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#960 (8/19/24)
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BY TONY FOURNIER |
THE SWALLOWS
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Above: Photo of The Swallows dated November 1954. (L-R) Irving Turner, Earl Hurley, Frederick "Money" Johnson, Eddie Rich, and Edward "Buddy" Crawford.
"The Swallows" had eleven releases on the King label (1951-53). Four of these were actually Junior Denby singing lead with a non-Swallows group. Junior Denby also had two records on King Records (1954) under his own name, these singing without vocal group backing.
The Swallows, with a different line-up, including three of the above members, had one record released on the After Hours label (1954).
(The above photo is courtesy of Paul Ressler. Restoration by Tony Fournier.)
At Direct Right: THE BILLBOARD, June 16, 1951.
AFRO-AMERICAN, 1952:
In response to many requests, I have nominated a local quintet known as THE SWALLOWS for this month's Lonesome Pine Award. Always a tough town for entertainers to crack, Baltimore has been wary of the many "Bird" groups which hatched so mysteriously after the surprising success of the Orioles.So, nurtured carefully by Velma L. Southard and William Levinson, their managers, the Swallows have shied away from appearances in their home town. But the group, comprised of native Baltimoreans, whose ages range from 18 to 20, seem to be deserving of some special attention.
The lads can really sing. Although they have played many night clubs and theatres on the Eastern seaboard, few people in their hometown have heard them. Their only Baltimore appearance has been at the Royal Theatre.
Last fall, however, they managed to secure a recording contract with King Records through Howard Budlow, the local King Record distributor. The group's first record, "Will You Be Mine", was an instant success.
To date more than 70,000 copies of the platter have been sold, and it's still going strong. Their latest hits are "Tell Me Why" and "It Ain't The Meat"....
Click HERE for an article about THE SWALLOWS by Marv Goldberg. A special thanks to Marv for providing the names of the lead singers used in this article.
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Above: Photo of The Swallows from 1951: (L-R) Earl Hurley, Frederick "Money" Johnson, Eddie Rich, Norris "Bunky" Mack, and Herman "Junior" Denby. These are the group members who sang on the next five records featured here.
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Above Left: Label image of King 4458-AA, recorded on April 6, 1951 and released the following month. This was The Swallows' first record. Eddie Rich sings lead on both sides. Composers shown on both sides are "Denby-Conrad." Junior Denby was a member of the group. Billy Conrad was an arranger who helped with several of the group's songs.
"Will You Be Mine" made it onto The Billboard's Most Played Juke Box R&B Records' Top Ten in September 1951.
Above Right: Label image of King 4466-A, recorded in April 6, 1951 and released in August 1951. Again, Eddie Rich sings lead on both sides.
The front side, "Since You've Been Away", was composed by King Records' A&R man, Henry Glover. The flip-side, "Wishing For You", was composed by "Denby-Conrad", for the third song by them on The Swallows' first two records.
At Direct Right: THE BILLBOARD, June 23, 1951.
The Billboard Review (6/9/51):
THE SWALLOWS
Will You Be Mine (84) A first rate new group debuts most promisingly with a glowing performance of a substantial r. and b. ballad. This disking could set this group up for big things.
Dearest (80) The group delivers here with the same fine blends and with the same sure and "different" lead solo voices on a ballad lacking the over-all impact in the topside's song.(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 80-89 considered "excellent.")
The Cash Box Review (6/16/51):
THE SWALLOWS — KING 4458....Dearest/Will You Be Mine
The Swallows, a new harmony group, come up with a couple of sides which should gain a lot of attention for them. Both ends are done in the form of a vocal solo with the rest of the group joining in and both make for first rate listening. Ops oughta do just that.The Billboard Review (9/1/51):
THE SWALLOWS — KING 4466....
Since You've Been Away (80) One of the best of many new vocal groups turns in an effective slicing of a pleasant schmaltz ballad.
Wishing For You (83) This side should provide the group with a bid for a hit. Performance is cleaner and sharper and the tune follows a simple, direct line. Good bet.(NOTE: A ratings range of 80-89 was considered "excellent".)
The Cash Box Review (9/8/51):
THE SWALLOWS — KING 4466....Wishing For You/Since You've Been Away
The Swallows, who’ve been showing such great promise, have another couple of sides which should bring them a lot of approval. Each of these is a ballad done in vocal solo style with the boys chiming in and each is wonderful to hear. These can’t help but do well.LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Will You Be Mine" - The Swallows - King 4458-AA - 1951.
2. "Dearest" - The Swallows - King 4458-A - 1951.
3. "Since You've Been Away" - The Swallows - King 4466-A - 1951.
4. "Wishing For You" - The Swallows - King 4466-AA - 1951.ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.
