The Packards (New York)
Personnel :
Clive Williams (First Tenor)
Milton Turner (Second Tenor)
Bill Atkins (Baritone)
Ray Hayes (Bass/Baritone/Piano)
Bill Fredericks (Bass/Baritone)
Discography :
1956 - Ding Dong / Dream Of Love (Pla-Bac 105/Paradise 105)
1956 - Ladise / My Doctor Of Love (Pla-Bac 106)
Biography :
Best
remembered by doo wop aficionados for their cult classic "Ding Dong,"
New York City vocal quintet the Packards formed in late 1955. According
to writer Marv Goldberg's profile on his R&B Notebooks website,
second tenor Milton Turner and bass/pianist Ray Hayes met while
attending Manhattan's Benjamin Franklin High School, while baritones
Bill Fredericks and Bill Atkins studied at a nearby vocational school.
In time first tenor Clive Williams completed the lineup, which borrowed
its name from the luxury automobile and took its cues from acts like the
Flamingos and the Clovers. In the spring of 1956, manager Joel Weeks
landed the Packards a record deal with Bronx-based label Pla-Bac.
Turner assumed lead duties on "Ding Dong" and its flip side, "Dream of
Love," both originals composed by Hayes.
Although
Pla-Bac quickly released a second single, the disappointing "My Doctor
of Love," "Ding Dong" slowly but surely turned into a local hit,
catching the attention of Old Town label chief Hy Weiss. Old Town
licensed the single for re-release in late summer but spent next to
nothing on promoting the record, and it tanked. Williams exited the
Packards in the spring of 1957, with Hayes' wife, Barbara, signing on
for the remainder of the group's existence. Both Ray and Barbara later
reunited with Turner in the Visions, with Turner also serving as a
member of Bobby Lester's Moonglows. Fredericks, meanwhile, resurfaced in
the Drifters in 1966, remaining with the venerable R&B group for
close to a decade. He also cut a handful of little-noticed solo singles.
Songs :
Ladise Ding Dong
Dream Of Love My Doctor Of Love