Gaylord Hannesson, Pat Riordan, Ryan Porteous, Tony Aiello and Jim Blendick
The Balladeers (1) (Winnipeg, Ca)
Personnel :
Jim Blendick (Lead)
Pat Riordan (Tenor)
Tony Aiello (Tenor)
Ryan Porteous (Baritone)
Gaylord Hannesson (Bass)
Discography :
1958 - I Want A Girl / All Of My Life (Regency 781)
Biography :
The Group was formed in Octobre 1957. They took many weeks of hard practice before they thought they were ready to record. During a Rock and Roll Show, a talent school listened to them for a record. The two songs they recorded "I Want A Girl" and "All Of My Life" were composed and arranged by the group. There are nine persons in the recording group. They Are Jim Blendick (Lead), Pat Riordan (Tenor), Tony Aiello (Tenor), Ryan Porteous (Baritone), Gaylord Hannesson (Bass), Jimmy Pirie (Guitar), Brian Rodgers (Drums), Ted Mayor (Bass) and Doug Patterson on the Piano. They range in age from 18 to 22.
The Villanaires was originated by two brothers, Virgillio "Babe" Perry and the late Leo Perry. They first started performing on their front porch, to an audience that grew to the whole neighborhood. The original Villanaires were Leo Perry, bass and guitar player. Babe Perry, first tenor and rhythm guitar player. Lenny Thompson, second tenor. Billy Perry, soprano. Edwin Gonsalves, first baritone. Henry Duarte, second baratone and Adelino Pete Paulo played drums.
When Lenny left for Military Duty, Kenny Alves joined the group. It was late in the career of the Villanaires when Jerry Alves, Ron Vieira and Eddy Lopes joined the group. Other notable musicians that backed the group were Gene Dias organ/key board. George Andrade, saxaphone. Joe Lewis, multiple instruments. Kenny Pimental, tenor Sax. Phil Riley, lead guitar. Bob Santos, lead/rhythm guitar. Manny Silva, saxaphone. Paul Peterson, multiple instruments. Jimmy Silva, drummer. Donnie Pine, drummer. There were also many more notable musicians.
Patti Drew, Erma Drew, Lorraine Drew and Carlton Black.
The Drew-Vels (Chicago)
Personnel :
Patti Drew
Erma Drew
Lorraine Drew
Carlton Black (Baritone)
Discography :
1963 - Tell Him / Just Because (Capitol 5055) 1964 - Everybody Knows / It's My Time (Capitol 5145) 1964 - Creepin' / I've Known (Capitol 5244) 1965 - Chilly Kisses / True Enough (Quill 100)
Biography :
The Drew-Vels were sisters Erma Drew, Patti Drew, and Lorraine "Micki" Drew, and Carlton Black. A younger sister, Cynthia Drew, filled in occasionally. The sisters were from Evanston, IL, which is 15 miles north of Chicago, and formed while Patti and Micki attended Evanston Township High. Older sister Erma was married to Black, who also wrote most of their material. Producer/manager Peter Wright signed the Drew-Vels to Carone Productions and produced and managed them. Carone Productions signed an agreement with Capitol Records to release, market, and distribute the Drew-Vels' recordings. The deal struck oil with their first single, "Tell Him" (November 1953), their biggest single; the B-side, "Just Because," credits Patti Drew as the writer, the only song she ever had recorded.
Capitol followed with a two-sided (albeit minor) hit, "It's My Time " b/w "Everybody Knows," in March 1964. After "Creepin'" b/w "I've Known" (June 1964), Capitol didn't issue any more Drew-Vels singles. Wright signed the Drew-Vels to his Quill label and released their last single in 1965 : "Chilly Kisses" b/w "True Enough ." Faced with the continual problem of trying to please and keep together a group, Wright persuaded Patti Drew to go solo; the second Quill release was credited as a Patti Drew solo. Patti was the real singer, and it was easier to manage one person than a group, even if the members were siblings. Black was no problem -- he had been singing and recording with the Duvals (later the Naturals) since 1963 while he was also a member of the Drew-Vels.
