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Classic Urban Harmony Newsletter
Issue # 54: February 2021
Only a month and a half have gone by and already 2021 is off to a tragic start. We are saddened to report the passing of almost two dozen more music luminaries. With this, our 54th issue of the Classic Urban Harmony free email newsletter, we hope we can balance the bad news with a little bit of good. Again, please read to the end, as articles are not in any order.
Quote of the Month: "Music is not what we do. It's who we are!" - author unknown
Classic Urban Harmony LLC promotes the legacy of Rhythm & Blues, Doo Wop, Soul and Gospel Vocal Group Harmony through multimedia presentations, historical research, interviews, magazine articles, museum exhibits & displays, radio guest appearances, lectures, college courses, concert production and emceeing, consultation for documentaries, vocal group bookings, our website, www.classicurbanharmony.net, and this free newsletter. Here you'll find news of important events relevant to our music as well as updates to our website and summaries of our Classic Urban Harmony activities and projects. To read more about and see more photos from the articles in this newsletter, check the What's New Page of www.classicurbanharmony.net. We hope you'll enjoy this issue of the newsletter and again find it entertaining and informative. Please continue passing the word on to others who might want to receive it. They can sign up by sending their names and email addresses to CUH@att.net. - Charlie & Pamela Horner - February 15, 2021 |
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Supremes' Mary Wilson dies suddenly at 76.
Mary Wilson, co-founder and original member of the super star Motown group, the Supremes died suddenly Monday night February 8, 2021 at her home in Las Vegas. She was 76. Mary Wilson had just announced that she was working on releasing a solo album and was looking forward to this year's celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Supremes. She was still active as a performer prior to the pandemic and in 2019 had appeared on the 28th season of “Dancing With the Stars” and released “Supreme Glamour,” her fourth book. Mary Wilson was born March 6, 1944, in Greenville, MS. After moving around several time, Mary and her mother finally settled into Detroit's Brewster-Douglass Housing Project when she was 12. After singing briefly with Aretha Franklin’s younger sister Carolyn, Mary was asked by Florence Ballard to join a new group, the Primettes, who would be a sister group to the Primes, would serve as a “sister act” to the Primes, a male quintet that included future Temptations, Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks, The Primettes recorded one record for Detroit's Lupine label. Mary Wilson sang lead on "Pretty Baby.” To hear that side, click Primettes. The Primettes would evolve into the Supremes. Mary Wilson would go on to sing on all 12 of the Supremes’ No. 1 pop hits from 1964 to 1969. During that time, the Supremes charted a total of 16 Top-10 pop singles and 19 Top-10 R&B 45s. After Diana Ross left the group in 1970, Wilson remained with them, managing a 1970 R&B No. 1 hit with “Stoned Love” and four more Top-20 hits.
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East LA Band, Thee Sinceers, Leading a Resurgence of 1950s, 1960s Chicano Soldies Music
Who says today's music has stagnated? If you're not aware of them, the East LA band, Thee Sinceers is reviving the 1950's and 1960's R&B music that we used to call Low Rider Oldies or Chicano Soul. It's now called Chicano Soldies, short for "Soul Oldies." Joseph Quiñones, lead singer of Thee Sinceers, got the band together a few years ago. “It’s soul music in general and coming from East Los Angeles and being Chicano we just got into that category of Chicano oldies," Quiñones recently told Spectrum News 1. "So it’s really cool to carry that flag for the community and for our culture and for our music, most importantly.” Thee Sinceers have a couple of 45 RPM vinyl singles out on the Colemine label and it's subsidiary, Penrose Records. Colemine is a small, family-operated record label striving to provide quality products while providing excellent service to the talented artists they representing. Colemine does press some of their record in colored vinyl but you have to be quick to order them as they are often in limited quantity and sell out fast. .To listen to the group's record "It Was Only A Dream" (Colemine Records) click Thee Sinceers. To watch the group performing "Seems Like" click Thee Sinceers Live. It's also a 45 on Penrose).
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Eddie Brian passes. Sang with the Ducanes, Connotations, Autumns, many others. Owned the BAB label.
We've lost yet another friend and local icon of our music. Eddie Brian, singer, songwriter, arranger, producer and label owner, died January 26, 2021 at the age of 77. As a singer, Eddie recorded with the Ducanes ("I'm So Happy"), Connotations ("Before I Go"), Autumns ("1950's Love Song"), Eddie Brian Group, Autumn Spectrum and several more groups. But Eddie Brian was so much more than a singer. In 1980, Eddie started the BAB record label out of his Bergenfield New Jersey home to release records by the Autumns, Infernos, Echelons, Parkway, Younger Dayz, Eddie Brian Group and others. Many of the sides these groups recorded were Eddie Brian compositions like "Thank You Pretty Lady," "The Angel Of Fourth Avenue," "Goodbye Angel Baby" and many others. Eddie Brian will be mentioned quite often in our forthcoming book on singer Joel Katz, due out later this year. Eddie's passing is a great loss to all of us who follow vocal harmony.
