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The Keynotes
The Keynotes (Pasadena CA.)
Have they recorded? If anyone know this group .... jcpiazza26@gmail.com
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The Cyntones
The Cyntones (North American Air force)
Have they recorded? If anyone know this group .... jcpiazza26@gmail.com
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The Blue Chips (1)
The Blue Chips (1) (New York)
Personnel :
Carlton Lankford (Lead Tenor)
Robert Banks (First Tenor)
Willie Page (Second Tenor)
James Fobbs (Baritone)
Robert Harris (Bass)
Discography :
1956 - Appointment With Love / Come Back (DeLuxe 6100)
Biography :
Lead singer Carlton Lankford, 20; Bass singer Robert Harris, 17; Baritone James Fobbs, 18; First Tenor Robert Banks, 19 and Second Tenor Willie Page, 18 formed their group a short while before their recording session. The group was known as the "Rockets" at this time . Their long hours of rehearsal and practice have made them into a sharp, fresh sounding act that was destined to go a long way in the musical world. All are New Yorkers, Three of them native. The Lead singer, Carlton Lankford was born in Franklin, Virginia. In October 1956, The Blue Chips recorded "Appointment With Love" and "Come Back" both written by Carlton Lankford. DeLuxe Released the single in December 1956.
Songs :
Appointment With Love Come Back
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The El Deens
Connie Pisciotti
The El Deens (Hillside, Il.)
Personnel :
Connie Pisciotti (Lead)
Cathy Maida
Norma
Judy
Discography :
1959 - My Love For You / Why Can't I Find You (Federal 12347)
1959 - Where Are You? / The Club For Broken Hearts (Federal 12356)
Biography :
The El Deens comes from Hillside, a village in Cook County, Illinois. In 1959, Connie Pisciotti and his best friend Cathy Maida along with two other girls Norma and Judy recorded two songs both written by Connie Pisciotti; "My Love For You" b/w "Why Can't I Find You" released by Federal in February 1959.
Federal Records was an American record label founded in 1950 as a subsidiary of Syd Nathan's King Records and based in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was run by famed record producer Ralph Bass and was mainly devoted to Rhythm & Blues releases. Four Monts later, the group returns to the studio and recorded "Where Are You?" b/w "The Club For Broken Hearts", two new songs again written by Connie. The Single will be released in June 1959. Despite the separation of the group, Connie and Cathy continue to write songs for other artists ...
Songs :
(updated by Hans-Joachim)
Where Are You? My Love For You
The Club For Broken Hearts Why Can't I Find You
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The Dreamers (10)
The Dreamers (10) (Yonkers , New York)
Personnel :
Frank Cammarata (Lead)
Bob Malara (First Tenor)
Luc Berardis (Second Tenor / Baritone)
John "Bud" Trancynger (Baritone / Bass)
Dom Canzano (Bass)
Discography :
1960 - Natalie / Teenage Vows Of Love (Goldisc 3015)
1961 - Because Of You / Little Girl (Cousins 1005 / May 133)
Biography :
This group came to Lou Cicchetti's attention via Dario Bianchini, a former member of another group (with with Cicchetti had worked previously) known at the Dials. The Dreamers' sole effort for Cousins was "Because Of You", an old standard (Originally done by Tony Bennett), which was published by the Screen Gems Columbia organisation. Screen Gems also owned Colpix Records, And Cicchetti placed the master with them in the hope that they would plug the record heavily to promote their own copyright. Much to Cicchetti's disappointment, however, the record was relegated to the subsidiary May label and died almost instantly for lack of promotion.
The Dreamers on the Ted Mack "Original Amateur Hour"
The Dreamers had started their career in 1959 when they appeared on the Ted Mack "Original Amateur Hour" (All but John were cousins). Hailing From Yonkers, New York, they consisted of Frank Cammarata (Lead), John "Bud" Trancynger (Baritone and Bass), Bob Malara (First Tenor), Luc Berardis (Second Tenor and Baritone) and Dom Canzano (Bass). A little later, they were spotted by George Goldner and signed to his Goldisc Label. They recorded "Teenage Vows Of Love" in September of 1960 and it quickly became a top ten hit in many Midwest Cities including New York, after it's release in January of 1961.
Lou Cicchetti Bob Malara, John "Bud" Trancynger, Frank DiGiglio and Dario Bianchini
By 1962, they were disappointed with their label and went on to Cicchetti's Cousins Records. Berardis and Canzano last and were replaced by Frank DiGiglio and Frank Nicholas (The Meridians). A few more songs were recorded in 1964/1965, before the group finally disbanded in 1965. They had a short revival from 1983 to 1988 after an appearance on Don K.Reed's WCBS-FM show, which led a new album production and two single releases. This new formation included Frank, John and Frank Nicholas, together with Tony Frederico and Bruce Goldie (Also from The Meridians).
