#947 (6/5/23)

IMPERIAL RECORDS - PART FOUR (1953-1957)

BY TONY FOURNIER



Imperial artists included in Part Four of this article are Fats Domino, Gene Gilmore, Little James Booker, Pee Wee Crayton, The Spiders, The Hawks, The Pelicans, and The Kidds.



FATS DOMINO (CONTINUED)
(This is the fourth, and final, section on Fats. The first three are in the Imperial Records - Part One, Imperial Records - Part Two, and Imperial Records - Part Three articles.)
Above: CASH BOX COVER, October 5, 1957:
CAPTION: Fats Domino, whose first record session for Imperial in 1949 produced "The Fat Man", his initial million seller, is celebrating the occasion of his 25,000,000th record sold. Fats has had fifteen gold records, with "Blueberry Hill", his biggest seller, topping the 3,000,000 mark.

Congratulating Fats on his spectacular feat is Imperial president Lew Chudd, who discovered the singer eight years ago in New Orleans. To coincide with the celebration, Chudd has just released a new Domino single, "Wait And See" backed with "I Still Love You".

WATCH the VIDEO of Fats Domino singing "Wait And See" from the 1957 Warner Brothers film "Jamboree" in MP4 format. (Will open in a new window)

"Wait And See", composed by Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew, was recorded on March 7, 1957 and released on Imperial 5467 in 1957.

LISTEN to the ACTUAL RECORD (Using Windows Media Player):
"Wait And See" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5467 - 1957.


CASH BOX, March 23, 1957: DOMINO GETS 15TH GOLD DISK
HOLLYWOOD—With his current Imperial disk "I'm Walkin'" going over the million mark in sales, Fats Domino this week hit his 15th gold record, indicating a million or more records sold on 15 individual disks, announced label prexy Lew Chudd.

Domino, whose aggregate sales for Imperial in ten years [sic] is reported in excess of 25 million records, formally received his 15th gold disk at a special presentation by Chudd when the artist arrived in Los Angeles, March 15.

Chudd lists the 15 million-sellers as: "Please Don't Leave Me", "The Fat Man", "Ain't It A Shame", "Bo Weevil", "All By Myself", "Going Home", "Little School Girl", "How Long", "Poor Poor Me", "Going To The River", "Don't You Know", "I'm In Love Again", "Blueberry Hill", "Blue Monday", and "I'm Walkin'".

Domino has been a steady seller throughout the years, particularly in the Rhythm and Blues field. In recent years, he moved over into the pop field while still retaining his following in the Rhythm and Blues market.

Domino has achieved his sales with virtually little ballyhoo and fanfare. Chudd, in attributing much of Domino's success to exposure, explained: "Fats plays clubs and concerts 52 weeks out of the year and this is the best promotion any recording artist can get."





Above Left: CASH BOX, October 5, 1957.

Above Right: CASH BOX, October 5, 1957.

NOTE: The above are two examples of the thirty-four congratulations to Fats Domino (and Lew Chudd) placed in this edition of Cash Box!


CASH BOX, March 16, 1957: IMPERIAL SELLS 2 MILLION DISKS IN ONE MONTH
HOLLYWOOD—For the first time in its 12-year history, Imperial Records has hit a one-month sales figure of 2,000,000 records, it was announced by label prexy Lew Chudd. Chudd revealed that January of this year was the record breaking month, with February close behind with sales just passing the 1,500,000 mark.

To keep up with the demand, Imperial is currently employing five pressing plants: two in Los Angeles, and one each in Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Memphis.

Commenting on the record breaking months, Chudd said that "Much of the success can be attributed to the musical classification barriers being broken in the past year. Everything is now pop. Rock and Roll, Country and Western are selling right along side what the industry once labeled as pop records.

Trade charts have intermingled the various categorical hits in the pop listings. Radio stations," continues Chudd, "are treating all music the same way in their programming, and last but most importantly, the record buyer knows no categorizing bounds."

Because of this, Chudd predicts that 1957 will be the biggest record buying year in the history of the industry. And Imperial has already initiated expansion plans in artists, personnel, and pressing facilities to meet the expected demand.


EARLY FATS DOMINO REVISITED

Above: Fats Domino on piano with the Billy Diamond Orchestra at the Hideaway Club, New Orleans, circa 1949.

CASH BOX, October 5, 1957:
....(In 1949, Lew Chudd, owner and president of Imperial Records,) flew to New Orleans, then the hub for R & B music and signed arranger-writer Dave Bartholomew to an exclusive Imperial contract.... The two set out immediately, scouring New Orleans for talent. On one of their nightly club-to-club prowls, Chudd discovered a singer-piano player named Fats Domino....

"The first time I heard Fats," smiles Chudd, "he knocked me out. It was late at night and the club was packed and noisy. But when Fats came on the noise changed to a mountain of hands clapping in unison and voices murmuring 'yeh' in agreement with each line of the lyrics. And it wasn't long before I was joining in."

Above: Fats Domino at the Hideaway Club, New Orleans, circa 1949-1950. (L-R) Fats Domino (at the piano), Charles Burbank (alto sax), Hiram Armstrong (tenor sax), and Dave Oxley (drums).


FATS DOMINO — 1954-1956
Above Left: Fats Domino.

Above Right: Label image for Imperial 5323, released in 1954. The composer is Randal Don Hall. This side was recorded on December 14, 1953. The flip-side, "I Know", recorded in November 1954, was composed by "A. Domino - D. Bartholomew".


CASH BOX SLEEPER OF THE WEEK — DECEMBER 11, 1954
NOTE: The Billboard, dated 12/11/54, gave "Thinking Of You" a rating of 86 and "I Know" an 84. Their ratings had a range of 0-100 with 80-89 considered as "excellent".

THE BILLBOARD, December 4, 1954:
Review Spotlight on ... — I KNOW/THINKING OF YOU - Fats Domino - Imperial 5323
Fats Domino shows again that he is one of the best blues singers of the day with two solid readings of blues material. Top side is in the Domino tradition, long on melody and short on lyric. The flip is a warm effort.

NOTE: IMO, this is the best two-sided record ever by Fats Domino. Interesting also is that the title of "Thinking Of You" is never sang in the song. Check it out.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Thinking Of You" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5323 - 1954.
2. "I Know" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5323 - 1954.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.

Above Left: Label image for Imperial 5340, recorded on January 27, 1955 and released in 1955. "Helping Hand" is the flip-side of this record.

Above Right: Label image for Imperial 5348, recorded on March 15, 1955 and released in 1955. The flip-side, "La-La" was recorded on March 30, 1955.

The Imperial label design changed shortly after this record was first released. Reissues of the record have the new block print "IMPERIAL" label design (see far right top).

All four sides of the above records were composed by Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew.

THE BILLBOARD, February 19, 1955:
Review Spotlight on ... — DON'T YOU KNOW - Fats Domino - Imperial 5340
The fine blues singer sells this new blues rocker in his own inimitable style, over a pounding beat by the ork. It's a wild Domino waxing, which should mean plenty of sales....

THE BILLBOARD, March 19, 1955:
This Week's Best Buys — DONT YOU KNOW - Fats Domino - Imperial 5340
Domino has come thru with another solid seller, which this week edged on to the national retail chart. Best sales so far have been in New York, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Richmond, Cincinnati, Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis, and New Orleans.