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Great new CD on Sly Stewart & Viscaynes due out this month from Ace Records.
I've always been a big fan of Sly Stewart (of Sly & the Family Stone), especially his early sides with the Viscaynes. If you're not familiar with sides like " Yellow Moon," " Stop What You're Doing" and : Long Time Alone" please click on each title and you'll be amazed at what fabulous R&B group harmony sides these are. You can imagine then, how excited I was when record producer Arno Koning contacted me to tell me of a series of CD's he was doing for Ace Records in the U.K. on early Sly recordings, both released and previously unreleased. The first of these CD's, "Sly & The Viscaynes: Yellow Moon" is set for February 26 release and contains the Viscaynes' entire output (19 songs) in upgraded sound from the correct master sources, including recently discovered tapes and unissued demos. Also included is a 32-page booklet jammed with illustrations from the group’s personal archives and a 9,000-word essay based on input from all the members, including commentary from Sly himself. I've already ordered a copy for our archives. To listen to clips from each cut, visit Ace Records. - Charlie Horner |
Rare Record from our Archives: Sly Stewart
As a follow up to the article above, record producer Arno Koning asked me about an unreleased acetate by Sly Stewart that is in our Classic Urban Harmony Archives. Arno is now working on the second Sly Stewart CD, containing songs recorded just after the Viscaynes tracks. We've sent Arno label scans and music files of our acetate for possible inclusion in that CD. But I thought our newsletter readers would be interested in how we obtained it. About 30+ years ago, I was in San Francisco on business and decided to drive down the coast looking for records. In those days before the Internet, I only had an address of a record store from a phone directory and a paper map to guide me. But as most serious record collectors will tell you, we seem to have a sixth sense about finding records. I used to be able to walk into a large thrift store and walk right to the record section. It was always like the records were calling out to me (no, I'm not psychotic!). About an hour south of San Francisco, I pulled into a used record store and asked to see their better stuff. They said, "Are you interested in an unreleased metal acetate by Sly Stewart?" It's now in the Classic Urban Harmony Archives. The next Sly CD from Ace will be out later this year.
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Rare Photo of the Ascots on Mir-A-Don
Last issue, we wrote about the Ascots on the Mir-A-Don label whose record "Another Day" was in big demand by collectors of Northern Soul music. At the time we mentioned that we'd heard that Archie Powell of the group later sang with the Presidents on Sussex but we couldn't confirm that. Andy Rix just sent us a photo of the group with the following message. "Here is a picture of the Ascots who recorded for Mir-A-Don. Archie Powell is in the middle. Don Walden who co-owned the label, with his then wife, confirmed that Archie is the same guy who was in the Presidents."
Many thanks, Andy. Always great when what we write is confirmed. Great photo!
For those who who like soul ballads, here's one of our favorites by the Ascots on Mir-A-Don, " Mother Said (Prayer Changes Things)" |
Walter (Little Walter) Devenne, radio personality, music historian, dies at 73.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Little Walter Devenne, Boston radio legend and music historian. Walter was best known to the general public for his syndicated radio program "Little Walter's Time Machine," But Walter was a true connoisseur of 1950's R&B and R&R music and was known to us in the music field for his remastering of classic recordings of 45 RPM singles for release by independent record labels. His digital remastering work and compilation production work on compact disks is extensive.. Walter retired in 2016 and moved to Brooksville, Florida. On January 2, 2021, Walter Devenne was hospitalized with COVID-19 and he died on January 16, his 73rd birthday. I never met Walter in person but we did correspond from time to time and I had utmost respect for his knowledge and dedication to our music. His passing is a huge loss. - Charlie
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Visit our website.
If you haven't visited our website in awhile, you're in for a treat. We're nominated for East Coast Music Hall Of Fame Music Maker Best Website / Publication. The Articles By Us page lists our many articles from Echoes of the Past, which you can click on and read. Unfortunately our Events Page for now is sparse as the pandemic has postponed many events. But when the lock down is lifted you'll be able to see the new dates for all your favorite events. For more about Classic Urban Harmony's activities, along with news, articles, photos and videos, please visit our website, www.classicurbanharmony.net.
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New single by Chi-Lites & Friends featuring Billy Brown & the late Al Goodman produced by George Kerr
We just heard a great new version of "Love On A Two Way Street" by Marshall Thompson & the Chi-Lites featuring the Moments' Billy Brown and the late Al Goodman. George Kerr produced the cut back in 1999 but it's just now been released. We knew there had be a good story behind this so we called out friend George Kerr to ask about it,.