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Above Left: Label image of King 4501-A, recorded on September 19, 1951 and released in December 1951. Eddie Rich sings lead on the shown side. Norris Mack does the honor on "It Ain't The Meat", the flip-side. "It Ain't The Meat", was composed by Henry Glover and Lois Mann (see photo at right). Ms. Mann, as we know from previous articles, is actually Sydney Nathan, owner and president of King Records. Who would have thought Nathan had such a "dirty mind"?
Above Right: Label image of King 4525-A, recorded in October 10, 1951 and released in April 1952. Eddie Rich sings lead on "You Left Me", while Junior Denby has that duty on the flip-side, "Beside You". Back again are "Denby-Conrad", composing both sides of this record.
The Billboard Review (12/22/51):
THE SWALLOWS — KING 4501....
It Ain't The Meat (85) The vocal group has a winner in a rhythmic, hand-clapper with an intriguing lyric. This one could follow the "Sixty Minute Man" success story. Could meet with difficulties at radio censors.
Eternally (77) Group essays a ballad here with tenor voice in the lead. Result is an okay side.(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good" and 80-89 "excellent".)
The Cash Box Review (12/22/51):
THE SWALLOWS — KING 4501.... It Ain't The Meat/Eternally
The Swallows have themselves a time with a beaty jump tune on the upper end. The lead vocal plus the handclappin' and backing make this an enjoyable disk. The bottom deck is a slow and pretty ballad that once again comes out as a wonderful ear full. The first side can make it.The Cash Box Review (4/19/52):
THE SWALLOWS — KING 4525.... You Left Me/Beside You
A slow pretty item is treated to the accomplished harmonizing of The Swallows. The boys render a dramatic reading of a strong set of lyrics. A solid musical backdrop is provided by the instrumental group, with the resulting waxing a likely disk. The second lid is another slow piece warmly treated by the talented group. Ops have two strong sides to choose from.LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Eternally" - The Swallows - 4501-A - 1951.
2. "It Ain't The Meat" - The Swallows - 4501-AA - 1951.
3. "You Left Me" - The Swallows - King 4525-A - 1952.
4. "Beside You" - The Swallows - King 4525-AA - 1952.ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.
HENRY GLOVER AND SYDNEY NATHAN
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Above Left: Label image of King 4533-AA, recorded on February 13, 1952 and released in May 1952. The front side is the standard composed by Harry Warren and Al Dubin. The flip-side, "You Walked In", was written by "Herman Denby", a member of The Swallows also known as Junior Denby. He also is the lead singer on both sides of this record. Above Right: Photo of The Swallows from 1951: (L-R) Eddie Rich, Earl Hurley, Frederick "Money" Johnson, Herman "Junior" Denby, and Norris "Bunky" Mack.
The Cash Box Review (5/31/52):
THE SWALLOWS — KING 4533....
You Walked In (C) The group harmonizes on a slow, romantic item. Lead vocalist does well with a humming background.
I Only Have Eyes For You (B) The Swallows present a smooth and easy rendition of the slow oldie. The blending of voices is effective and the side is a strong one.(NOTE: A rating of B was considered "very good" and C was "fair".)
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "I Only Have Eyes For You" - The Swallows - King 4533-AA - 1952.
2. "You Walked In" - The Swallows - King 4533-A - 1952.BOTH SONGS played in sequence.
EXTRA RECORD — THE SWALLOWSAt Right: Label image of After Hours 104, released in July 1954. The six group members singing on this record are Eddie Rich, Earl Hurley, Fred Johnson, Irving Turner, Ernie Bailey, and Al France.
Fred Johnson sings lead on "Good Time Girls", while Earl Hurley has that honor on the flip-side, "My Baby".
While the labels show "B.M.I.", it seems that neither side was registered with them. In regard to Danny Rogers, The Billboard refers to that name as a "comic" and "dancer" at the time of this record. He may also have been a singer. The "My Baby" label has "Earl Hurley" as the composer.
CASH BOX, November 6, 1954:
....George Woods (he’s Philly’s most energetic platter-chatter man) gives out the good news that The Swallows and "My Baby" b/w "Good Time Girls" are all skyward bound....LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Good Time Girls" - The Swallows - After Hours 104 - 1954.
2. "My Baby" - The Swallows - After Hours 104 - 1954.BOTH SONGS played in sequence.
EXTRA RECORDS — HERMAN "JUNIOR" DENBY Junior Denby sings lead on the next three records featured here. However, it is not The Swallows backing him, but, rather, a "studio" group. How this came about is included in Marv Goldberg's article (link is further above).