At Direct Right: THE BILLBOARD, March 26, 1955.

At Far Right: CASH BOX, September 19, 1955.
NOTE 1: The title "Ain't That A Shame" belongs to Pat Boone's version of the song.
NOTE 2: Smiley Lewis was featured in the Imperial Records - Part Two and Part Three articles. The Barons and The Jewels will be included in Part Five.

CASH BOX, April 23, 1955:
....Lew Chudd, prexy of Imperial Records, kept the recording studios busy last week as he prepped new releases. His latest waxing by The Spiders titled "Am I The One" is showing strong signs along with Fats Domino's very newest "Ain't It A Shame" b/w "Lala Lala" [sic "La-La"]....

THE BILLBOARD, April 30, 1955:
This Week's Best Buys — AIN'T IT A SHAME/LA-LA - Fats Domino - Imperial 5348
First week reports on this new Domino release indicate that it is a powerhouse. Nashville, Durham, Atlanta, St. Louis, New Orleans, Baltimore, and Buffalo were especially enthusiastic about initial customer response. "Ain't It A Shame" is the more popular of the two sides at this stage, tho action is good on both.

CASH BOX, June 18, 1955:
....Imperial Records is now one of the hottest labels in the country with such hits as Fats Domino's "Ain't It A Shame", The Jewels' "Angel In My Life", and Smiley Lewis' "Real Gone Lover"....

THE BILLBOARD, July 9, 1955:
THE BILLBOARD TRIPLE CROWN AWARD this week goes to Fats Domino for his click waxing of "Ain't It a Shame" — The slicing hit the No. 1 spot on all three rhythm and blues charts — Dealer, Juke Box, and Disk Jockey.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Don't You Know" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5340 - 1955.
2. "Helping Hand" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5340 - 1955.
3. "Ain't It A Shame" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5348 - 1955.
4. "La-La" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5348 - 1955.

ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.



Above Left: THE BILLBOARD, April 2, 1955.

Above Center: CASH BOX, March 5, 1955.

Above Right: THE BILLBOARD, May 5, 1955.


CASH BOX AWARD O' THE WEEK— APRIL 30, 1955

WATCH the VIDEO of Fats Domino singing "Ain't It A Shame" from the 1956 American International film "Shake, Rattle & Rock!" in MP4 format. (Will open in a new window)

Strange looking dominoes under Fats' name! In this movie, Fats Domino also sings "I'm In Love Again" (flip-side of "My Blue Heaven") and "Honey Chile" (flip-side of "Blueberry Hill").


FATS DOMINO AND HIS BAND (FROM THE 1957 WARNER BROTHERS MOVIE "JAMBOREE")

In this movie, Fats Domino sings just the one song, "Wait And See". VIDEO is provided further up on this page. He also performed in the 1956 Twentieth Century Fox film, "The Girl Can't Help It", singing "Blue Monday. And the 1958 Universal film, "The Big Beat", singing the title song and "I'm Walkin'".
Above Left: Label image for Imperial 5369, recorded on September 23, 1955 and released in 1955.

Above Right: Label image for Imperial 5396, recorded on November 30, 1955 and released in 1956.

Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew still collaborating on great songs!

THE BILLBOARD, November 5, 1955:
Review Spotlight on ... — POOR ME - Fats Domino - Imperial 5369
Domino belts out a lustry* rhythm novelty with great good humor and his usual superb vocal showmanship. The disk has much of the infectious lyric quality and brisk pacing that made Domino's "Ain't That a Shame" waxing a best seller. This one should prove an equal success with deejays, jukes, and across the counter....

(*NOTE: The reviewer probably meant "lusty", i.e. energetic, powerful...)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Poor Me" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5369 - 1955.
2. "So-Long" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5396 - 1956.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.


FATS DOMINO AND DAVE BARTHOLOMEW COLLABORATING ON A SONG


CASH BOX AWARD O' THE WEEK — NOVEMBER 12, 1955


CASH BOX AWARD O' THE WEEK — JULY 14, 1956


THE BILLBOARD — AUGUST 4, 1956

Above Left: FROM CASH BOX COVER — JANUARY 28, 1956     [NOTE: This looks to be a fake 78-rpm record.]

CAPTION: Fats Domino, who was voted the Best Rhythm 'N Blues Male Vocalist of 1955 in The Cash Box Poll, hands Jim Ameche of KLAC in Los Angeles a copy of his latest Imperial record "Don't Blame It On Me" and "Bo Weevil".

Domino is currently enjoying one of the hottest periods of his entire career as a result of his hit records last year.

Not only did he introduce "Ain't That A Shame", which went on to become the number one song in the country, but he had another smash in "Poor Me", which is still on the charts.

Above Right: Label image for Imperial 5375, released in 1955. The side shown was recorded on November 7, 1955, while the flip-side, "Bo Weevil", was recorded on October 15, 1955. This label shows "Reeve Music Co., Inc." as the song publisher. Earlier Fats Domino records have "Commodore Music Corp." as the publisher.

THE BILLBOARD, May 2, 1953: CHUDD BOWS 2 MUSICAL PUBBERS
HOLLYWOOD—Lewis R. Chudd, Imperial Records head, this week began operating two new music pubberies following granting of permits by Edwin M. Daugherty, commissioner of corporations. Firms are Reeve Music Company, Inc., with $25,000 capital, and Opal Music Company, Inc., same capital.

Reeve is an ASCAP and Opal a BMI affiliate. Chudd shares the Opal pubbery with William E. Liebert and Wesley Webb West. Chudd also owns Commodore Music.

(NOTE: The article has the affiliations backwards. Reeve Music was BMI and Opal was ASCAP.)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Don't Blame It On Me" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5375 - 1955.
2. "Bo Weevil" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5375 - 1955.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.


CASH BOX, October 5, 1957: CONSISTENT HIT MAKER
NEW ORLEANS—Antoine "Fats" Domino, affectionately referred to as "The Fat Man From New Orleans", is probably one of the most successful recording artists the record business has ever known. Long before the rock and roll craze took the pop market by storm, Fats had been one of the most consistent hit producers in the Rhythm and Blues Field. Few artists in the R & B area can look back at a career studded with a consecutive chain of smash best sellers.

When R & B music went pop and the rock and roll sensation took America and the rest of the world by storm, Fats Domino was one of the first of the R & B entertainers to win the approval of the teenagers. And he has stayed up there ever since, continuing his unbroken chain of hits in the pop market.

He is almost always a headline attraction at one-nighters and has been cheered by millions of people who have seen him perform thru the years.

Above Left: Domino, who has written many of his own smash hits, places an acetate of one of his new releases on his home phono.

Above Center: Fats sings his latest Imperial recording "Wait And See" to his charming wife, Rosemary.

Above Right: Fats' son, Antoine Domino, III, teams up with his dad at home to run thru an impromptu jam session. Fats III, in addition to playing the drums, is also a first rate singer.


THE IMPERIAL RECORDS STORY (PART FIVE)
(CASH BOX, October 5, 1957)

....(Lew) Chudd started his own publishing firm, and soon he was also handling many important copyrights. Other labels came to him for material, and writers by the hundreds began sending thousands of songs a year to Imperial.

"I make it a policy," says Chudd, "to listen to every piece of material that comes in. More hits are written by unknown writers than by established 'big name' writers. The majority, I admit, are turned down. But if I find one hit in every 100 songs, it's paid for my time; because while I profit as a record company and a publisher, my artists profit even more with a hit record."