Back in 1999, I was putting together an album,” George told us.. “I brought in Marshall & the Chi-Lites, Blue and Gerald from the Manhattans, the lead of Blue Magic and William Hart from the Delfonics. I was producing all of these tracks. It was a cold freezing day when the Chi-Lites drove up to All Platinum Studios in their brand new bus. Just as the Chi-Lites walked into the studio, Al Goodman and Billy Brown of Ray Goodman & Brown (aka the Moments) walked in behind them. I said to Al and Billy, ‘You guys just gave me an idea. I’m going to put both of you to work.’ I decide to redo the old Moments song, “Love On A Two Way Street” with the Chi-Lites but with some input from Billy Brown and Al Goodman. I grabbed a pencil and paper and wrote down a monologue for Al Goodman to say with that deep bass voice of his, a little recitation part to open the song. I put Billy Brown (who’d led the Moments version) on first tenor. Anthony Watson of the Chi-Lites sang lead. I did a whole album but I never did anything with it. So, Marshall came to me recently and said, ‘George, you know that song you did on us? I think it’s now the right to put out.’ In two month’s they’re putting a star for the Chi-Lites on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. So we’re going all out on this one as a single. Right now it’s available on the streaming sites but we’ll be releasing a CD and they’ll be a vinyl release of it out of the U.K.” Catch the new song on your streaming site or click “ Love On A Two Way Street” to listen to it here on YouTube. |
The CUH Inbox
After each issue of this news letter, we get interesting feedback from out readers. We'd like to share a few emails with you.
"Dear Charlie and Pam, Happy New Year 2021 and Greetings from France !! Thank you once again for your recent Newsletter. Hope all is well, safe and happy in your area... we are doing very well here in Southwest France where I live and pray for a renewed 2021 for everyone. Love & hugs." - Wynona Bradwell, daughter of "Harry Lewis" of the Delta Rhythm Boys of the 1940's
Hi Wynona. Great hearing from you and glad you're doing well. Stay safe. - Your friends, Charlie & Pam
"Hi Charlie & Pam. Thanks for the shoutout. I know it doesn't matter for the newsletter but to be historically accurate for your archive, the Band Box Theater was on Armat Street, first block off of Germantown Avenue. That's on the eastside, Brickyard neighborhood. And for my own accuracy, "Madly" by The Del Knights is considered a reworking of "Honest" by The Gazelles, from a few years earlier. Correct?" – George Felice
Hi George. I stand corrected. The Band Box Theatre was on Armat Street. I only missed it by a block. ;) Yes, "Madly" by the Del Knights is a reworking of "Honest" by the Gazelles. As "Madly" was unreleased until recently I never got a chance to ask the group about it. I assume the lead is Warren Sherrill but it sure sounds like the lead of the Gazelles (Donald Langston), doesn't it.? (See issue 46 of our newsletter for more on the Gazelles. For more on the Del Knights see our Richard Barrett Article.) Anyone know? - Charlie
"Dear Charlie and Pam: I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of Tom Luciani. Even though I only met him once, briefly, in person - at a live a cappella show in Greenwich, CT in the early '70s - and interviewed him on the phone for my article, I feel like I lost a longtime friend. The Time Capsule Show was an important part of my life from my early teens through my early 20s and the music he and Joe played is what I primarily listen to today, despite my tastes in many other musical genres. Nearly all of the songs they played on the show were the first time I heard them and though I didn't have the money to buy the higher-priced records at the time, they stayed in my mind long afterward. Now, with YouTube and other online options, they are readily available and I listen to them every chance I get. Along with Joe, Tom did an immeasurable service to a great American musical tradition and for that he will live on in the memory of those who knew him, both as a person and as the voice of a record-spinner from a bygone era that is still loved by many. God blessed us with him for the time we had him among us." - Dean Shapiro.
Well said, Dean. We all owe a huge debt to Tom and Joe and the TCS. - Charlie |
El Toro Records celebrates its 25th anniversary!
El Toro Records in Barcelona, Spain is celebrating its 25th year covering many genres of music. They are described “as one of Europe’s leading independent labels specializing in American roots music the 50’s, Rock & Roll, Rockabilly, Western Swing, R &B, Instrumental Surf.” The label was started in 1996 and since then have had over 400 releases.. They carry vinyl LP’s, 7-inch vinyl, CD’s, DVD’s, and books. They have music by The Velvet Candles, Freddy Velas and The Silvertones, Buddy Holly, Billy Storm, The Five Keys, Gene Vincent, The Five Royales. There’s an interesting new album available called Ellie & the Bashtones. The Bashtones are the Velvet Candles. Also, they carry more obscure artists, at least, to me such as Jerry King, The Flat Tires, Muskrats, The Doel Brothers, and The Wise Guys. They have a website go to: www.eltororecords.com - Pamela Horner |
Jimmie Rodgers dies. R&R and Pop singer.