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Above Left: Label image of King 4579, recorded on October 7 & 9, 1952 and released in November 1952. Composers are Fred Weismantel and Henry Glover, both A&R men for King Records. The flip-side, "Please Baby Please", was composed by Glover by himself alone. Above Right: Label image of King 4632, recorded in October 9, 1952 and released in May 1953. Yes, you guessed it... per BMI.com, Henry Glover is composer of both sides.
Not so fast, however! "Bicycle Tillie" is a direct steal from Tommy Edwards, who wrote the song for Bill Samuels' Cats 'N Jammer Three, who released it on Mercury in 1946. (See "Extra Record - Bill Samuels..." at the end of this section.)
The Billboard Review (6/13/53):
THE SWALLOWS — KING 4632....
Bicycle Tillie (77) Here's a strong side by the Swallows, with lyrics that are outspoken enough to get it some attention. It's a novelty effort with a good beat, and the boys make the most of the lyrics. It may not get many jock spins, but it should pull juke loot.
Nobody's Lovin' Me (75) The boys sing this one with a lot of feeling as they tell why they are sad and blue. The lead sells it warmly. A nice side.(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good")
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Where Do I Go From Here" - The Swallows - King 4579 - 1952.
2. "Please Baby Please" - The Swallows - King 4579 - 1952.
3. "Nobody's Lovin' Me" - The Swallows - King 4632 - 1953.
4. "Bicycle Tillie" - The Swallows - King 4632 - 1953.ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.
The Cash Box Review (11/15/52): THE SWALLOWS — KING 4579....
Where Do I Go From Here (C+) The Swallows wax a mellow ballad with tenderness. "Junior" Denby does a great job on the lead and the record comes off a winner.
Please Baby Please (B) Flipside is a rhythmic number of moderate tempo and the quintet chants the romantic lyrics dramatically. Another good side.(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good" and C+ as "good".)
The Billboard Review (6/15/52):
THE SWALLOWS — KING 4579....The Cash Box Review (6/13/53):
Please Baby Please (77) A substantial rocker is sold with spirit and a strong beat by The Swallows over a quiet ork backing. Group's fans will like.
Where Do I Go From Here (72) The boys sound smooth and dreamy on this slow blues item, with the lead taking the melody thruout and the group humming in the background.THE SWALLOWS — KING 4632....
Bicycle Tillie (B) The Swallows blend vocally on a play on words. Using the terms applicable to riding a bicycle the boys manage to impart a warmish interpretation.
Nobody's Lovin' Me (B) The group dishes up a slow blues with sentimental lyrics on the flipdeck. Lead dejectedly tells of loving somebody while no one loves him.
JUNIOR DENBY
Above Left: Label image of King 4656, recorded on October 9, 1952 and released in September 1953. Another tune written by Tommy Edwards, who was more well-known as a singer. The flip-side, "Pleading Blues", was composed by Mildred Pierce and Fred Johnson. Above Right: Label image of King 4717, released in May 1954. Both sides of this record were composed by Herman "Junior" Denby. This is the first of two Junior Denby records singing solo on the King label, both released in mid-1954.
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Trust Me" - The Swallows - King 4656 - 1953.
2. "Pleading Blues" - The Swallows - King 4656 - 1953.
3. "With This Ring" - Junior Denby - King 4717 - 1954.
4. "I'm Still Lonesome" - Junior Denby - King 4717 - 1954.ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.
The Billboard Review (9/26/53): THE SWALLOWS — KING 4656....
Trust Me (75) The Swallows come thru with a warm reading of a slight new ballad, with a lead singer taking the tune thruout, over a humming backing. The exaggerated style of the lead and the crazy piano give the disk an unusual sound, but it could be too exaggerated for the present market.
Pleading Blues (74) Wild jump blues receives a driving rendition from the boys, with a wild lead vocal and a strong sax solo. Material is routine, however, which won't help the disk.(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good")
EXTRA RECORD — BILL SAMUELS' THE CATS 'N JAMMER THREE
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Above Left: Label image of Mercury 8021-B, recorded in November 1945 and released in October 1946. This self-contained vocal and instrumental group was a trio, even though their name on the label might suggest otherwise. It's the fifth release out of eleven that this group had on the Mercury label (1945-1949). Performing on all the Mercury records are Bill Samuels (piano), Adam Lambert (guitar), and Sylvester Hickman (bass fiddle).
King Records was one of the most blatant independents when it came to "double-entendre" songs. The genre was very successful in selling records for them. On King, The Swallows had a hit with "It Ain't The Meat". On King's subsidiary label, Federal, there were the "60 Minute Man" songs by The Dominoes and "Work With Me Annie" songs by The Royals/Midnighters.