To keep pace with Imperial's rapidly expanding operation, Chudd moved to larger quarters in Hollywood, set up a permanent New Orleans office, and opened a New York office. He flew to Europe and appointed distributors in countries where Imperial was not represented. Today the Imperial line can be bought in almost every country in the world....

When Rock and Roll caught the teenagers' fancy and hit like a bombshell in the music world, Chudd, though not surprised, was quick to take advantage of it. Since Imperial had been a leader in the field, its operation was already geared to give the country what it wanted. The only change required was the addition of four more pressing plants to meet the heavy pressing demands. With these four new plants, Chudd now had seven.

Domino, who up to this time was known only by a relatively special set of record buyers, became a household name along with Elvis Presley and Pat Boone. Other Imperial artists like Roy Brown and Ernie Freeman were selling bigger than ever before....

"When a distributor orders, he wants it yesterday not tomorrow. I've seen too many potential hits fall by the wayside because a dealer did not have merchandise when he needed it." As an example, Chudd signed singing sensation Ricky Nelson. His first record, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?" b/w "Be-Bop Baby", recently hit the market to the tune of a 600,000 initial pressing order. Though the pressing order had not yet been completed, Chudd kept the presses rolling until he hit a million because he anticipated a million seller. And to showcase and introduce Ricky on Imperial, promotion minded Chudd made up a four color sleeve for the single.....


LEW CHUDD AT THE IMPERIAL STUDIO

THE BILLBOARD, September 10, 1955:
CHUDD IMPERIAL LAUNCHES SUBSID WITH POST LABEL
HOLLYWOOD—The continued growth of subsidiary labels was further evidenced this week with the announcement of the formation of Post Records by Lew Chudd, president of Imperial Records. Prominent among independent platteries, Imperial has had repeated success in both the rhythm and blues and country fields for a number of years.

The move to form a subsidiary label is predicated on the need to expose additional talent and music according to Chudd. The Post label is expected to make its bow September 10 with a release of four records. Talent includes veteran T. Bone Walker, Earl Curry, the Hawks, and the Kidds.

New label will also have a completely new set of independent distributors with Chudd and repertoire assistant Eddie Ray scheduled to make a tour of the country soon and make appointments. Firm is expected to sign additional talent for the Post label, with negotiations for several artists currently under way.

Label will feature rhythm and blues initially, tho it is expected to delve into the pop and country and western fields in future releases.

THE BILLBOARD, March 23, 1957: IMPERIAL EXPANDS WITH FIVE FOLD PLAN
HOLLYWOOD—Lew Chudd, president of Imperial Records, last week announced a five fold plan for expansion in 1957, commensurate with the label's $7,000,000 expected gross for this year—a $2,000,000 increase over 1956.

The plan includes: The addition of two more pressing plants to handle Imperial's increased volume, which will bring the total number to nine.... A full scale entry into motion picture sound track albums. Chudd is currently bidding on four productions.

Expansion in the pop field. Towards this end, Chudd has already signed George Liberace, Nellie Lutcher, Bob Winn, Fay Adams, and Beverly Vance. Chudd hopes to boost pops to 40% of Imperial's total volume.

(NOTE: George Liberace was the older brother of celebrity pianist "Liberace". George was an orchestra conductor/arranger and a violinist.)

The opening of a New York office and the doubling of Imperial's personnel. Imperial's home office is in Hollywood. And the construction of Imperial's own building in Hollywood. Chudd is currently negotiating for property and plans to be in his own building by the end of 1957....


LEW CHUDD HARD AT WORK IN HIS OFFICE
(ARIZONA REPUBLIC, October 28, 1955)

ARTISTS WITH RECORDS ON IMPERIAL'S 5000 R&B SERIES (1955-1957)

Smiley Lewis
Bobby Mitchell And The Toppers
T-Bone Walker
The Spiders
The Hawks
Joe Houston
The Kidds (Pelicans)
Pee Wee Crayton
Lil' Son Jackson
Fats Domino
The Barons
Roosevelt Sykes
Dave Bartholomew

The Jewels
Bernie Williams And The Scrubs
Johnny Fuller
The Bruno Sisters
Joe Morris And Ursula Reed
Bobby Mitchell And The Toppers
Ernie Freeman
Viviane Greene
Lew Williams
The Victorials
The Honey Bees (Gay Notes)
The Dukes
Wild Bill Davis

Roy Brown
Elmore Nixon
Rudy Jackson (Of The Jewels)
The Mints (Ken Copeland)
The Strikes
Nellie Lutcher
James (Sugarboy) Crawford
Faye Adams
Chris Kenner
The Scholars
Ken Copeland
Ricky Nelson
The Paris Sisters

GENE GILMORE; LITTLE BOOKER

Eugene (Jimmie) Gilmore, from Chicago, was a blues singer and pianist. He had two records on the Imperial label, both in 1953. In the early 1940s, Gene was a member of The Five Breezes on Bluebird Records. In the mid-1940s, he was with The Four Jumps Of Jive, who recorded for the brand new Mercury label.

Little James Booker, from New Orleans, was a blues singer and pianist. He had just the one record on the Imperial label, recorded in June 1954 when he was fourteen years old. Per the American Blues Scene website, Little James, a proficient and versatile pianist, provided the piano tracks for some of Fats Domino's records.

Above Left: Label image for Imperial 5215, released in 1953. The flip is "Mable Bell". Both sides composed by "Jimmie Gilmore", aka Gene Gilmore.

Above Middle: Label image for Imperial 5293, released in 1954. The flip-side is "Thinkin Bout My Baby", composed by "Booker & Bartholomew". Both sides were recorded on June 6, 1954.

Above Right: Photo of Little James Booker.

THE BILLBOARD, January 3, 1953:
....Lou Chudd, of Imperial Records, (announced that) Gene Gilmore, Chicago chirper, has been added to the r&b (division)....

Cash Box Review (1/31/53):

GENE GILMORE — Imperial 5215
Mable Bell (B)
A number that must have been spawned by a Mexican Jumping Bean is the material for chanter Gene Gilmore. Gilmore sings a spirited quick beat with a torrid arrangement drivingly projected by the ork.
I Want To Be With Her (C+) The under portion is a slow tempo love tune warmly sung by the artist. Gilmore sings it pretty straight and the side has a pop feel.
(NOTE: A rating of C+ was considered as "good" and B as "very good".)

For whatever reason, Cash Box did a second review of the same record, with the ratings switched:

Cash Box Review (2/14/53):

GENE GILMORE — Imperial 5215
Mable Bell (C+)
Gene Gilmore belts out a fast moving bounce with a solid vocal. Some torrid horn blowing is spotlighted.
I Want To Be With Her (B) The flip is a slow tender item emotionally read by Gilmore. Backing is on the easy side.
(NOTE: A rating of C+ was considered as "good" and B as "very good".)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "I Want To Be With Her" - Gene Gilmore - Imperial 5215 - 1953.
2. "Mable Bell" - Gene Gilmore - Imperial 5215 - 1953.
3. "Doing The Ham Bone" - Little Booker - Imperial 5293 - 1954.
4. "Thinkin Bout My Baby" - Little Booker - Imperial 5293 - 1954.

ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.