Sad to report the passing of Jimmie Rodgers, R&R and Pop singer known for 1950's hits, " Honeycomb," "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine," "Secretly," "Oh-Oh I'm Falling In Love Again," and several others. Jimmie died of kidney disease on Jan. 18 having previously tested positive for COVID-19. He was 87. Born in the state of Washington in 1933, Jimmie served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. With a transfer to Nashville upon his return to the states, he was stationed at Seward Air Force Base from 1954 to 1956. In Nashville, he began singing at local venues for $10 per night and competed on Arthur Godfrey's CBS talent show winning $700. He was signed with Roulette Records soon after and recorded the #1 hit, "Honeycomb" in 1957. On December 1, 1967, Rodgers suffered traumatic head injuries including a fractured skull after the car he was driving was stopped by an off-duty police officer near the San Diego Freeway in Los Angeles. Rodgers had no specific memory of how he had been injured, remembering only that he had seen blindingly bright lights from a car pulling up behind him. Rodgers filed a lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles that was later settled out of court. Some years ago, Jimmie Rodgers called me at the recommendation of a mutual friend. We had a very nice conversation about the music. He seemed like a great guy and I'm saddened by his passing. - Charlie Horner
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Don Miller, original member of the Vogues dies at 80.
Don Miller, one of the original members of the Vogues singing group that came to prominence in the 1960s with such songs as “Five O’Clock World” and “You’re the One,” died January 11, 2021. The group, originally named the Val-Aires, formed in 1958 at Turtle Creek High School outside of Pittsburgh, PA Their first recording release " Which One Will It Be / Launie My Love" on the Willett label run by their manager Elmer Willett. After DJ Porky Chedwick started booking the Vel-Aires for his rock and roll shows and record hops the record was picked up by Coral Records.. Both sides are nice doo wop songs. If you're not familiar with them click the song titles to listen. After high school, members of the group variously joined the Army or went to college. After their military and college obligations the Vel-Aires got back together and recorded "You're The One" on the tiny Blue Star label. The song was then picked up by Co & Ce Records and soared to #4 on the Charts. Fifteen other chart records followed. My favorite by the group is the more R&B flavored True Lovers on Co & Ce. Click the title to listen. [Donald Miller is on left in Vogues photo above.] |
Billy Ryan, Jersey Shore rock guitarist dies
Billy Ryan, legendary Jersey Shore rock guitarist died January 24, 2021 of COVID-19. Ryan spent much of his early years playing with Stormin Norman Seldin's bands, the Naturals, the Soul Set and Joyful Noyze,. The stories of those bands are told in Norman Seldin's autobiography (being co-written by Charlie Horner). That book is scheduled for release later this year. Ryan also played with Jersey Shore bands, the Jaywalkers, Moment Of Truth, Speed Limit 25 and Moses as well as the nationally known James Cotton Blues Band. Later, Ryan toured with Clarence Clemons & The Red Bank Rockers. The two had earlier played together in Seldin's Joyful Noyze, Ryan also had his own bands Ryan’s Express & Billy Ryan and the Bluescasters. He was 76.
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UPDATE: The Frankie Lymon Tombstone Saga continues
We originally wrote an article in the November CUH newsletter about how Frankie’s tombstone went from the window of Clifton Music to Pam Nardella’s garden and finally to the Michigan Rock ‘n Roll Legends Hall of Fame Museum. Now, The Clifton Magazine has published an article about the tombstone with some nice pictures of Ronnie I and Clifton Music. The Clifton Magazine is an online magazine that is published the first Friday of every month. The magazine is celebrating 25 years of publication.
We recently received a print copy of the magazine from our friend Jimmy Wiener but you can read the article on line in the January issue (starting at page 64) by clicking Lymon Tombstone. Thank you, Jimmy Wiener for bringing this to our attention. - Pamela Horner |
Stanley Wade of the soul groups, Volcanos and Trammps dies.
Stanley Wade, original bass and falsetto singer and guitarist for the soul groups, the Volcanos and the Trammps died January 12, 2021 of COVID-19 at the age of 75. The Philadelphia soul quintet the Volcanos were formed in 1964, with lead vocalist Gene Jones, vocalist Steve Kelly, guitarist Stanley Wade, his bassist brother Harold "Doc" Wade, keyboardist John Hart, and drummer Earl Young. The group signed with Arctic Records who issued half a dozen singles with the group, the best known were "Storm Warning" and "A Lady's Man." The Volcanos also recorded for Harthon and V irtue. Stan and Doc Wade, along with Earl Young then became the Trammps with the addition of vocalist Jimmy Ellis. The Trammps signed with Buddah Records in 1972. There they scored with "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart," featuring Earl Young's bass voice, The record broke the Top 20 on the R&B Charts. [Watch an incredible live performance of the song by clicking " Zing"] It was followed by "Hold Back The Night." Members of the Philadelphia recording band MFSB played with the group on records and on tour in the 1970s. Numerous hits followed, the biggest being "Disco Inferno" a song from the soundtrack of the movie "Saturday Night Fever." [Photo above of the Trammps. Stan Wade on left.] |
2021 Lead East still on for September
While nothing is certain in these unsure times, the latest word is that the 2021 Lead East in Parsippany New Jersey is still on for the first week in September. The Friday show will feature Michael D'Amore and the Symphonics; the Saturday show will feature Jay Siegel's Tokens, Shirley Alston Reeves, the Royal Teens and the Acchords; the Sunday show will feature Barbara Harris & the Toys, Memories Music, Jersey Sound and Classic Sounds. The Saturday afternoon acappella concert will also be back but we don't yet nave details on which groups will be singing. See the poster above for ticket info.