Patti Drew, Erma Drew and Lorraine Drew
Erma Drew, Micki Drew, and Cynthia Drew became housewives and nine-to-fivers, while Patti went on to a solo career with Capitol. She was doing fine, hitting with a remake of "Tell Him" and "Working on a Groovy Thing," but started experimenting with drugs while living in Los Angeles. Wright, keeping a promise to Drew's parents to look after her, shut Patti's career down and sent her back to Evanston; the sensuous alto was never heard from again
Single: 1957 - My Resolution / Get Out (Lamp 2009)
Unreleased : 1957 - Chalypso With Me (Lamp) 1957 - Why (Lamp) 1957 - Please Tell Me (Lamp) 1957 - Be Mine Alone (Lamp)
Biography :
In 1954 brothers Eddie, Leo, and Ira Mesner, who had launched Aladdin Records in Hollywood in 1945 (originally called Philo Records until 1946), opened their East-Coast subsidiary Lamp, but whereas their main label boasted such well-known names as Louis Jordan, Wynonie Harris, Johnny Ace, Shirley & Lee, Thurston Harris, Charles Brown and even Lady Day, the great Billie Holiday, and the equally-legendary Nat "King" Cole (among many others), those who recorded the 29 Lamp singles from 1954 to 1958 were mostly obscure. Vocal groups who recorded for Lamp Records were: The Mellow Fellows, The Cues, The Cookies, The Carols, The Lovers, The Sharps, The Heart-Throbs, The Minorbops, The Inspirations and The Troopers. The Troopers consisted of Jerry Whitted, Alfonso Atwaters, Eddie L. Lindsey, Vernon S. Jones & Lincoln Alexander. The group has written several songs that they will recorded, unfortunately only two will be released by Lamp; "My Resolution" / "Get Out".
aka The Radiants (4) aka The Originals (4) aka The Casanovas (2) aka The Gleams (3) aka The Four Gleams aka Silky And The Shantungs
Personnel :
Gil Valentin (Second Tenor / Lead)
Sonia Rivera (Tenor / Lead)
Elliot Rivera
Discography :
The Radiants (4) 1958 - Ra Cha Cha / I´ll Never Be Mean (Wizz 713)
The Casanovas (2) 1959 - In My Land Of Dreams / Deep In The Heart Of The Jungle (Planet 1027)
The Originals (4) 1960 - A Kiss From Your Lips / Let Me Be Your Girl (Brunswick 55171)
The Valentinos (1) 1960 - A Kiss From Your Lips / Let Me Be Your Girl (Brunswick 55171)
The Gleams (3) 1961 - Bad Boy / Give Me A Chance (J-V 101) 1963 - Mr. Magic Moon / Pile Driver (Kapp 565)
The Four Gleams 1963 - Mr. Magic Moon / Pile Driver (Kapp 565)
Silky & The Shantungs 1963 - He's A Fink / Bazooki (Inst.) (Musicor 1035)
Biography :
The Casanovas, Gleams /Four Gleams, Originals, Valentinos, Silky & The Shantungs and also The Radiants were basically the same people with few changes. In 1956, Bronx native Gil Valentin formed a group he called The Radiants and recorded "Ra Cha Cha" b/w "I´ll Never Be Mean" released by Wizz Record in 1958. The next year, under the name The Casanovas, they recorded the sides "In My Land Of Dreams" b/w "Deep In The Heart Of The Jungle" released by Planet Records in 1961. So as not to be confused with The Casanovas from North Carolina (recordings on Apollo 1954-57), The group had a record in 1959 called " A Kiss From Your Lips" (a Flamingos remake) on Brunswick records under the name The Originals, then re-released in 1960 under the name The Valentinos.
