#574 (Week of 7/19/08 - 7/25/08)

---

THIS WEEK'S SELECTIONS PROVIDED BY ANDREW BOHAN

"Talk About The Weather" by The Gems Drexel 901 released in 1954

"Since I Fell For You" by Dorothy Logan And The Gems Drexel 902 released in 1954

"You're Tired Of Love" by The Gems Drexel 904 released in 1955

Above: 1954 photo of The Gems (L-R) Rip Reed (bass), Wilson James (baritone, bass), Ray Pettis (lead tenor), Bobby Robinson (first tenor, guitar), and David Taylor (second tenor).

This group had five releases, all on Drexel (1954-1957) plus one side backing Dorothy Logan (1954). Ray Pettis also had two single artist releases on Drexel (1956).

Click HERE to view an article about The Gems by Marv Goldberg.
(Will open in a separate window)

Click HERE for information about the Drexel Label at Red Saunders Research Foundation website.
(Will open in a separate window)

Above: Label images for Drexel 901 and Drexel 902, both released in June 1954.

Trade Magazine Article (June 5, 1954): Drexel Label Forms in Chicago
Drexel Records, a new company, was formed here last week by Paul King, Chicago businessman, and Les Caldwell, former salesman for King Records in New York and Chicago.

Drexel already has two releases on the market, and plans to release new sides on a regular schedule, with an eye to both the pop and r.&b. markets. Caldwell, acting general manager of the firm and a.&r. head, stated he is negotiating for national distribution of the label. He also said the label is looking for more talent to add to its roster.

Firm's first release included "Deed I Do" and "Talk About the Weather" by a vocal group, the Gems, and singer Dorothy Logan's etching of "Small-Town Man." (Flip side of Drexel 902)

Above Left: Another 1954 photo of The Gems (L-R) Bobby Robinson, David Taylor, Ray Pettis, Wilson James, and Rip Reed.

Above Right: Label image for Drexel 904 released in June 1955.

Listen to this week's selections by (Dorothy Logan And) The Gems:
[Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]

A. Stream RealAudio (DO NOT USE...LISTEN USING DOWNLOAD REALAUDIO)...          Talk About The Weather - The Gems - Drexel 901 - 1954        Since I Fell For You - Dorothy Logan And The Gems - Drexel 902 - 1954        You're Tired Of Love - The Gems - Drexel 904 - 1955          ALL THREE SONGS played in sequence   B. Download RealAudio...          Talk About The Weather - The Gems - Drexel 901 - 1954        Since I Fell For You - Dorothy Logan And The Gems - Drexel 902 - 1954        You're Tired Of Love - The Gems - Drexel 904 - 1955     C. Stream/Download Media Player...          Talk About The Weather - The Gems - Drexel 901 - 1954        Since I Fell For You - Dorothy Logan And The Gems - Drexel 902 - 1954        You're Tired Of Love - The Gems - Drexel 904 - 1955

    [To download files, right-click on link and then select "Save (Link) Target As..."]

This site is non-commercial. All information displayed is provided to further the general public's knowledge of RnB vocal group harmony.