CASH BOX — JANUARY 10, 1953





CASH BOX — OCTOBER 8, 1960





EXTRA RECORDS — GENE GILMORE

Above: Photo of The Five Breezes. This Chicago group consisted of Joe Bell, Leonard Caston, Gene Gilmore, Willie Hawthorne, and Willie Dixon. Gilmore is at bottom left. Dixon, far left with bass fiddle, and Caston, at piano, later formed The Big Three Trio with Bernado Dennis on guitar.

Above: Photo of The Four Jumps Of Jive, (L-R) Ellis Hunter (guitar), Willie Dixon (bass), Gene "Jimmie" Gilmore (piano), and Bernardo Dennis (guitar).
Above Left: Label image for Bluebird B-8614-A, recorded on November 15, 1940 and released in January 1941. The flip-side is "Return, Gal Of Mine". Not so evident here, the label is a dark blue.

The Five Breezes had four records released on Bluebird (1940-41), all sides recorded on the same day. Eugene Gilmore is credited as composer on both sides of the above's labels.

Above Right: Label image for Mercury 2001 A, recorded on October 12, 1945 and released that same month. The label states "Special Effects by Jimmy Gilmore", which possibly means his scat-singing segment of the song. The flip-side is "It's Just The Blues", composed by "Gilmore-Jones", "Vocal by Jimmy Gilmore". The Four Jumps Of Jive had one more release on Mercury, also in 1945. All four sides are from the same recording session.

This is Mercury's very first record. The first sixteen records released on the Mercury label are by black artists.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "My Buddy Blues" - The Five Breezes - Bluebird B-8614-A - 1941.
2. "Return, Gal Of Mine" - The Five Breezes - Bluebird B-8614-B - 1941.
3. "Satchelmouth Baby" - The Four Jumps Of Jive - Mercury 2001 A - 1945.
4. "It's Just The Blues" - The Four Jumps Of Jive - Mercury 2001 B - 1945.

ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.


PEE WEE CRAYTON

Above: Pee Wee Crayton, from the Los Angeles area, was a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and band leader. He joined Modern Records in 1948 and soon thereafter had a big hit with the instrumental, "Blues After Hours".

After leaving Modern, he had records on the Aladdin (1951), Recorded In Hollywood (1953), Imperial (1954-1955), Post (1955), and Vee-Jay (1957) labels. During his time with Imperial, Pee Wee had six records released on that label plus one on Post, their subsidiary label.


Above Left: Label image for Imperial 5288, released in 1954. The flip-side is "Do Unto Others". Dave Bartholomew is composer for both sides. Both sides were recorded on April 29, 1954.

Above Middle: CASH BOX, July 3, 1954.
NOTE: The label has "Every Dog Has A Day"; the ad has "Every Dog Has His Day"; and actually sung is "Every Dog Has Got A Day". However, the actual saying is "Every Dog Has Its Day".

Above Right: Label image for Imperial 5321, recorded on October 21, 1954 and released in 1954. The flip-side for this one is "You Know, Yeah". Both sides composed by Esther Rose Crayton. She also wrote Pee Wee's "Be Faithful", included further down this page. Anyone know her relationship to Pee Wee? Possibly his wife?

Cash Box Review (6/26/54):

PEE WEE CRAYTON — Imperial 5288
Every Dog Has A Day (C+) Pee Wee Crayton sings an appealing folksy slow blues. Pee Wee prays for "that day" to come so that he can live good. Smooth delivery.
Do Unto Others (B) Pee Wee rocks a bouncer based on the old commandment. A good change of pace that moves.
(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good" and C+ as "good".)

Cash Box Review (12/11/54):

PEE WEE CRAYTON — Imperial 5321
You Know, Yeah (C+) Pee Wee Crayton sings a middle beat bouncer blues in the Crayton style to which we've become accustomed.
I Need Your Love (C+) Crayton handles the melodic tune easily. Pretty ditty reminiscent of "If You Were The Only Girl in The World".
(NOTE: A rating of C+ was considered as "good".)

(NOTE: Cash Box reviewed the same record five weeks later and thought more of it. See next.)

Cash Box Review (1/15/55):

PEE WEE CRAYTON — Imperial 5321
You Know, Yeah (B) Pee Wee Crayton sings a slow blues with an effervescent treatment. Ok platter.
I Need Your Love (B+) Pee Wee waxes sentimental on this side. A good etching that should sell big.
(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good" and B+ as "excellent".)

(NOTE: Compare this next review with the one above for the same record. A large difference in ratings between them. It seems the usual that The Billboard was the stricter of the two publications.)

The Billboard Review (1/15/55):

PEE WEE CRAYTON — Imperial 5321
I Need Your Love (69)
Crayton warbles country and western style against rhythm and blues type backing. Could sell in both markets.
You Know, Yeah (69) Back in a strictly r.&b. groove, Crayton wraps up a bright novelty in happy fashion.
(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 60-69 considered as "satisfactory".)

CASH BOX, January 29, 1955:
....Pee Wee Crayton left for New Orleans to record for Imperial Records. He will return to LA after the sessions to complete club dates along The West Coast. His latest, "I Need Your Love", is clicking off big....


THE BILLBOARD — JANUARY 29, 1955

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Every Dog Has A Day" - Pee Wee Crayton - Imperial 5288 - 1954.
2. "Do Unto Others" - Pee Wee Crayton - Imperial 5288 - 1954.
3. "I Need Your Love" - Pee Wee Crayton - Imperial 5321 - 1954.
4. "You Know, Yeah" - Pee Wee Crayton - Imperial 5321 - 1954.

ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.


PEE WEE CRAYTON AND HIS BAND
(Pee Wee is at far left with guitar. Inscription: "Best Wishes To Darryl A Great Pal From Pee Wee")

Above Left: Label image for Imperial 5345, recorded on October 21, 1954 and released in 1955.

As covered in the Imperial Records - Part Three article, this same song had been used for records three previous times! "Country Boy" on Deluxe (1949), "Country Boy Goes To Town" on Imperial (1950), and "Country Gal" on Bayou (1953), all three performed by Dave Bartholomew.

Above Right: Label image for Imperial 5353, released in 1955. The shown side was composed by Esther Rose Crayton. The flip-side, "Yours Truly", was composed by Dave Bartholomew. Both sides were recorded on April 15, 1955.

The Billboard Review (4/16/55):
PEE WEE CRAYTON — Imperial 5345
Runnin' Wild (76)
This is the story of the country boy succumbing to the temptations of urban flesh pots. The upbeat tempo stimulates Crayton to a feverish emotional pitch. A swinging side.
(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 70-79 considered as "good".)

Cash Box Review (4/16/55):

PEE WEE CRAYTON — Imperial 5345
Runnin' Wild
(B) Pee Wee's a little country boy running wild in a big town. Beat is moderate and Crayton swings off to a strong side.
(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good".)

At Right: ARIZONA SUN (Phoenix, AZ), March 13, 1953:
Hottest blues singer to hit the musical horizon since T-Bone Walker made his debut many years ago is young, handsome, and talented Pee Wee Crayton.... Crayton's exciting band catapulted to national prominence with its first recording of "Blues After Hours". The rest is musical history. The popularity of this guitar playing, blues singing maestro is attributed to his ability to appeal to the soul of those who love the blues.