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Charlie Ball, lead of the acappella group Remaining Few dies at 76.
Charlie Ball. lead singer for the New Jersey acappella group, Remaining Few. from 1965 to 1980, died February 2, 2021. Charlie also sang with Sound Investment and Good Chemistry. Charlie was born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He served in the Marines during the Vietnam War and was the recipient of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He retired as Captain from the Elizabeth Fire Department in 2003. To watch a YouTube video of Charlie leading the Remaining Few click " A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening." [Charlie is in the center of the Remaining Few photo above.] |
Gil Saunders, former lead of Harold Melvin & Blue Notes dies.
Gil Saunders, the decade-long lead singer of the legendary group Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, died February 4, 2021, after a long battle with M.S. and, more recently, lung cancer. Saunders was 68. Saunders was born in Philadelphia and sang in church from an early age. As a teenager, he formed his first vocal group, New Day. He was seen performing by Harold Melvin who in 1984 hired him as the new lead singer for the Blue Notes. He toured the world performing with with Harold Melvin's Blue Notes for the next ten years. .Saunders can be heard leading the group on their "Talk It Up" album which produced three chart singles including "Today's Your Lucky Day." To watch the video of the song, click Blue Notes. |
Patrick Gelardi of the Expressions dies at 78.
Sad to report that Patrick A. Gelardi, 78, passed away at his home on Thursday, January 7, 2021. Pat was an accomplished singer with many Doo-Wop bands, including "Just Voices" and "The Expressions.". We believe Patrick also sang with the Precisions who recorded "Brenda" and "White Christmas" for the Rayna label. |
That's it for this issue. Thanks for reading. Until next issue, stay safe! - Charlie & Pam Horner
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The East Coast Music Hall Of Fame still looking forward to June 7 - 8, Awards Gala in Atlantic City.
While we're still on track to hold our Awards Gala in Atlantic City on June 7 - 8, 2021, it's important to remember that the East Coast Music Hall of Fame is not a single event, it's not a building and it's not a stack of paperwork or even an award. It is a community. We believe that those of us who grew up on (or simply appreciate) the East Coast sound, have different heroes than the rest of the world. We love bringing those heroes together, recognizing the and ensuring that generations to come know of their contributions to the musical fabric of our country. Visit the ECMHOF website.for more details.
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Deborah Nader passes. Doo Wop concert producer, East Coast Music Hall Of Fame Board of Directors member
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, Deborah Nader. She was always very kind to us and went out of her way to greet us when we were able to attend her concerts. More recently, Deborah and I (Charlie) both served together on the Board of Directors of the East Coast Music Hall Of Fame. Deborah's passing is a huge loss to our music. - Charlie & Pamela Horner, Classic Urban Harmony LLC. Deborah Nader was born in St. Petersburg, Florida. She graduated from the George Washington University with a Master's degree in Higher Education. In 2000 Deborah took over Richard Nader Entertainment, after her husband, Richard Nader became ill. The company had been founded by Richard Nader in 1969 and had produced oldies music concerts and events internationally. In 2016 Richard Nader Entertainment was sold to Tommy Mara and and became Nader Mara Entertainment. [Tommy Mara died a few days before Deborah. See his obit, below.] Deborah continued to oversee the shows that were on the books for Nader Entertainment until her recent retirement. Deborah Nader passed away in Florida, January 19, 2021.
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Tommy Mara of the Crests, Nader Mara Entertainment, passes.
Thomas Marasciullo, better known as Tommy Mara, lead singer of Tommy Mara & the Crests and concert promoter of Nader Mara Entertainment died January 16, 2021. He had been hospitalized in ICU since suffering a cardiac event on January 7. Mara was born in Brooklyn, NY, on April 10, 1955. As a teenager, he played the drums and sang in a local rock band. After moving to Florida, Tommy continued performing, eventually joining an oldies band, Tommy and The Saints. After Johnny Maestro's passing in 2010, Tommy became lead singer of the Crests. He continued performing with the Crests until his passing. Tommy purchased Nader Entertainment from Deborah Nader in 2000 (see above article) and renamed it Nader Mara entertainment. Tommy was 65.
