R&B Vocal Groups  - Page 2

The Harptones

The Harptones were one of the most polished of the NYC groups. With the distinctive lead voice of Willie Winfield, and the writing/arranging talents of Raoul Cita, the Harptones were the quintessential NYC vocal group. The Harptones recorded many vocal group classics such as " Sunday Kind Of Love" b/w "I'll Never Tell", "Life Is But A Dream", "My Memories of You", "That's The Way It Goes","On Sunday Afternoon" and "Since I Fell For You". The current Harptones configuration consists of 3 original members, lead tenor Willie Winfield, William "Dempsey" James, and arranger /song writer Raoul Cita. The group is rounded out with Marlowe Murray, formerly of the Fi-Tones and newest member Vickie Burgess, previously with the Joytones and Charmers

The Dubs

One of the premier 'ballad" groups of the mid to late 50's, The Dubs featured the lead voice of Richard Blandon and produced a string of vocal group harmony classics on Gone between 1957-59. Their dramatically styled ballads  included "Could This Be Magic", "Don't Ask Me To Be Lonely" both written by Blandon, "Chapel Of Dreams", "Is There A Love For Me", and "Be Sure My Love".

 
The Four Fellows

The Four Fellows were not your average 50's Brooklyn street corner group. Their sound was smooth  and polished,  reflecting influences of Gospel "Jubilee", Barbershop and Pop groups like the Four Freshmen. The group had a few different lineups, but the constant was Jimmy McGowan. Jimmy sang lead on most of their recordings. They are best remembered for "Soldier Boy", written by group member David "Sugar Lump" Jones. But the group recorded many other outstanding ballads, including "In The Rain", "Angels Say", "Fallen Angel", "You Don't Know Me" and "Give Me Back My Broken Heart". They provided backup to other artists such as Bette McLaurin, Toni Banks and folksinger Josh White on an album of spirituals. The Four Fellows were recently inducted into the UGHA Hall of Fame in honor of their contributions to vocal group harmony.

( Jim McGowan, backed by the Sheps sings "Soldier Boy" at UGHA Hall Of Fame show on April 4, 1998 at which the Four Fellows were inducted.)

The return of a classic !

Jimmy McGowan has re-written his landmark book "Hear Today, Here To Stay", which talks about his days as lead singer of the 4 Fellows ("Soldier Boy") and the music industry in general. The first edition has long been out of print, and this is a great opportunity for you to get a copy. After having recently read the book, it gets our enthusiastic endorsement.

The book can be obtained directly from the publisher at:

AKASHIC PRESS

107 LINCOLN DRIVE WEST

AMBLER, PA 19002

The cost is only $24.95, which includes postage.

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