1954 - The Five Turbans (L to R) H.Hudson, H.Lewis, B.Bernard, C.Dorsey and T.Goodrich
The Five Turbans (Indianapolis, IN.)
aka The Monograms (1)
Personnel :
Hilton Hudson (Baritone/Tenor)
Bobby Bernard (Baritone/Tenor)
Clarence Dorsey (Baritone/Tenor)
Tony Goodrich (Baritone/Bass)
Herman Lewis (Bass)
Discography :
The Five Turbans
1954 - Christmas Prayer / Yuletide Story (Deb 802)
The Monograms (1)
1957 - Please Baby Please / My Baby Dearest Darling (Saga 100)
Biography :
Indianapolis R&B outfit the Monograms formed in 1953 -- vocalists
Bobby Bernard, Clarence Dorsey, Tony Goodrich, Hilton Hudson, and
Herman Lewis formed the group while attending Arsenal Technical High
School, originally dubbing themselves the Five Turbans (and wearing said
headgear during their performances at local nightspots). The 5 Turbans
played most of the clubs around Indianapolis, including George's Bar and
Orchid Room, the Missile Club, the Cotton Club, the Pink Poodle, the
Barrington Lounge, the Trianon Ballroom, and the B&B Supper Club.
1954 - The Five Turbans on WFBM-TV.
Their
repertoire consisted mostly of the big hits of the day and their own
interpretations of standards. In October, Leo Lesser (owner of George's
Bar and Orchid Room) announced his new label, Deb Records. The 5 Turbans
recorded "Christmas Prayer" and "Yuletide Story" in November 1954.
After rejecting a contract offer from Sun Records on the advice of their
attorney, the quintet members renamed themselves the Monograms in 1954.
According
to Marv Goldberg's profile in the April 2005 issue of Blues &
Rhythm, fledgling jazz great Wes Montgomery occasionally sat in on
guitar, and as their local fame grew they auditioned unsuccessfully for
Chess Records. The Monograms signing to the local Saga imprint to
release "Please Baby Please" b/w "My Baby Dearest Darling" in 1957.
1957 - The Monograms (L to R) H.Lewis, T.Goodrich, C.Dorsey, H.Hudson and B.Bernard
Indianapolis
radio played "Please Baby Please" regularly but it did not earn notice
outside the area, eventually prompting the group to dissolve in early
1959. Later that year Bernard revived the Monograms name, assembling a
new lineup featuring lead tenor Charles Anderson, first tenor Robert
"Chico" Penick, and second tenor Johnny Hardiman. Although it never
recorded, this incarnation of the group continued until 1964, when
Anderson resigned due to health issues and was replaced by George Black.
1964 - The Monograms
When
Bernard exited the following year, the Monograms' days appeared
officially numbered, but despite regular personnel changes the group
continued performing until the mid-'70s.
Songs :
The Monograms (1)
My Baby Dearest Darling Please Baby Please