Songs :
Teenage Vows Of Love Natalie
Because Of You Little Girl
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The Acorns aka Vinny Catalano aka The Pyramids (5) aka The Original Pyramids
The Acorns (Bronx, New York)
aka Vinny Catalano aka The Pyramids (5) aka The Original Pyramids
Personnel :
Vinny Catalano (Solo)
Discography :
The Pyramids (5)
1958 - Ankle Bracelet / Hot Dog Dooly Wah (Shell 711)
The Original Pyramids
1961 - Ankle Bracelet / Hot Dog Dooly Wah (Shell 304 / Shell 100)
The Acorns
1958 - Angel / I'm Gonna Stick To You (Unart 2006)
1959 - Please Come Back / Your Name And Mine (Unart 2015)
Vinny Catalano
1963 - Please Mr Juke Box Man / Rags To Riches (Hammer 6312)
Biography :
In November of 1958, The Pyramids recorded "Ankle Bracelet" and "Hot Dog Dooly Wah" .It has quite a pedigree, what with Billy Mure arranging and conducting, on a song co-written by Vincent (Vinny) Catalano. It is very unusual that we can't find any information on This group. Quite who these Pyramids were remains a mystery, but there's every chance that 'they' were really just co-writer Vince Catalano. Around the same time he also disguised himself as The Acorns on singles released on the Spring and Unart label, under which moniker he had two number one songs in Hawaii (on the Unart label): "Angel" and "Your Name And Mine," in 1958 and 1959 respectively. He recorded under many other aliases and group names.
Vince Catalano Donnie & the Dreamers
Vince Catalano was born on a farm in New London, Connecticut. He has spent over 45 years in the music business. As a recording artist he waxed his first 45 on Gee Label in 1956, "Ding Dong" by The Echoes. He went on to have several other releases under many different names - Vinny Downes, Tom Swift under the name The Lonely Boys, Vinny & Sue, Vinny & Kenny, Bea & Dea & the Buttons. His greatest success came under the name The Acorns where he had two number one songs in Hawaii .
The Excellents
As a songwriter Vinny has penned over 300 tunes. Eventually he would star his own short lived label C&A before becoming partners in Blast Records a subsidiary of Sinclair Records owned by the late Don Ames. Also under the Sinclair Banner, Vinny worked with groups on Mermaid and Whale. It was here Vinny penned one of his best tunes "Conney Island Baby" by the Excellents. Vinny worked with his kid brother's group, Donnie & the Dreamers, recording over 10 excellent sides, most lost and unreleased. When Vinny left Blast he started his own label again, Wilshire, and released several great sides by the Dubs and Love Notes. He Release a great album, The Dubs meet the Shells, rerecording both groups with the end result sounding just like the earlier original recording.
Songs :
The Pyramids (5)
Ankle Bracelet Hot Dog Dooly Wah
The Acorns
Angel Please Come Back
Your Name And Mine I'm Gonna Stick To You
Vinny Catalano
Please Mr Jukebox Man Rags to riches
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The Supremes (4)
Top : Alex Rocker, Boyce Foster, William Perry, Ralph Murphy, Peter Lane and Javan Foster
Bottom : Richard A. Ward & Mike Arcidiacono
The Supremes (4) (Lawrence Ma)
Thanks to Marv Goldberg
Personnel :
Ralph Murphy
Alex Rocker
Boyce Foster
William Perry
Peter Lane
Javan Foster
Lee Murphy (Bass)
Discography :
1959 - Could This Be You / Margie (Kitten 6969)
Biography :
The "New England" Supremes were a bunch high school kids who used to hang out near the Supreme Cleaners in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The Group consisted of Alex Rocker, Boyce Foster, William Perry, Ralph Murphy, Peter Lane and Javan Foster. In 1956, they waxed "Could This Be You " b/w "Margie" at Boston's Ace Studios. Ralph Murphy brought along his Uncle Lee - who at thirty was the old man of the group - to handle the Bass vocal chores. A handful of copies were pressed on the Kitten Label by local entrepreneur James Goren. It's unlikely that many escaped the immediate area. most of the Supremes disappeared from music first, and Lawrence second, wich is unfortunate for fans of their superb effort.
Songs :
Could This Be You / Margie
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The Elgins (3)
The Elgins (3) (Bronx, N.Y.)
Personnel :
Michael Jacks (Lead)
Henry Volpato
Kenny Hettinger
Russell Dell
Discography :
1963 - Cheryl / Tell Gina (Dot 16563)
Biography :
Vocal group from the bronx composed by Michael Jacks (lead), Henry Volpato, Kenny Hettinger and Russell Dell. As a result of their hanging out at Cousins' Record Shop on Fordham Road in the Bronx, the Elgins was given the opportunity by shop and label owner, Lou Cicchetti, to record. Lou Cicchetti’s label became very important in the rock and roll music business. his record shop in Fordham Road was an important meeting point for all Italian American doo-wop bands (Dion & the Belmonts, Earls, Consorts) and fans alike. The Elgins recorded "Cheryl" and "Tell Gina". This is one of Four "Cheryl" versions that Cicchetti produced by different artists. Eventually Cicchetti leased their recording to Dot Records.