The Billboard Review (6/11/55):

PEE WEE CRAYTON — Imperial 5353
Yours Truly (73)
Happy and rhythmic, this disking will give quick pleasure to many listeners. Good coin box material.
Be Faithful (66) Country material mated to an r.&b. beat spells customer confusion.
(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 60-69 considered as "satisfactory" and 70-79 as "good".)

(NOTE: The Cash Box reviewer had a different viewpoint and awarded substantially higher ratings for this record. See next.)

Cash Box Review (6/18/55):

PEE WEE CRAYTON — Imperial 5353
Be Faithful (B+) Pee Wee Crayton sings a western type vocal of a bouncing middle beat blues. So heavily western flavored that it should appeal more to that market than r&b.
Yours Truly (B+) Crayton chants a middle beat jump side with an appealing vocal and easy styling. Side moves well and could rack up strong sales.
(NOTE: A rating of B+ was considered as "excellent".)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Runnin' Wild" - Pee Wee Crayton - Imperial 5345 - 1955.
2. "Be Faithful" - Pee Wee Crayton - Imperial 5353 - 1955.
3. "Yours Truly" - Pee Wee Crayton (Vocal Backing By Band) - Imperial 5353 - 1955.

ALL THREE SONGS played in sequence.


ARIZONA SUN — MARCH 13, 1953
Above Left: Photo of Pee Wee Crayton.

Above Middle: TACOMA NEWS, February 19, 1955.
NOTE: Stage show features Pee Wee Crayton and Little Willie Littlefield. They both recorded for Modern Records during the period 1949-1951. Daddy Cleanhead was Chuck Higgins' featured vocalist at the time.

Above Right: 1949 photo of Little Willie Littlefield on piano and Pee Wee Crayton on guitar. They knew how to put on a show! Note the bass fiddle in the background!


THE SPIDERS

Above: The Spiders (L-R) Leonard "Chick" Carbo, Joe Maxon, Oliver Howard, Hayward "Chuck" Carbo, and Matthew "Mac" West.

The Spiders had thirteen records released on the Imperial label from January 1954 to December 1956. Eighteen of these sides feature Chuck Carbo singing lead. Their first record on Imperial was a hit, both sides making The Billboard's top ten r&b list. The Spiders were Imperial's most successful vocal group.

Click HERE for an article about THE SPIDERS by Marv Goldberg. (Will open in a separate window)

Above Left: Label image for Imperial 5265, recorded in December 1953 and released in January 1954. This is The Spiders' first record. The flip-side is "I Didn't Want To Do It". Chuck Carbo is lead singer on both sides.

Composer credited on the label is Adolph Smith, a singer and guitarist, who worked with The Spiders, but was not part of their group. Adolph composed several of The Spiders' songs: "You're The One" - "I Didn't Want To Do It" - "Tears Began To Flow" - "I'll Stop Crying" - "Lost And Bewildered" - "Sukey, Sukey, Sukey" - "For A Thrill".

Above Right: Label image for Imperial 5280, released in April 1954. The flip-side is "I'll Stop Crying". "Tears..." was recorded on January 19, 1954, the flip on March 11, 1954. Again, Chuck Carbo sings lead on both sides.

CASH BOX, January 2, 1954:
....Lew Chudd recently signed two new groups called the Spiders and The Hawks who will cut new sessions under the Imperial label....

THE BILLBOARD, January 16, 1954:
....Chudd, prexy of Imperial Records, disclosed the signing of a new vocal group, the Spiders with their first release, "I Don't Wanna Do It" [sic], already on the market....

CASH BOX, January 30, 1954:
....Mannie Goldberg of Mangold Distributing in Baltimore writes about an "atomic reaction" as a result of three days of intensive promotion on "I Didn't Want To Do It" by the Spiders, a new quartet on Imperial Records. Says Goldberg, "Promotional efforts through our radio shows, juke-box coverage, and our salesmen's determination to establish a hit always results in the maximum sales volume on a hit....

The Billboard Review (1/16/54):

THE SPIDERS — Imperial 5265
You're The One (78)
New group starts disk career in promising style, with lead registering strongly a group stays in background. Could easily get some action.
I Didn't Want To Do It (77) Heavy drum beat sparks this powerful rendition. Lead again shows up very effectively.
(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 70-79 considered as "good".)

THE BILLBOARD, February 13, 1954: THIS WEEK'S BEST BUYS...
THE SPIDERS — I DIDN'T WANT TO DO IT — Imperial 5265
Broke out nationally this past week, racking up strong sales in Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Nashville, Durham, St. Louis, and Atlanta. Action also was good in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Los Angeles. Flip is "You're the One".

THE BILLBOARD, March 20, 1954:
....The Spiders, now riding high via their Imperial cutting of "I Didn't Want To Do It", were pacted by the Shaw Artists Corporation this week. The firm also signed Smiley Lewis, also on the Imperial label....

The Billboard Review (4/24/54):

THE SPIDERS — Imperial 5280
Tears Began To Flow (83)
The group sounds like it has another strong item here. This is good blues and the vocal blend which clicked before is much in evidence again. Watch this.
I'll Stop Crying (82) It's a ballad on this side—a good one—and the result, commercially, is about the same.
(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 80-89 considered as "very good".)

CASH BOX, May 1, 1954:
....Lew Chudd, prexy of Imperial Records, has released two new sides by the Spiders that look like a smash follow-up to their hit "You're The One". Titles are "I'll Stop Cryin'" b/w "Tears Began To Flow"....

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "You're The One" - The Spiders - Imperial 5265 - 1954.
2. "I Didn't Want To Do It" - The Spiders - Imperial 5265 - 1954.
3. "Tears Began To Flow" - The Spiders - Imperial 5280 - 1954.
4. "I'll Stop Crying" - The Spiders - Imperial 5280 - 1954.

ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.


CASH BOX — MARCH 13, 1954









THE BILLBOARD — APRIL 24, 1954

CASH BOX AWARD O' THE WEEK — MAY 1, 1954


THE BILLBOARD — JANUARY 16, 1954

THE BILLBOARD — MAY 8, 1954



Above Left: Label image for Imperial 5331, released in January 1955. As evidenced here and throughout these "Imperial Records" articles, Dave Bartholomew was composing songs for many of Imperial's artists. Lead singer on this side is Chick Carbo, while the flip features Chuck Carbo's lead.

"That's Enough" was recorded on August 3, 1954, the flip-side, "Lost And Bewildered" on January 19, 1954. Per Disco File, this song was recorded with the title listed as "Slowly Losing My Mind", then changed to "Walking Around In Circles", and finally re-titled to "Lost And Bewildered".

Above Middle: THE BILLBOARD, January 29, 1955.

Above Right: THE BILLBOARD, February 5, 1955.

Cash Box Review (1/29/55):

THE SPIDERS — Imperial 5331
That's Enough (B+) The Spiders have a likely prospect in this melodic platter. Tune is intriguing and easy to remember, while the treatment is top-drawer. Delectable wax.
Lost And Bewildered (B) An easy to take slow rhythmic wailing blues. Pretty ditty with pop flavor.
(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good" and B+ as "excellent".)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "That's Enough" - The Spiders - Imperial 5331 - 1954.
2. "Lost And Bewildered" - The Spiders - Imperial 5331 - 1954.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.