The Radiants (4) The Originals (4) The Valentinos (1)
Beginning as an all-male quintet as The Casanovas, they went to 3 men and one woman as the Valentinos.In 1960 they signed with J-V Records and change again their name for The Gleams. The Gleams recorded "Bad Boy" and "Give Me A Chance". In 1963, Gil Valentin and Sonia Riviera with a girl group recorded as The Gleams (and The Four Gleams) for Kapp Records "Mr. Magic Moon" b/w "Pile Driver". The story ends when Valentin and Sonia Riviera recorded under the name Silky & The Shantungs called "He's A Fink" on Musicor (written by Radcliffe/Stern) which is another Spector type record. ...
Songs :
The Radiants (4)
Ra Cha Cha I´ll Never Be Mean
The Casanovas (2)
In My Land Of Dreams / Deep In The Heart Of The Jungle
Singles : 1963 - Baby I Do Love You / Love Bells (Challenge 59212) 1964 - Stranger In Paradise / Chinese Lanterns (Challenge 59253) 1965 - Young Dreams / I Love You More Than You Know (Challenge 59302)
Lp : 1964/65 - The Galens (LJ 104) : Baby I Do Love You / Young Dreams / I Love You More Tham You Know / I've Never Had A Broken Heart Before / Jolie Jacqueline / Stranger In Paradise / Chinese Lanterns / Come On Let's Kiss / Lawrence Of Arabia
Biography :
The Galens came in on the music scene while the second wave Girl Group sound was in full bloom, just prior to a gradually developing, more militant sounding movement of the mid-’60s, as lead by The Shangri-las. This girl group wholly captured the uniquely innocent and captivating style of music heard everywhere on AM radio once upon a time. The Paris Sisters heavily figured with this particular sound, but The Galens had an even greater edge on a thoroughly gravitating female voice deliverance. Unfortunately, The Galens’ recorded output is very small.
But it’s a case of quality over quantity, although after one hears the few records they made, a longing for more material will likely ensue.Wouldn’t it be nice if Challenge Records had put together a complete album by The Galens? Evidently, enough material exists that this could have been a strong possibility.Even though there were three guys in the group (Bob Hubener, George Ross and the mythical Galen), the female lead singer, Charlene Knight, permeated their records with her beautiful, all-female voice. She left a definite stamp; possessed with gifted, drawing and subtly penetrating singing abilities. Their one and only hit made its Billboard Hot 100 entry in November 1963, lasting five weeks and topping at #70, which was really a dismal result for a record that had everything going for it.
Titled “Baby I Do Love You” (Challenge 59212, 1963), it originated from a German Folk song, translated into a Pop tune in 1949 by Russ Morgan as “You, You, You Are The One” (Decca 24569). Charlene’s distinctively intoxicating voice carried the song, with a little male chorus assistance midway through, sung in German. What’s more, the flip side “Love Bells” is equally as captivating, with Charlene giving her all as she leads the course of action. Notably, “Love Bells” was co-written by Charlene O’Hara and Keith Colley. O’Hara sang lead on “Home Of The Brave” (Phi-Dan 5005, 1965) as Bonnie & the Treasures, while Keith Colley scored with “Enamorado” (Unical 3006, 1963).
Colley later moved to an executive position at Challenge Records.The follow-up single, “Chinese Lanterns” (Challenge 59253, 1964) is another treasure to behold; the beautiful, charming Charlene could melt the most hardened of hearts! Such a shame the record buying public didn’t catch on to this gem, written by Keith MacKendrick, Jimmy Seals and Darrell “Dash” Crofts, once members of The Champs. Seals & Crofts enjoyed tremendous success with several hits during the early 1970’s, including their first one, “Summer Breeze” (Warner 7606, 1972).
