R&B Vocal Groups
The Penguins
The Penguins, with Cleve Duncan on lead also included Dexter Tisby, Curtis Williams and Bruce Tate. Their 1954 recording of "Earth Angel" b/w "Hey Senorita" on Dootone is one of the best known R&B group harmony ballads of the 50's. They had other fine Dootone recordings with songs like "Love Will Make Your Mind Go Wild", "Ookey Ook" and "Kiss A Fool Goodbye". With a label switch to Mercury, they continued with more fine material including "Be Mine Or Be A Fool", "My Troubles Are Not At An End", "Devil That I See" and "A Christmas Prayer". Some excursions to other labels produced "Dealer of Dreams/Peace Of Mind"-Wing, "Pledge Of Love"-Atlantic, and "Memories Of El Monte"- Original Sound.
The Crests
The Crests featured the fine lead tenor voice of Johnny Maestro ( Mastrangelo). Other original group members were J.T. Carter, Talmadge Gough, Harold Torres and Patrica Van Dross ( sister of Luther VanDross). The Crests are well known for their two sided hit "My Juanita" b/w "Sweetest One", recorded in 1957 on Joyce. From 1958-60, and now on Coed, the Crests had several other hits including " Pretty Little Angel", "I Thank The Moon", "Step By Step", "The Angels Listened In" and probably their most famous record "16 Candles" They later recorded as Johnny Maestro & Crests on Parkway with "My Time", "Heartburn" and "Come See Me". Johnny Maestro later formed the Brooklyn Bridge and still performs with the group today, doing both Crests and Brooklyn Bridge material.
The Deltairs
The Deltairs, originally from Jamaica-Queens, NY are remembered for their 1957 hit "Lullaby Of The Bells" on IVY. They also recorded "Standing At The Altar " on IVY in 1958, and "Who Would Have Thought" for Felsted in 1958. The group consisted of Barbara Thompson on lead, Barbara Lee, Carol Stansbury, Thelma Stansbury and Shirley Taylor.
(Thanks to Paul Errante for additional
information on The Deltairs)
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