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Yet Another TV Commercial with Our Music
You know I don’t really watch that much TV but I’ve come across another commercial using Rock N’ Roll to tell a story. This one made me pay attention. It’s for Amazon Prime Two-Hour Grocery Delivery. The song that you hear on it is “It Ain’t Me” by Chuck Berry. It's one of Chuck's later Chess recordings and does sound like “Run Run Rudolph.” I do hear the unique style of Chuck Berry’s guitar and a pounding piano. In case you haven’t seen the commercial, the scene is a dinner party. A little girl is caught eating the cake while sitting under the table. The premise is that you can call two-hour Prime to get a new desert. And thank you again to everyone who emails me to tell me about commercials you've seen. To watch the Prime commercial click Amazon Prime 2-Hour Grocery Delivery. To hear the song in its entirety, click Chuck Berry. - Pamela Horner
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Volume 1 of our book on black music from Asbury Park (1871 - 1945) is available on Amazon.com
Haven't yet ordered Volume One of our new book, "Springwood Avenue Harmony: The Unique Musical Legacy Of Asbury Park's West Side, Volume 1, 1871 - 1945"? What are you waiting for? It's a great read if we do say so ourselves. We're working hard on Volume 2 (1946 - 1980) which covers the R&B, Doo Wop and Soul music years as well as Gospel and Jazz. But if you only buy Volume 2 you'll miss what led up to that era. Visit Amazon.com to pick up your copy now. - Charlie & Pam |
Artifact from our CUH Archives: Rare Sheet Music of the Month. "Try The Impossible" by the Lee Andrews & the Hearts
Our newsletter feature, rare sheet music of the month is "Try The Impossible" by Lee Andrews & the Hearts. The song by the West Philadelphia vocal group reached #33 on the Pop Charts in June of 1958. Though the sheet music only mentions it being on the United Artists label, the song has a remarkable story that you can read about below.
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The remarkable story of of "Try The Impossible"
Much has been written about Lee Andrews & the Hearts. I still stand by my article in Goldmine Magazine (# 272, 28 December 1990) as one of the best for info on the group. Try the Impossible" was a song written and recorded by the Hearts in 1957 while they were with Gotham Records. Unfortunately, Gotham never released the side and it would be another 33 years before the original recording saw the light of day. When Collectables Records purchased Gotham Records in the late 1980's, owner Jerry Greene allowed me to do research on the Gotham files. I noticed several old boxes of tapes marked "Capris" and "Hearts." Realizing there were previously unreleased recordings by both groups, I asked Jerry if he intended to put them out as an album. He agreed if my radio co-host, Don Leins and I would go through the tapes, select the cuts and produce the albums. Don and I took the tapes to Disk Makers where we had the tapes threaded up to see what was on them. Some tapes were so brittle they crumbled and the contents were lost forever. Out of the others were complied a Capris and a Lee Andrews & Hearts "Gotham Sessions" LP. To our delight, the Hearts' tapes contained early versions of songs that were later hits for the group, like "Long Lonely Nights" and "Try The Impossible." The version of "Try The Impossible" that everyone knows was rerecorded in 1958 when the group was recording for Jocko Henderson and Barry Golder. Henderson & Golder released the record on their Casino label while simultaneously giving it to United Artists for distribution nationally. That's why most copies you see are on United Artists while only a relatively few copies surfaced in Philadelphia. Casino label copies are considerably rarer, though the United Artists may have come out at the same time. Some internet references say the record first came out on Henderson & Golder's Mainline label but there is no evidence for that. When I was yet a young collector, copies of "Try The Impossible" surfaced on black Mainline #101, but those were quickly discounted as bootlegs. For one thing, Mainline #101 is "After School Rock" by Pancho Villa and is on the earlier green Mainline label. Our Archives only file the Casino and United Artists labeled records. - Charlie Horner
To hear the original version of "Try The Impossible" click Gotham Session.
To hear the released version click United Artists. |
Dean Christie, Singer, Teen Idol from South Philly, dies at 79
South Philly singer and teen idol from the 1960's, Dean Christie, passed away on January 14, 2021. He was 79. Christie, whose real name was Anthony "Dino" Marchiano, first recorded the doo wop song, "So Much" for the Top Flight label in July 1961, backed by a group called the Hi-Flyers. You can hear the song by clicking " So Much." By far, Dean's biggest record was the local hit " Heart Breaker" that came out first on the SWL label and then the Select label in 1962. Christie would go on to record for the Mercury and Congress labels. [ Thanks to Don & Denise Leins for letting us know about this.] |
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If you're enjoying reading this newsletter, there's another great free email newsletter we know you'll enjoy and this one comes out weekly! Doo Wop Ramblings hits your inbox every Sunday. You can subscribe by visiting Subscribe Now.
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Yet, Another Great Newsletter you should be receiving!
In addition to the newsletter above, you need to check out the New England Doo Wop Society's free email newsletter. Published by our friends Bob Belniak and Gary Jones the NEDWS is quite active in keeping our music alive in New England but their newsletter covers music news from all over. Click Subscribe to email Bob and get on their mailing list.
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Past Issues of the CUH Newsletter Now viewable on our website!
