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
Biography :
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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").
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."
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".
(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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Egyptian Kings : top : Morris Wade - bottom (L to R): William Suber, Leo Blakely & Paul Moore
The Four Pharaohs (Columbus, Ohio)
aka The King Pharaoh & The Egyptians (1)
aka The Columbus Pharaohs
aka The Egyptian Kings
Personnel :
Morris Wade (Lead)
George Smith (First Tenor)
Ronnie Wilson (Baritone)
Robert Lowery (Bass)
Discography :
The Columbus Pharaohs
1958 - Give Me Your Love / China Girl (Esta 290)
The Four Pharaohs
1958 - Give Me Your Love / China Doll (Ransom 101)
1957 - Pray For Me / The Move Around (Ransom 100)
Morris Wade & music by Manhattans bb The Four Pharaohs
1959 - Is It Too Late / It Was A Nite Like This (Ransom 102)
King Pharaoh & The Egyptians (1)
1961 - By The Candlelite / Shimmy Sham (Federal 12413)
The Egyptian Kings
Single:
1963 - Give Me Your Love / I Need Your Love (Nanc 1120)
Unreleased :
1963 - School days (Nanc)
1963 - Summertime (Nanc)
Biography :
The
Four Pharaohs were a top R&B vocal group in Columbus, lasting for
more than 10 years and several name changes. The group started as the
Columbus Pharaohs by four teenagers, Morris Wade (on lead), Benard
Wilson, Ronnie Wilson, and Robert Taylor The Wilsons were brothers who
attended Central High School. Taylor attended East High, while Wade had
moved between the two schools. The group recorded a 45 for Esta records
in Hamilton, singing two original songs, "Give Me Your Love" and "China
Girl".
King Pharaoh & The Egyptians (L to R) Leo Blakely, Morris Wade, Paul Moore, Ronnie Wilson & Harold Smith
On
the recording session, they were backed by Tommy Wills and his band,
and the recording was done at King. At the time, the band was managed by
Howard Ransom in Columbus, and shortly after the Esta record was
released, he released the songs on his own Ransom, changing the title
from China Girl, the correct name, to China Doll. To make things even
more confusing, the Esta 45 had the group name as Columbus Pharaohs.
Possibly, Ransom wanted the record to come out under the group's correct
name as Four Pharaohs. The record had some sales but only in the
Columbus area.
King Pharaoh & The Egyptians with Harold Smith
After a couple years, Robert Taylor left, replaced by George Smith,
and Bernard Wilson was replaced by Robert Lowery, both from Columbus.
This new lineup recorded a second 45 on Ransom, the ballad "Pray For Me"
and the uptempo "The Move Around". When the record was released, the
label name was mispelled as Ranson. Although being on a local label,
this record seems to have sold more copies than the first one as plenty
of used copies turn up.
King Pharaoh & The Egyptians with Harold Smith The Egyptian Kings
About a half year later (mid 1959), Ransom released a third 45. The
artist was credited as Morris Wade with music by the Manhattans. The
Four Pharaohs sang, and the backing band was hired by Ransom. The band
was a working band that had backed up Sonny Til, Ransom gave them the
Manhattans name, presumably to make people think they were a
sophisticated group from NYC. The songs were "Is It Too Late"(mispelled
'To' on the label) and "It Was A Nite Like This". Around the time of
this release, the group's first 45"Give Me Your Love"/:China Girl" was
rereleased on the Paradise label from NYC. During the time these records were coming out, the group spent a lot of time on the road, playing standard chitlin circuit venues in Detroit, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, etc. In 1961 the group was reorganized as King Pharaoh and the Egyptians.
The Egyptian Kings (L to R) : Forest Porter, Leo Blakely, Paul Moore, Harold Smith & Morris Wade
The group added a
guitarist, Harold Smith, and George Smith left. Then, Robert Lowery left
and was replaced by Paul Moore, who brought Leo Blakely with him.
Harold Smith was "King Pharaoh". During this time, they recorded a 45 on
Deluxe, using their usual style of a ballad "By the Candle Lite" and
the uptempo "Shimmy Sham". In 1959 or 1960, Howard Ransom had moved
to California where he continued in the record business. In 1963, with
Pete Oden having replaced the last original member (other than Morris
Wade) Bernard Wilson, the group decided to move to Los Angeles. They
reconnected with Ransom, who had a new label, Nanc. The group, now known
as the Egyptian Kings - without Harold Smith - recorded a 45 on Nanc,
featuring a remake of "Give Me Yout Love".
The Egyptian Kings - (L to R) : Paul Moore, Leo Blakely, William Suber & Morris Wade
After
a couple years in LA, the group wasn't going anywhere so they returned
to Columbus. William Suber replaced Pete Oden. The group tried to get
something going with Way Out records in Cleveland, and performed there
at clubs like the Music Box, but nothing came of that. There were no
more recordings done. Finally, Morris Wade decided to relocate for good
to Los Angeles, and that was the end of the Egyptian Kings (and their
ancient Egypt inspired outfits!). When he was settled in LA, Morris
joined a touring group that did USO shows. He joined fellow Columbus
native Bobby Hendricks in a version of the Drifters in 1983. Back in
1974, he had an appearance as a hit man in the movie "Baby Needs a New
Pair Of Shoes", later retitled "Jive Turkey", which was produced by
Howard Ransom. Robert Taylor relocated to Vancouver, BC and became Bobby
Taylor who recorded the hit "Does Your Mother Know" for Motown.
http://www.uncamarvy.com/4Pharaohs/4pharaohs.html
Songs :
The Columbus Pharaohs
Give Me Your Love China Girl
The Four Pharaohs
Give Me Your Love Pray For Me / The Move Around
King Pharaoh & The Egyptians (1)
Shimmy Sham By The Candlelite
Morris Wade & music by Manhattans bb The Four Pharaohs
