelievable / Hooray For Love (KC 116)
1963 - Let Them Talk / Are You Looking For A Sweetheart (Tarheel 065)

The Runarounds (2)
1964 - Carrie (You're An Angel) / Send Her Back (Felsted 8704)
1966 - Perfect Woman / You're a Drag (Capitol 5644)
1967 - You Lied / My Little Girl (MGM 13763)

Unreleased :
1963- A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening
1963- Crazy Love
1963 - Tonight Could Be The Night
1963 - Let Them Talk (alt. version)
1963 - Unbelievable (alt. demo version)
1964 - Carrie (You're An Angel) (alt. version)

Biography :

When Their Last single "Oh Baby" b/w "Lonesome Boy" received no radio response, the Regentsc decided to separate but reemerged in 1964 as the Runarounds, named after their second release. This contingent contained Guy Villari and Chuck Fassert from the original Regents along with Ronnie Lapinsky of the Tremonts and Sal Corrente.

The Run-A-Rounds aka The Runarounds (2)

Much of their fine material was to be written by another Bronxite, Tom Bogdany, who collaborated with Ernie Maresca on a number of local hits. Their single, the Ernie Maresca-Pete Baron song "Unbelievable" (in an EARLS style), saw lots of New York airplay but limited sales on Nat Cole's K.C. label.

The Run-A-Rounds aka The Runarounds (2)

The Runarounds moved next to the Tarheel label, a subsidiary of London records, where they recorded "Let Them Talk" b/w "Are You Looking For A Sweetheart". Sal Corrente left at this point.

The Run-A-Rounds aka The Runarounds (2)

The Remaining Runarounds did "Carrie (You're An Angel)" on Felsted, a Four Seasons imitation that reached the low 30s on local charts. Although "Carrie" was the closest the Runarouds ever came to a real hit, the group had plenty of public exposure, for they appeared at numerous record hops and related events sponsored by New York's WMCA.

The Run-A-Rounds aka The Runarounds (2)

This activity translated into releases on Capitol and MGM, but none with the magic of "Barbara-Ann." Once again they separated, regrouping in 1970 with Warren with Warren Gradus for one ill-conceived release as Cardboard Zeppelin on Laurie (" Ten Story Building").

Songs :

(updated by Hans-Joachim)

Unbelievable                    Hooray For Love


Let Them Talk               Are You Looking For A Sweetheart


Carrie (You're An Angel)                Send Her Back


Perfect Woman                    You're a Drag


You Lied                                 Crazy Love

My Little Girll Let Them Talk (unrel. alt. version)

Carrie (You're An Angel) (alt. version) Unbelievable (alt. version)

A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening / Tonight Could Be The Night (unreleased)

...

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The Carnations (4) aka The Teardrops (6)

Posted on February 10 2008 by dion1

The Carnations (4) (Bridgeport, Connecticut)
aka The Teardrops (6)

Personnel :

Carl Hatton (Lead)

Matthew Moales (Lead)

Harvey Arrington

Edward Kennedy

Tommy Blackwell (Bass)

Discography :

The Carnations (4)
1961 - Long Tall Girl / Is There Such A World (Lescay 3002)

Bo Diddley bb The Teardrops (6) (Uncredited)
LP :
1959 - Go Bo Diddley (Checker 1436)
I'm Sorry / Crackin' Up / Don't Let It Go

Bigraphy :

The Carnations formed in 1954 at Watersville (elementary) school in Bridgeport, Connecticut (they were all 13 years old). Leads Carl Hatton and Matthew Morales, Harvey Arrington, Alan Mason, and Arthur Blackwell called themselves The Startones at first. Service stints broke them up for awhile, but they reformed as The Teardrops with Matthew, Carl, Harvey, Edward Kennedy, and Arthur's younger brother, Tommy Blackwell, taking over as bass. in 1959 as the Teardrops they backed Bo Diddley on "I'm Sorry", " Don't Let It Go" and "Crackin' Up". While searching for a recording contract at 1650 Broadway (along with the Brill Building, ground zero for New York's indie labels), the quintet took a break to harmonize in the men's room. Beltone A&R man Joe Rene overheard their blend and invited them back to his office. The group had a couple of originals penned by Junius McKeithen: "Long Tall Girl" (bandleader Rene shared writer's credit) and the ballad "Is There Such A World". The riffing trumpet and Blackwell's bopping bass make for an unusual intro on "Long Tall Girl" (Hatton sang lead), cut March 2, 1961 but not out on Lescay until October under a new name: The Carnations. Like his brother before him, Tommy Blackwell joined the military, and the short-lived Carnations splintered. Beltone never bothered with an encore. Other members of the group at various points in time were Major McCoy, Curtis Wade & Count Kearney.

Discography :

The Carnations (4)


     Long Tall Girl                                   Is There Such A World

Bo Diddley bb The Teardrops (6)


I'm Sorry                        Crackin' Up                           Don't Let It Go

...