Want to catch up on any past issues of this newsletter that you may have missed? Now you can. Just go to the top of this newsletter and click on "View it in your browser". Then you be able to click on "Past Issues" on the upper left of your screen. You can also see most of our past CUH email newsletters (going back to 2012) from the link on our website's Articles Page. Here's a Direct Link. |
More great acappella on Our YouTube Channel
Looking for something to do while you're in lockdown? Our YouTube channel " chorner1" has nearly 350 acappella doo wop and R&B video clips from our past concerts. That's over 17 hours of great acappella. Our channel has had 636,000 views from acappella fans in 37 countries. Over 930 people subscribe to our channel. We'll be posting more videos shortly. |
Record producer, musician, and songwriter Phil Spector dies in prison hospital at 81
Record producer, musician, and songwriter Phil Spector died of COVID-19 on January 16, 2021 while incarcerated in the California Health Care Facility in Stockton. He was 81. Born Harvey Phillip Spector in the Bronx, New York, on December 26, 1939 but moved to Los Angeles at the age of 13. Spector began his career in 1958 as co-founder, guitarist, and vocalist with the Teddy Bears, writing their #1 hit single "To Know Him Is to Love Him." The words had been written on the gravestone of his father who'd committed suicide. Specter is best known for his Wall of Sound, a music production formula and his record label, Philles, but Spector's impact on American music was huge. As a songwriter he produced countless charted singles by artists like Ray Peterson, Curtis Lee, Gene Pitney, the Crystals, Connie Francis, Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans, Alley Cats, Darlene Love, Ronettes. Righteous Brothers, Ike & Tina Turner, Checkmates, Beatles, Plastic Ono Band, George Harrison, Ramones, and many others. Spector co-wrote "Spanish Harlem" (Ben E. King) and played guitar on the Drifters' "Om Broadway." He produced the Beatles' "Let It Be" album among many others. In 2009, Phil Spector was sentenced to 19 years to life in the California state prison system for the 2003 murder of actress Lana Clarkson.
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Ed Engel dies. Record producer, author, owner of Crystal Ball Records.
We have just received word that Ed Engel died of COVID-19 on January 13, 2021. Ed was a record producer and label owner of Crystal Ball Records, a label that mostly specialized in white doo wop releases. He also authored the book, "White But Still Alright: A collection of White Group histories of the 50's and 60's" in 1977.
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Philadelphia International Records Celebrating 50 Years
Philadelphia International Records ( PIR) is known worldwide as the birthplace of The Sound of Philadelphia. It was founded in 1971 by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. The anniversary will be celebrated in many ways from new releases such a vinyl box set and a limited edition 8 CD set, plus a new radio station. PIR accumulated a stable of producers, songwriters, and engineers as well as the great house band MFSB. Their artists were already well-established artists who cut their teeth on the road. So much talent came out of PIR. The list is long so I’ll name a few-The O’Jays, Patti LaBelle, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, McFadden & Whitehead, The Three Degrees, The Intruders and many more. If you’d like to see album covers, go on https://www.soundofphiladelphia.com Also there is a promotional video called PIR101. - Pamela Horner |
New Book due out on Malaco Records
There's a new book coming out written by the excellent wordsmith, .Rob Bowman You may recall Bowman is the author of "Soulville, USA: The Story of Stax Records" which is in our CUH library. Rob Bowman's new book is on Malaco Records and will be released on March 23, 2021. Malaco is the longest running independent record label in America. Malaco began in the 1960’s, cutting some songs like Jean Knight’s “Mr. Big Stuff,” “King Floyd’s "Groove Me,” and Dorothy Moore’s “Misty Blue.” The company also delves heavily into the gospel market. Their gospel releases include records by the Soul Stirrers, the Sensational Nightingales, and many more. Malaco is now the most important black gospel label in the world. They are celebrating 75 years of gospel music. They also record jazz, southern soul, and blues. The book contains photographs and a forward by rock expert Peter Guralnick. You can peruse their website by going to: https://malaco.com - Pamela Horner |
UPDATE: Billy Stewart Documentary now on PBS TV stations this month
We ran an article in a previous issue of this newsletter about the new Billy Stewart documentary. We'll it's finally here! The documentary covers this extraordinary soul singer's life from his days as a young piano player to a famous R&B balladeer. His unique style of singing mastered word doubling and scatting throughout his songs and performances. Tragically, Billy and three members of his band were killed in 1970 when he lost control of his car and it plunged into the Neuse River outside of Smithfield, North Carolina. Billy's hit records included “I Do Love You”, “Sitting in The Park” and “Summertime”. You can now watch the entire documentary on line by clicking " Fat Boy: The Billy Stewart Doc" or check your local PBS TV station schedule to see it on your TV this month.
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Above photo found on the internet. Some people can't go anywhere without their records. I know the feeling. - Charlie
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James Purify R&B Singer of ‘I’m Your Puppet’ Fame, dies at 76
James Purify, half of the duo James and Bobby Purify, whose single “I’m Your Puppet” landed at #6 on the Pop Charts and #5 on the R&B Charts in 1966, died on Jan. 22. Purify died of complications of Covid-19 at age 76. James Purify's partner Bobby Purify was actually Robert Lee Dickey, Purify’s cousin. The duo had other hits including “Shake a Tail Feather" and “Let Love Come Between Us.” James Lee Purify was born May 12, 1944 in Pensacola, Florida. To watch James & Bobby Purify sing live, click " I'm Your Puppet." [James is left in the photo above.] |
Winfield Parker, soul singer dies at 78.