Above Left: Label image for Imperial 5291, recorded on April 15, 1954 and released in June 1954. This is The Spiders' first record. The flip-side is "I'm Slippin In". Chuck Carbo is lead singer on both sides.

The composer of "I'm Searching" is probably Rose Mitchell, an Imperial Records singer and composer featured in Part Three of this article. BMI does not include any listing for this song. The other side was composed by Dave Bartholomew.

Above Middle: Label image for Imperial 5354, released in May 1955. Chuck Carbo is lead on the shown side. The flip-side is "Bells In My Heart" with Chuck's brother, Chick Carbo, on lead. "For A Thrill" was recorded on January 19, 1954, the flip-side, "Bells In My Heart" on October 27, 1954. Per Disco-File, "For A Thrill" was originally recorded with the title listed as "What's Goin' To Happen To Me".

Above Right: Label image for Imperial 5366, recorded on August 27, 1955 and released in September 1955. The flip-side is "Is It True?". It's Chuck Carbo singing lead on both sides. Pearl King and Dave Bartholomew are composers for both sides.

CASH BOX, June 19, 1954:
....Lew Chudd, prexy of Imperial Records, leaves June 20th to call on distributors in Cleveland, Detroit, Cincinnati, and Chicago. He has released new sides by one of his top groups that are causing lots of comment, "Slippin' In" b/w "I'm Searchin'" by The Spiders....

THE BILLBOARD, June 26, 1954: REVIEW SPOTLIGHT ON...
THE SPIDERS — I'M SLIPPIN' IN — Imperial 5291
The fine vocal group turns in a smart reading of a zingy new tune that could pull a lot of juke coins. The boys invest the tune with excitement over a real beat. Flip is "I'm Searching".

At Right: CASH BOX, July 17, 1954.
NOTE: Please, someone tell the Imperial promotion department that the song titles, as depicted on the labels, are "I'm Slippin In" and "I'm Searching".

The Billboard Review (6/11/55):

THE SPIDERS — Imperial 5354
For A Thrill (75) The boys sing with feeling and smooth sincerity on a moving weeper with an interesting beat.
Bells In My Heart (73) A relaxed, pleasant reading of a soothing ballad.
(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 70-79 considered as "good".)

Cash Box Review (6/18/55):

THE SPIDERS — Imperial 5354
For A Thrill (B+) The Spiders blend mellow and pop style as they present the slow beat ballad lovely. It is a sentimental, old Ink Spots type of treatment. Very pretty, well done.
Bells In My Heart (B) Another ballad blues with tender lyrics. The Spiders give it the same pop type treatment and the deck comes off easy to listen to, tho it lacks the punch of the top deck.
(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good" and B+ as "excellent".)

The Billboard Review (10/8/55):

THE SPIDERS — Imperial 5366
Is It True? (77) The beat here is slow and relaxed, but it isn't long before it proves to have a real grip. The fine lead of the group rides the beat in his usual tasty syncopated style. The Spiders have a good commercial record here.
Witchcraft (77) This side is quite a contrast to the flip. Picking up the beat, the group grabs hold of this simple, but easily remembered riff and lays it down solid. Another commendable side.
(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 70-79 considered as "good".)

Cash Box Review (10/15/55):

THE SPIDERS — Imperial 5366
Witchcraft (B+) The Spiders come up with a strong and pleasing modified rocker in the middle beat "Witchcraft". The group gives it an impelling reading that should get it plenty of attention.
Is It True? (B) The Spiders offer another excellent reading of a slow rhythmic blues with romantic lyrics. Easy treatment.
(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good" and B+ as "excellent".)

THE BILLBOARD, November 26, 1955: THIS WEEK'S BEST BUYS
THE SPIDERS — WITCHCRAFT — Imperial 5366
The Spiders have been gradually inching up to the charts and are now coming close to the goal. For several weeks it's been a best seller in Los Angeles, and it is also rated strong in Atlanta, Durham, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Nashville, and Philadelphia. Flip is "Is It True".

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "I'm Searching" - The Spiders - Imperial 5291 - 1954.
2. "I'm Slippin In" - The Spiders - Imperial 5291 - 1954.
3. "For A Thrill" - The Spiders - Imperial 5354 - 1955.
4. "Bells In My Heart" - The Spiders - Imperial 5354 - 1955.
5. "Witchcraft" - The Spiders - Imperial 5366 - 1955.
6. "Is It True?" - The Spiders - Imperial 5366 - 1955.

ALL SIX SONGS played in sequence.


CASH BOX — JULY 17, 1954

CASH BOX — JULY 3, 1954



THE BILLBOARD — JUNE 26, 1954

THE BILLBOARD — OCTOBER 15, 1955



CASH BOX — OCTOBER 29, 1955


Above: A 1955 photo of The Spiders (L-R) Bill Moore, Leonard "Chick" Carbo, Oliver Howard, and Issacher Gordon.

THE HAWKS

Above: THE BILLBOARD, April 24, 1954.

The Hawks began their Imperial Records' career as the New Orleans Humming Four, with one gospel record on that label released in August 1952. Adding Allen Matthews with the Humming Four, they switched to secular singing with one record on Imperial as Fat Man Matthews And The Four Kittens released in December 1952. A name change to The Hawks resulted in six records on Imperial (1954-1955) and one record on Imperial's subsidiary label, Post (1955).

The Hawks, using the name "The Scrubs", backed Dave Collins on one Imperial record (1952). They also backed Joan Scott on one Imperial record (1955), but were uncredited on the label. They completed their recording career with one final record on the Modern label (1956). On that record Lee Cannon replaced Allen Matthews as lead singer.

Click HERE for an article about THE HAWKS by Marv Goldberg. (Will open in a separate window)

Compare Fat Man Matthews to Clyde McPhatter, who was big with The Dominoes at this time:

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "When Boy Meets Girl" - Fat Man Matthews And The Four Kittens - Imperial 5211 - 1952.
2. "Later Baby" - Fat Man Matthews And The Four Kittens - Imperial 5211 - 1952.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.

Cash Box Review (2/14/53):

FAT MAN MATTHEWS — Imperial 5211
Later Baby (C+) Fat Man Matthews and The Four Kittens belt a driving quick beat. Matthews chanting is spirited and lively and the orking hot. Good sax for the horn lovers.
When Boy Meets Girl (B) The under deck is a slow beat with tender chorus and easy ork backing. Matthews' vocal is solid and the general feeling of the romantic blues is one of restful relaxation.
(NOTE: A rating of C+ was considered as "good" and B as "very good".)

Above Left: Label image for Imperial 5292, recorded in December 1953 and released in June 1954. Allen Matthews sings lead here, while Joe Gaines has the honor on the flip-side, "I-Yi".

Of the eight sides reviewed by Cash Box here, four received B ratings (very good) and the other four earned B+ ratings (excellent)! The Hawks definitely were doing something very right!

Above Middle: CASH BOX, July 3, 1954.

Above Right: THE BILLBOARD, July 17, 1954.
NOTE: Whoever generated this ad got it kind of right.... it ain't "hay"!

CASH BOX, January 2, 1954:
....Lew Chudd recently signed a new group called The Hawks, who will cut new sessions under the Imperial label....

CASH BOX, June 19, 1954:
....Lew Chudd, prexy of Imperial Records, has released new sides by The Hawks, "I-Yi" b/w "It Ain't That Way"....