As for Keith MacKendrick, he held membership with several groups, including The Roxters, who recorded the rare “Goodbye Baby” (Art 175, 1958) and The Apollos, whose instrumental “Just Dreamin’ “ (Mercury 71614, 1960) shouldn’t be overlooked. One more final single by The Galens was issued in 1964, “Young Dreams” (Challenge 59302). This record release, regrettably marked the end of their brief existence. Nonetheless, Charlene Knight and The Galens made a lasting imprint in the history of the Girl Group era. By Andrew Merey
Songs:
Baby I Do Love You Chinese Lanterns Young Dreams
Love Bells Stranger In Paradise I Love You More Than You Know
1962- Lady Luck / We're In Love (Penny 9022 / Take Ten 1501)
Biography :
Penny Records was part of the Met Music Record Shop operation owned by Maurice Alpert. Met Music, located at 328 East Fifty-eighth Street, under the elevated stop, was practically an institution on the South Side. When South Siders needed the latest “jams,” they made it a habit to head to the Met. The Penny label was active twice first in 1962 when two releases were put out, and then during 1966–70 when ten releases were put on the Penny label and about the same number on the sister Nickel label.”
The two 1962 releases, produced and arranged by Johnny Pate, were an instrumental by the Joy Rockers and a vocal group by the Creations called "We're In Love" b/w "Lady Luck" both written by members George Madison and Perry Cobb . Other members of the Chicago vocal group were James Bright, Charles Lindsay, and Louis Williams. It will be their only single and got some play on local radio, but sales were not substantial enough to sustain Alpert's interest in the label.
(bottom) Derk Simonson, Dixie Davenport, James Williams & Don Roeder (top) Bob Arvin
The Hawkeyes (Iowa City, Iowa)
Personnel:
Dixie Davenport (Lead)
Derk Simonson (Tenor)
James Williams (Tenor)
Don Roeder (Bass)
Discography :
1957 - Someone Someday / Who Is He? (Sky 2635 / Capitol 14764) 1957 - Full Moon Above / I'll Be There (Capitol 3813)
Biography :
The story began in 1957 when Tom Ecker, formerly of Waverly and at the time a senior at the State University of Iowa, went looking for some talent to make appearances around campus. His first discovery was his female lead, Dixie Davenport of Anamosa. Later, through reports that the Sigma Alpha Epsilon social house had a fine swinging quartet, Ecker investigated and after little persuasion, induced Don Roeder from waterloo and Dark Simonson from Lagrange Ill.to join the group. As such the group sang one performance, Roeder, Bass, Ecker and Simonson, the two tenors and Dixie, Lead. However, Ecker discovered that he was no singing rage after that one show and they picked up Jim Williams from Homewood, Ill. This is how the group appears but with much more polish and showmanship than the group that got together to sing at campus cutups.
(bottom) Dixie Davenport (top) Derk Simonson, James Williams & Don Roeder
After a few shows around the Iowa City area, Ecker thought The Hawkeyes were good enough to goon record. The only trouble was, he had to prove it to the big record companies. In March 1957, he formed the Sky Record Co. and the Hawkeyes went on wax as the first, last and only group to appear under that label. Due to Lack of gold, Ecker could provide no more than a one-piece background, so Bob Arvin, a fraternity brother of Roeder's and Ismonson's was called to play Bass. The group cut a tape of "Someone Someday" and "Who Is He?" a couple of numbers that Ecker and his wife composed. The tape completed, they sent it to a Detroit from to be put on a platter.
The records returned from Detoit and were distributed throughout the state to radio DJ's and record counters. After a little while the platters began to sell and finally, demand exceeded existing supply. It proved one thing to Ecker, whose dreams expanded with each sale. The group had something to sell. His next stop was to get them on a name label, with in this day of romp and stomp, is like trying to con an english teacher out of better grade. With the help of Ford Roberts, a Cedar Rapids record spinner, the group sent records to four or five of the top recording companies. Roberts acting as go-between for the Hawkeyes with the companies, heard from three. The group signed with Capitol. In May 1957, Sky Records was disbanded forever and Capitol took over the Iowans.