Winfield Parker, a rhythm and blues vocalist and saxophonist who accompanied Little Richard, Otis Redding and Ike and Tina Turner, died Jan. 18 of complications from COVID-19 at age 78. .Parker's career spanned 60 years. He was born in and raised in Cooksville Maryland.. As a teenager, he recorded with Sammy Fitzhugh & the Moroccan's ( Popular label) and played saxophone for Little Richard’s band, and toured with Otis Redding and Ike & Tina Turner before embarking on a solo career. As a soloist Winfield recorded for a number of labels including Ru-Jac, Arctic, Wand, Spring and GSF. He eventually turned to gospel music, singing with the group, Praise. Click to hear one of my favorite ballads by Winfield Parker, " A Fallen Star." |
Sun Records purchased by New York company Primary Wave for $30M
Sun Records, the independent Memphis label that helped launch the birth of rock 'n' roll has been sold to New York-based music company, Primary Wave for a reported $30,000,000. The sale, includes nearly 6,000 master recordings by artists like Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, the Prisonaires, Little Milton, Rufus Thomas, Little Junior Parker, Five Tinos, Jerry Lee Lewis and of course, many more. The sale also includes the Sun Records logo and branding but not the Elvis Presley masters as they were sold to RCA Victor back in the day. Sun Records was formed back in 1952 by Sam Phillips.
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Rare Picture Sleeve from our CUH Archives: Are the Amory Brothers the Ames Brothers?
Each issue we feature a rare picture sleeve to a 7" single or EP vinyl record for those record collectors reading our newsletter. This is an interesting one because it may not be what it is advertised to be! The Extended Play 45 RPM came out in the early 1950's on the Varsity label. The cover says it is by Thelma Carpenter & the Ames Brothers, Actually, two sides, "These Foolish Things" and "Harlem On My Mind" are solo efforts by Thelma Carpenter. The other two sides, "Joshua Fit De Battle Of Jericho" and "American Lullaby" are by Thelma Carpenter and a group. The record says AMES BROTHERS. Actually, "Joshua Fit De Battle Of Jericho" first came out in 1947 on the Majestic label as by Thelma Carpenter & the FOUR AMORY BROTHERS. Are the AMORY BROTHERS and the AMES BROTHERS one and the same? To me, the Amory Brothers sound black while the Ames Brothers are white. Does anyone know? Wikipedia says they are the same but that may be just speculation. The Ames Brothers signed with Decca (Coral) in 1948. You decide. To hear "Joshua..." click Thelma Carpenter & the Amory Brothers.
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Russell Haas, drummer for the group Desire, dies at 61.
Russell Haas, drummer for the Lehigh Valley, PA group, Desire, passed away on January 21, 2021. Desire is a vocal harmony singing group that we've enjoyed seeing perform several times. They specialize on oldies classics, doo-wop, acappella and street corner harmonies.
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Cleveland Freeman, musician, musical director for Cleftones, others, passes at age 70.
Cleveland Freeman. musical director with the Cleftones and left handed Fender bass player who toured with Arlene Smith of the Chantels, the Toys, the Shirelles, Dixie Cups, Chuck Jackson, Shirley Alston Reeves and many others has died Cleveland had long struggled with cancer and kidney failure. Cleveland was born and raise in Queens, NY. He started his own band the Diplomats and over the course of his career backed many know artists. Cleveland died on February 5, 2021 at the age of 70.
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Zeke Suarez of the Exquisites dies at 75..
Ezequiel “Zeke” Suarez, member of the doo wop group, the Exquisites, died January 20, 2021. Zeke was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and Moved to West Harlem, NYC when he was five. He joined the Exquisites as second tenor in 1991 and recorded with them on the Ave D label.
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Jim Weatherly, Grammy winning songwriter dies at 77.
Jim Weatherly, the Grammy Award winning songwriter of hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” and “You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” died on February 3 at the age of 77. Weatherly wrote songs recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips, Glenn Campbell, Kenny Rodgers, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Ray Price, The Oakridge Boys and many others. Born in Pontotoc, Mississippi, Weatherly career as a songwriter spanned more than 50 years.
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Danny Ray, "Cape Man" to James Brown dies.
Danny Ray, James Brown's longtime personal valet and emcee, who became an integral part of the singer’s stage show as his “cape man” died February 2 at the age of 85. James Brown hired Danny Ray as his personal valet and show emcee in 1960. When Brown would perform “Please Please Please,” he would drop to his knees, overcome with emotion. Ray would rush to Brown’s side to drape a cape over his shoulders and help him offstage. Of course, Brown would throw the cape from his shoulders and return to sing. This iconic scene was repeated at so many concerts, Danny Ray would become known as Brown's "cape man.".
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