At Right: CASH BOX, June 19, 1954.
NOTE: This picture is taken from Cash Box magazine. Allen "Fat Man" Matthews is at upper left. However, the picture shows an outdated line-up for the Humming Four. The actual group members of The Hawks, at this time, are Matthews, Joe Gaines, John "Buddy" Morris, Frank Rushing, and Albert Veal.

CASH BOX, June 26, 1954:
....Another new one to watch is "I-Yi" b/w "It Ain't That Way" by The Hawks....

Cash Box Review (6/26/54):

THE HAWKS — Imperial 5292
It Ain't That Way (B+) The Hawks deliver a slow tempo bounce with a catchy novelty chant that sounds commercial. The lads should make some noise with this one.
I-Yi (B+) The flip is a slow blues delivered in tasty fashion. Lead has an excellent sound and the balance of the group nails down the beat. This group will be heard from.
(NOTE: A rating of B+ was considered as "excellent".)

CASH BOX — JUNE 19, 1954

The Billboard Review (7/3/54):

THE HAWKS — Imperial 5292
It Ain't That Way (78)
A delightful tune in which the group gets a chance to turn in one of their best readings to date. The lead singer, especially, shows persuasive style and sparks the rest of the group to an evenly paced, effectively harmonized effort. This one could happen; watch it.
I-Yi (74) A more conventional blues riff that stands out only because of the excitement and drive that the group is able to invest In it. They work hard and come thru with a satisfactory performance.
(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 70-79 considered as "good".)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "It Ain't That Way" - The Hawks - Imperial 5292 - 1954.
2. "I-Yi" - The Hawks - Imperial 5292 - 1954.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.

Above Left: Label image for Imperial 5281, recorded on April 13, 1954 and released in April 1954. Allen Matthews is lead here; Joe Gaines is lead on the flip-side, "She's All Right".

Above Right: Label image for Imperial 5306, recorded on June 14, 1954 and released in August 1954. This time it's Joe Gaines singing lead on this one and sharing the lead with Allen Matthews on the flip-side, "Give It Up".

The Billboard Review (5/22/54):

THE HAWKS — Imperial 5281
Good News (77)
The blues has a sad sound but a happy message. The material isn't too impressive, the performance, especially by the lead tenor is outstanding. It could generate a little excitement.
She's All Right (74) Rousing tune plugging the virtues of the gal is sung to a turn by the group. Side could do well as juke wax.
(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 70-79 considered as "good".)

Cash Box Review (5/29/54):

THE HAWKS — Imperial 5281
Good News (B)
The Hawks shout a chant that sounds like a spiritual dirge but the lyrics are happy. Singer is excitedly shouting "good news" 'cause his baby's coming home. Could be mixed up enough to catch on.
She's All Right (B) Spirited and happy jump. Group works together well with a driving ditty. Good juke wax.
(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good".)

CASH BOX, August 28, 1954:
....Imperial Records is bringing out a new r.&b. disk this week — "Give It Up" and "Nobody But You", featuring the Hawks....

The Billboard Review (9/18/54):

THE HAWKS — Imperial 5306
Give It Up (79)
The vocal group has one of their most powerful offerings to date in this humorous, highly suggestive material. While deejay play may be slight, word ought to pass quickly about this clever reading garnished with a fast, driving beat.
Nobody But You (76) This side is in a more conventional ballad vein, but also possesses good commercial potential. Nicely harmonized and provided with an easygoing, groovy beat.
(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 70-79 considered as "good".)

Cash Box Review (9/18/54):

THE HAWKS — Imperial 5306
Give It Up
(B+) The Hawks dish up a happy quick beat ditty with a chuckley quality. The team blends well and represents a constant threat to break out. Good juke box material.
Nobody But You (B) The lads go mellow on this love ditty and the sound they make is pretty and acceptable. Good beat.
(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good" and B+ as "excellent".)

CASH BOX, November 6, 1954:
....Imperial coming up with new releases.... The Hawks doing "That's What You Are" and "All Women Are The Same"....
NOTE: This announcement came when the record had already been released in October 1954.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Good News" - The Hawks - Imperial 5281 - 1954.
2. "She's All Right" - The Hawks - Imperial 5281 - 1954.
3. "Nobody But You" - The Hawks - Imperial 5306 - 1954.
4. "Give It Up" - The Hawks - Imperial 5306 - 1954.

ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.

Above: Label image for Post 2004, recorded in 1954, but not released until September 1955. Here it's Allen Matthews singing lead, with Willie Thrower, the group's bass singer, at the front for the flip-side, "Why Oh Why".

Cash Box Review (9/24/55): THE HAWKS — Post 2004

These Blues (B+) The Hawks, in a slow blues, "drink their lives away" because of a lost love. Lead does a strong emotional reading of the melodic item. Moving and pleasurable wax.
Why Oh Why (B) The Hawks back the blues with a hard hitting, driving jump side. Ok coupler.
(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good" and B+ as "excellent".)

The Billboard Review (10/1/55): THE HAWKS — Post 2004

Why Oh Why (79) The boys romp gaily thru this humorous, rhythmically solid material, paced effectively by their baritone lead. Good juke box item.
These Blues (76) The high tenor lead is spotlighted on this side and he spins some pretty twists on this slow blues. Another good commercial side.
(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 70-79 considered as "good".)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "These Blues" - The Hawks - Post 2004 - 1955.
2. "Why Oh Why" - The Hawks - Post 2004 - 1955.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.


THE PELICANS — THE KIDDS

The Pelicans and The Kidds were the same group. Like many of the artists with records on Lew Chudd's Imperial label, they were from New Orleans. The group consisted of Walter Lewis, Willie Hannah, Carl Ledbetter , and Wardell Brown.

The Pelicans had one record on Imperial (1954), while The Kidds had one record on Imperial (1955) and one on the new Imperial subsidiary label, Post (1955). All six sides came from the same August 20, 1954 recording session.

Above: Label images for both sides of Imperial 5307, recorded on August 20, 1954 and released in August 1954. The Kidds, as a group, composed "Chimes", while the ubiquitous Dave Bartholomew gets credit for writing the other side's song.

CASH BOX, September 4, 1954:
....Lew Chudd, prexy of Imperial Records, has returned to his Hollywood office after an extensive business trip through the country & the Caribbean. While in Washington, D.C., he signed a new group called The Pelicans. Their first release will be out soon....
(NOTE: Actually, that record, Imperial 5307, had already been released the previous month)

Cash Box Review (9/25/54):

THE PELICANS — Imperial 5307
Chimes
(C+) The Pelicans wax soft and romantic as they perform a slow pretty ballad.
Ain't Gonna Do It (C+) The Pelicans back the ballad with a driving number that moves from the opening bell.
(NOTE: A rating of C+ was considered as "good".)

The Billboard Review (10/2/54):

THE PELICANS — Imperial 5307
Ain't Gonna Do It (80)
Here's a strong hunk of wax for the juke boxes. The boys sing this rhythmic effort with a solid beat, over listenable backing by the ork. If exposed this one could grab action. Watch it, and watch the group.
Chimes (78) A slow tempo ballad receives a tender reading by the group, as they sing of the chapel chimes. Side is an interesting one but it could have used more life.
(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 70-79 considered as "good" and 80-89 as "very good".)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Chimes" - The Pelicans - Imperial 5307 - 1954.
2. "Ain't Gonna Do It" - The Pelicans - Imperial 5307 - 1954.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.