In September, they go together again and flew to Hollywood, home of Capitol. For five days they appeared at the United Artists Theater where they sang 21 performances along with Frankie Lymon and Lavern Baker. The five day stint was arranged by Capitol to help the group pay for the trip. On their sixth day in California, they cut their first record for Capitol. Capitol had arranged a four piece combo of guitar, bass, piano and Drums to back the group. They recorded four numbers including "Full Moon Above", "I'll Be There" with were released shortly afterward . The Other two numbers, "Waiting In The Dark" and "Don't Play Game With Me" will be released when the sale of the first Capitol record have dropped of. Following their recording date, the Hawkeyes returned to Iowa. They never heard the finished record until it was released.
Dixie Davenport As for royalties, the group is paid once a year. They confess that not a great deal of money is made on the record unless it gets up around the million mark. The money lies in night club appearances. Records provide the artist with a means of building up a name for himself. The Hawkeyes returned to school. During the year they have made several personal appearances around the Iowa City area. Unfortunately, and despite their contract "Waiting In The Dark" and "Don't Play Game With Me" will never be released and the group will split up shortly after.
Single : 1958 - This Is The End Of Love / It's All Over (Music City 817) 1959 - Elaine / This Is The End Of Love (Music City 823) Unreleased : 1958 - Oobie Doobie Baby (Music City) 1959 - He-A-Woe (Music City) 1959 - Our Love Is Here To Stay (Music City) 1960 - Bye Bye Louie (Music City)
Biography :
The Klixs from Richmond, just north of Berkeley were produced by San Francisco disc jockey Jim Hawthorne. The group's two songwriters, Elvin Bridges and Richard Scott were members, the two other are Harold Andrews and probably Jim E. Moore. Ray Dobard first released "This Is The End Of Love" as the A side of Music City 817 in April 1958 with "It's All Over" on the flip The master was taped in San Francisco featuring rockabilly guitarist Tyrone Schmidling . Ray Dobard reissued "This Is The End Of Love" a year and a half later as the B side to "Elaine". There’s a quartet of unreleased tracks from The Klixs on Music City . "Oobie Doobie Baby" is the first of four unreleased tracks from The Klixs., an irresistible fusion of rock ’n’ roll and doo wop recorded in 1958. "He-A-Woe" Recorded on 2nd July 1959, it’s a driving, dramatic track that surely influenced surf music. The other two unreleased tracks are "Our Love Is Here To Stay " from 1959 and The Klixs recorded Bye Bye Louie at a session on 9th August 1960. It’s a doo wop track where hurt and heartbreak shine through.
From left to right are Dick Donahue, Jim Bruhn, Lorenzo, Ron Russel and David Ellman,
Lorenzo & The Four Stars (4) (Indianapolis, In.) ref : The Five Stars (2)
Personnel :
Lorenzo Conyers (Lead)
Jim Bruhn (First Tenor & Guitar)
Dave Ellman (Trumpet & Piano)
Dick Donahue (Bass & Vocal)
Ron Russell (Lead Vocal & Drums)
Discography :
1961 - A Man / First Things First (Kapp 381)
Biography :
From the Indianapolis Indiana area, this vocal and Instrumental group from Indianapol is composed of Jim Bruhn (First Tenor & Guitar), Dave Ellman (Trumpet & Piano), Dick Donahue (Bass & Vocal) and Ron Russell (Lead Vocal & Drums). Jim Bruhn and Ron Russell were part of the Five Stars from 1957 to 1959. The Five Stars recorded several singles during this period . In middle 1960, the Four Stars completed an eight-week engagement at the Turf Club in Indianapolis, where their act was seen by Lorenzo Conyers and they were asked to join him in New York for several engagements.
Lorenzo Conyers
Lorenzo Conyers, who appeared on popular recordings of "If I Didnt Care" and "We Three" with the "Ink Spots", had been doing a solo act since the death of one of the members of the original group.The Four Stars appeared with Lorenzo Conners in New York for several weeks and recorded two fine song for Kapp; "A Man" and "First Things First". Kapp Records was an independent record label started in 1953 by David Kapp in New York City.
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Gaylord Hannesson, Pat Riordan, Ryan Porteous, Tony Aiello and Jim Blendick