Songs :
Cheryl Tell Gina
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The Orchids (2)
The Orchids (2) (Chicago)
Personnel :
Gilbert Warren (Lead)
Buford Wright (Bass)
Robert C. Nesbary (Second Tenor)
Charles Williams
Discography :
Singles :
1955 - You're Everything To Me/ Newly Wed (Parrot 815)
1955 - I Can't Refuse / You Said You Loved Me (Parrot 819)
Unreleased :
1955 - Hey Miss Fine (Parrot)
1955 - Fine Sweet Woman (Parrot)
1955 - Met A Girl On The Corner (Parrot)
1955 - You Have Two (I Have None) (Parrot)
Biography :
The Orchids were a vocal group that hailed from the South side of the city of Chicago. In 1954, Gilbert Warren (Lead singer of the Five Thrills) organized a new group : The Orchids. The other members are Buford Wright, Charles Williams and Robert Nesberry. The group practiced their sound and style and soon fopund their way to Parrot Records headed by Chicago deejay and record industry personality Al Benson known as "the Ol' Swingmaster". Warren wrote almost all of the original songs that the group performed, and soon Parrot released "Newlywed" and "You're Everything To Me" on # 815 in July of 1955.
Al Benson
About this time the group had won a local talent contest and soon got an engagement at the Trianon Ballroom at an R & B Revue put together by Al Benson and starring a number of top acts including The Diablos, El Dorados, Eddie Vinson, Billy Boy Arnold and others. In September The Orchids sign on with Al Benson again for a Labor Day week at the Regal Theater along with the Buddy Johnson Orchestra with Ella Johnson and Floyd Ryland, The Spaniels, Four Fellows, Al Savage, and others. By October "Newlywed" with its recognizable bass intro is a top seller in Philadelphia and starting to be heard all over the Northeast.
After a nice run, in November Parrot Records releases the second single by the group with "You Said You Love Me" and "I Can't Refuse" on # 819. The group was not happy with their experience on Parrot Records with the same story as so many R & B artists from the fifties when dealing with small independent labels - the absence of any royalty payments and the theft of publishing rights to the lawful writers and composers of songs recorded. As Parrot Records came to an end in 1956 so did The Orchids.
Songs:
You're Everything To Me Newly Wed
I Can't Refuse You Said You Loved Me
Hey Miss Fine Fine Sweet Woman
Met A Girl On The Corner You Have Two (I Have None)
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The Saints (1) aka The Gents (2)
Tony Montalbano, Ronnie Kemp, Julian Barnett, Glenn Carlin and Johnny Smith
The Saints (1) (Houston, Texas)
aka The Gents (2)
Personnel :
Tony Montalbano
Glenn Carlin (First Tenor)
Johnny Smith
Ronnie Kemp
Julian Barnett (Vocal & Guitar)
Discography :
The Saints (1)
1957 - I Rocked When I Shoulda Rolled / Will You (Cue 7934)
1957 - Turtle Dove / Take Me Back (Cue 7937)
1958 - Honky Tonk Baby / Ain’t Cha Ever Comin’ Home (Cue 1202)
1958 - Doin The Stroll / Snap Dragon (Prescott 1570)
The Gents (2)
1962 - Golly Golly Dolly / It's Too Late To Cry (All Boy 8501)
Biography :
The Saints, vocal group from Houston, Texas are composed by Tony Montalbano, Glenn Carlin, Johnny Smith, Ronnie Kemp and Julian Barnett. The original singing group begin 1955 as the Velvetones but Montalbano and Kemp were the only original members. When the Velvetones broke up soon afterward, Montalbano, Kemp and two other singers appeared as the Saints at a dance at Oberholtzer Hall. Johnny Smith was present at this dance. He was so impressed with their performance that he decided to try to join them. With Johnny Smith as their new addition, the Saints began practicing for the Crow’s Nest show.
The Velvetones
Their appearance in Fiesta was the turning point in their early careers. Using Fiesta as a springboard, the Saints plunged into a new world-the entertainment field. Since Fiesta, the Saints have made some changes with the addition of Carlin as first tenor and Barnett as featured vocalist and guitar player. Two of the Saints are University students. Montalbano is a senior geology and business major and Smith is a mechanical engineering sophomore The other members of this singing group work full time. In November 1956 after all their performances Jimmy Duncan makes them sign a recording contract.
Jimmy Duncan
Cue Records was owned, in Houston, Texas, by Jimmy Duncan, songwriter, singer, composer, author, arranger and producer, best known for his 1957 song "My Special Angel", a #1 country/western hit for Bobby Helms. Cue release three singles of The Saints between 1957 and 1958, and one in 1958 on the Prescott Label. Four years later, Tony A. Montalbano and and Ronnie Kemp are part of a new group, The Gents. The group recorded two compositions of Tony, "Golly Golly Dolly" and "It's Too Late To Cry" released by All Boy Records.
Songs :
(updated by Hans-Joachim)
The Saints (1)
Will You / I Rocked When I Shoulda Rolled
Turtle Dove Honky Tonk Baby
The Gents (2)
Golly Golly Dolly / It's Too Late To Cry
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