Above Left: Label image for Imperial 5335, released in February 1955.

Above Right: Label image for Post 2003, released in September 1955.

All four of the above sides were penned by The Kidds themselves.

CASH BOX, September 10, 1955:
....Lew Chudd's new label, Post Records, debuts this week with four new releases—one by T-Bone Walker and the others by new artists....

Cash Box Review (10/1/55):

THE KIDDS — Post 2003
You Broke My Heart
(B) The Kidds blend softly on a slow beat weeper. Melody is engaging. Pretty side.
I Won't Be Back (B) The Kidds work over a rhythmic bouncer with a restrained treatment. Middle beat effort the kids can jump to.
(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good".)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Are You Forgetting" - The Kidds - Imperial 5335 - 1955.
2. "Drunk, Drunk, Drunk" - The Kidds - Imperial 5335 - 1955.
3. "You Broke My Heart" - The Kidds - Post 2003 - 1955.
4. "I Won't Be Back" - The Kidds - Post 2003 - 1955.

ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.


IMPERIAL RECORDS - PART ONE FEATURES LALO GUERRERO, DICK LEWIS AND HIS HARLEM RHYTHM BOYS, "POISON" GARDNER, "FAT MAN" HAMILTON, CHARLIE "BOOGIE WOOGIE" DAVIS, KING (JAKE) PORTER, DOROTHY ELLIS, STASH CARTER, JOE TURNER, ARCHIBALD, AND FATS DOMINO.

IMPERIAL RECORDS - PART TWO FEATURES FATS DOMINO, CECIL GANT, LIL' SON JACKSON, T-BONE WALKER, SMILEY LEWIS, MARY WALLACE, BIG JAY McNEELEY, JOE HOUSTON, AND TOMMY RIDGLEY.

IMPERIAL RECORDS - PART THREE FEATURES SMILEY LEWIS, SLIM WHITMAN, FATS DOMINO, BOBBY MITCHELL AND THE TOPPERS, DAVE BARTHOLOMEW, THE LOVE NOTES, ROSE MITCHELL, JESSE ALLEN, AUDREY WALKER, AND GUITAR SLIM.

IMPERIAL RECORDS - PART FIVE FEATURES THE JEWELS, ROOSEVELT SYKES, THE BARONS, THE HONEY BEES, THE GAY NOTES, ROY BROWN, AND RICKY NELSON. ALSO, AFFILIATED LABELS AND IMPERIAL'S GOSPEL. HIGHLIGHTED SONGS ARE "LET THE FOUR WINDS BLOW" AND "GOOD ROCKING TONIGHT".


Listen to all of this article's R&B audio selections using Windows Media Player:

          1. "Wait And See" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5467 - 1957.
          2. "Thinking Of You" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5323 - 1954.
          3. "I Know" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5323 - 1954.
          4. "Don't You Know" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5340 - 1955.
          5. "Helping Hand" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5340 - 1955.
          6. "Ain't It A Shame" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5348 - 1955.
          7. "La-La" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5348 - 1955.
          8. "Poor Me" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5369 - 1955.
          9. "So-Long" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5396 - 1956.
        10. "Don't Blame It On Me" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5375 - 1955.
        11. "Bo Weevil" - Fats Domino - Imperial 5375 - 1955.
        12. "I Want To Be With Her" - Gene Gilmore - Imperial 5215 - 1953.
        13. "Mable Bell" - Gene Gilmore - Imperial 5215 - 1953.
        14. "Doing The Ham Bone" - Little Booker - Imperial 5293 - 1954.
        15. "Thinkin Bout My Baby" - Little Booker - Imperial 5293 - 1954.
        16. "My Buddy Blues" - The Five Breezes - Bluebird B-8614-A - 1941.
        17. "Return, Gal Of Mine" - The Five Breezes - Bluebird B-8614-B - 1941.
        18. "Satchelmouth Baby" - The Four Jumps Of Jive - Mercury 2001 A - 1945.
        19. "It's Just The Blues" - The Four Jumps Of Jive - Mercury 2001 B - 1945.
        20. "Every Dog Has A Day" - Pee Wee Crayton - Imperial 5288 - 1954.
        21. "Do Unto Others" - Pee Wee Crayton - Imperial 5288 - 1954.
        22. "I Need Your Love" - Pee Wee Crayton - Imperial 5321 - 1954.
        23. "You Know, Yeah" - Pee Wee Crayton - Imperial 5321 - 1954.
        24. "Runnin' Wild" - Pee Wee Crayton - Imperial 5345 - 1955.
        25. "Be Faithful" - Pee Wee Crayton - Imperial 5353 - 1955.
        26. "Yours Truly" - Pee Wee Crayton (Vocal Backing By Band) - Imperial 5353 - 1955.
        27. "You're The One" - The Spiders - Imperial 5265 - 1954.
        28. "I Didn't Want To Do It" - The Spiders - Imperial 5265 - 1954.
        29. "Tears Began To Flow" - The Spiders - Imperial 5280 - 1954.
        30. "I'll Stop Crying" - The Spiders - Imperial 5280 - 1954.
        31. "That's Enough" - The Spiders - Imperial 5331 - 1954.
        32. "Lost And Bewildered" - The Spiders - Imperial 5331 - 1954.
        33. "I'm Searching" - The Spiders - Imperial 5291 - 1954.
        34. "I'm Slippin In" - The Spiders - Imperial 5291 - 1954.
        35. "For A Thrill" - The Spiders - Imperial 5354 - 1955.
        36. "Bells In My Heart" - The Spiders - Imperial 5354 - 1955.
        37. "Witchcraft" - The Spiders - Imperial 5366 - 1955.
        38. "Is It True?" - The Spiders - Imperial 5366 - 1955.
        39. "When Boy Meets Girl" - Fat Man Matthews And The Four Kittens - Imperial 5211 - 1952.
        40. "Later Baby" - Fat Man Matthews And The Four Kittens - Imperial 5211 - 1952.
        41. "It Ain't That Way" - The Hawks - Imperial 5292 - 1954.
        42. "I-Yi" - The Hawks - Imperial 5292 - 1954.
        43. "Good News" - The Hawks - Imperial 5281 - 1954.
        44. "She's All Right" - The Hawks - Imperial 5281 - 1954.
        45. "Nobody But You" - The Hawks - Imperial 5306 - 1954.
        46. "Give It Up" - The Hawks - Imperial 5306 - 1954.
        47. "These Blues" - The Hawks - Post 2004 - 1955.
        48. "Why Oh Why" - The Hawks - Post 2004 - 1955.
        49. "Chimes" - The Pelicans - Imperial 5307 - 1954.
        50. "Ain't Gonna Do It" - The Pelicans - Imperial 5307 - 1954.
        51. "Are You Forgetting" - The Kidds - Imperial 5335 - 1955.
        52. "Drunk, Drunk, Drunk" - The Kidds - Imperial 5335 - 1955.
        53. "You Broke My Heart" - The Kidds - Post 2003 - 1955.
        54. "I Won't Be Back" - The Kidds - Post 2003 - 1955.
 
          ALL FIFTY-FOUR ABOVE SONGS played in sequence.

          ALL FIFTY ABOVE IMPERIAL AND POST LABEL SONGS played in sequence.


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Last Update: June 5, 2023

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