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Anthony & The Sophomores (2) aka The Dynamics (5) ref Tony & The Twiliters (4)

Posted on February 8 2008 by dion1

Anthony & The Sophomores (2) (Philadelphia)
aka The Dynamics (5)
ref Tony & The Twiliters (4)

Personnel :

Anthony "Tony" Maresco (Lead)

Ernest Funaro Jr. (First tenor)

John Donato (Second tenor)

Anthony Perri (Baritone)

Discography :

Singles :
1963 - Play Those Oldies, Mister D.J. / Clap Your Hands (Mercury 72103)
1963 - Better Late Than Never / Swingin' At The Chariot (Mercury 72168)
1963 - Embraceable You / Beautiful Dreamer (Grand 163 /Jason Scott 18)
1965 - Gee (But I'd Give The World) / It Depends On You (ABC 10073/10737)
1966 - Wild For Her / Get Back To You (ABC 10770)
1966 - Heart Break / I'll Go Through Life Lovin' You (ABC 10844)
1967 - Workout / Serenade (Jaimie 1330)
1967 - One Summer Night / Workout (Instrumental) (Jaimie 1340)

Unreleased :
1963 - Play Those Oldies, Mister Bassman (Mercury)
1963 - Don't Play It No More (Grand)
1963 - Embraceable You (Alt. ver.) (Grand)
1963 - Wild For Her (Alt. ver.) (Grand)

Biography :

The street corner music in South Philly in early 1957 was very simple, almost every corner had 4-6 guys harmonizing. On the corner of 20th and Moore, Ernie Funaro, Anthony Perri and John Donato, were no different than the rest. They were raw and had little, if any experience. Anthony Perri - "Perri" to his friends, decided the group needed his 13-year-old cousin Anthony Maresco. Even at this tender age, Tony was a gifted talented singer with a beautiful voice. So was born "Tony & The Teens".

Anthony & The Sophomores (2) aka The Dynamics (5) ref Tony & The Twiliters (4)
Tony & The Dynamics

Anthony's lead carried the group as they learned to sing background harmonies. Ernie was doing bass because he liked it, and the group was having fun doing Acappela. Ernie started singing with group in the schoolyard at South Philadelphia H.S. and learned he was a very good first tenor. Now the group had John doing second tenor and Perri - baritone to complete the harmony behind Tony's lead. It was now 1958 and the group's sound was born.

They were curious see how they would sound professionally, so they went into a local studio and recorded two sides; "Zoom" and "In The Still Of The Night". By this time the group took the name Tony & The Dynamics. Soon the group would enter the studio. This time a more professional demo was cut using a full band for back up. "I promise to Remember" and "Gee, But I'd Give the World" was the result. It was at this session that they came to the attention of a songwriter who had written some tunes and his artist backed out of the session.

Anthony & The Sophomores (2) aka The Dynamics (5) ref Tony & The Twiliters (4)
L to R : Ernest Funaro , Anthony Perri & John Donato - Top : Anthony Maresco

With the tracks already down, the group went to his house to learn the songs. The end result being placed with Herald records in 1959 "Betty My Own" B/W "Forever Love" became the first professional release by the group released under the name Dynamics featuring Tony Maresco.

Some internal problems caused Tony Maresco to leave the group. He now formed the Twilight's, and in 1961, Tony & The Twilight's had two releases on Red Top and its subsidiary Jalynne. In this group was Philly Legend Bob Finizio from the Four J's. Anthony Maresco sang with the Secrets of Carlo Gerace for one single in 1962.

Anthony & The Sophomores (2) aka The Dynamics (5) ref Tony & The Twiliters (4)

With Sonny & Cher

Tony and the Dynamics also disbands because John had left the group to meet his military responsibilities. John had now come back from the military and Tony put the original Dynamics group back together. Bob Finizio remained with the group as their bass singer and musical arranger. They went into the studio with a tune "Sing This Oldies Mr. Bassman". At this time "Mr Bassman" by Johnny Cymbal was released, to prevent any confusion the Sophomores reworked it into "Play Those Oldies Mr. D.J.". The New group name "Anthony & the Sophomores" was bestowed the group by a Mercury Records Executive after they purchased the Masters.

This was to become the group's best commercial effort still being played regularly on oldie stations around the Country, 35 years after its initial release. The Lack of this record's success allowed the group to move to ABC Records where some personal changes occurred as well. John Donate and Bob Finizio left the group and were replaced by Richie Benatti (Second Tenor) and Bob Beato (Bass) who recently had their own group "Richie and the Royals".

Joe Terry of Danny & The Juniors had written a song for the group "It Depends On You". It had a Motownish sound and the group needing a "B" side decided "Gee" would be easy enough since they were performing it for years Acappela. To Everyone's surprise, it was this side that began to receive airplay. A few more releases with Pete DeAngleis followed on ABC. Then one release on Grand and then to Jaime records for a few releases, ending their recording career in 1967 with "One Summer Night".

Songs :


Play Those Oldies, Mister D.J. / Clap Your Hands Better Late Than Never / Swingin' At The Chariot


Embraceable You / Beautiful Dreamer            Gee (But I'd Give The World) / It Depends On You

Get Back To You / Wild For Her


Heart Break              I'll Go Through Life Lovin' You                   Serenade


One Summer Night         Play Those Oldies, Mister Bassman

...

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The Connotations

Posted on February 8 2008 by dion1

The Connotations (Bergenfield-Hackensack, New Jersey)

Personnel :

Dickie Harmon (Lead)

Joe Pascuzzo (Tenor)

Wesley Cooke (Tenor)

Eddie Brian (Baritone)

Clinton "Jack" Davis (Bass)  

Discography :

The Connotations
1962 - Two Hearts Fall In Love / Before I Go (Technichord 1000/1001/Clifton 25) 
1980 - When You Wish Upon A Star / When I Fall in Love (Clifton 51)

Joel & The Connotations
1979 - Stormy Weather / Zoom (Clifton 33)
1979 - No More (Clifton LP)

Biography :

Quintet from Bergenfield-Hackensack, New Jersey. The Connotations cut one single for Technichord owned by George Card in 1962. The connotations are the young Dickie Harmon on lead, his cousin Jackie Davis was the bass, tenor Wesley Cooke (never seen in the picture) , Joe Pascuzzo and Eddie Brian the Baritone. In 1979 Joel Katz with Dickie Harmon, Clinton "Jack" Davis from the original connotations cut some accappella sides for Clifton Record.

The Connotations

Songs :


Two Hearts Fall In Love                    Before I Go


When You Wish Upon A Star            Zoom                               No More

….

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