"My Bicycle Tillie" is the same song as "Bicycle Tillie" by The Swallows, with the same double-entendre lyrics. BMI.com shows Henry Glover as composer of the latter title. Independent labels would sometimes slightly change the title of a song to obtain BMI credit. It was the removal of the "My" in this case.
In fairness to Glover, it's the only time noticed where he outright "stole" writer's credit from someone else. He was an extremely talented songwriter with many hit songs. There was no need for him to pilfer anything.
NOTE: The Four Tunes' 1948 version of the same song, "I'm Gonna Ride Tillie Tonight", did not show a composer on its Manor label.
Above Right: INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER - April 12, 1947 :
(Bill Samuels' The Cats 'N Jammer Three)
NOTE: (L-R) Bill Samuels, Adam Lambert, and Sylvester Hickman.
Click HERE for an article about CATS 'N JAMMER THREE by Marv Goldberg.
(Will open in a separate window)LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
"My Bicycle Tillie" - Bill Samuels And The Cats 'N Jammer Three - Mercury 8021-B - 1946.
THE BILLBOARD — OCTOBER 12, 1946
THE CHECKERS
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Above: Photo of The Checkers circa 1952, (Top) Bill Brown (bass), (Bottom L-R) James "Buddy" Brewer (baritone), Charlie White (tenor), and Irwin "Teddy" Williams (tenor). Along with tenor John Carnegie, they were the members on The Checkers' first three records, which are the next three featured records here.
Bill Brown and Charlie White had been with The Dominoes, who had been very successful on King's subsidiary label, Federal ("Sixty-Minute Man" and many others), starting in 1950. Teddy Williams And The Federalites had one record released on Federal in 1951 (see on this webpage further below).
The Checkers had ten records on the King label (1952-54). Some of their songs have interesting, unusual concepts, specifically "Night's Curtains," "Ghost Of My Baby," "House With No Windows," and "I Wasn't Thinking, I Was Drinking."
Click HERE for an article about THE CHECKERS by Marv Goldberg.
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Above Left: King "Best Sellers" advertisement from The Billboard dated 12/13/52. Above Right (Top): Label image of King 4558, recorded on June 20, 1952 and released in August 1952. This is their first record. Henry Glover (you should know him by now) composed the flip-sides for both of the above records.
Charlie White sings tenor lead and Bill Brown does the recital part on "Flame In Your Heart", while Brown sings it alone on the flip-side, "Oh, Oh, Oh Baby"'
Above Right (Bottom): Label image of King 4581, recorded in September 19, 1952 and released in November 1952. Group member Teddy Williams, along with Julia Blackshear, composed "Night's Curtains". John Carnegie is the lead singer on that one, as is Bill Brown on the flip-side, "Let Me Come Back".
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Flame In My Heart" - The Checkers - King 4558 - 1952.
2. "Oh, Oh, Oh Baby" - The Checkers - King 4558 - 1952.
3. "Night's Curtains" - The Checkers - King 4581 - 1952.
4. "Let Me Come Back" - The Checkers - King 4581 - 1952.ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.
The Billboard Review (11/22/52):
THE CHECKERS - KING 4581....
Let Me Come Back (80) The boys do a solid job with this rhythmic hand-clapper, giving it a very exciting, swinging reading. Tune is in the r&b-spiritual tradition, and the Checkers really make it go. The ork backing, which weaves in and out of the vocal, is most effective. The Checkers have a potent entry here that could easily be a big one.
Night's Curtains (77) A pretty ballad is sold warmly and sincerely by the Checkers, with the lead showing off a strong set of pipes and the boys contributing good vocalizing in the background. A good disk, and good for the jocks.(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good" and 80-89 "excellent.")
The Billboard (11/22/52):
NEW RECORDS TO WATCH... Rhythm & Blues
THE CHECKERS—Let Me Come Back—King 4581
A power-house reading by the group of a melodic blues, with a solid beat behind them, makes this one look like a strong disking for the market.
[The above photo courtesy of Marv Goldberg.] LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Love Wasn't There" - The Checkers - King 4596 - 1952.
2. "My Prayer Tonight" - The Checkers - King 4596 - 1952.BOTH SONGS played in sequence.
[The above record provided by Joe Marchesani.]
At Left: Photo of The Checkers circa 1952, (Top L-R) Irwin "Teddy" Williams, Bill Brown, (Bottom L-R) James "Buddy" Brewer, and Charlie White. These are the members who recorded the above record, along with John Carnegie, who is missing from the photo.Above: Label image of King 4596, recorded in September 19, 1952/June 20, 1952 and released in January 1953. Charlie White sings the lead on "Love Wasn't There". On the flip-side, "My Prayer Tonight", John Carnegie sings lead and Bill Brown does the recital part.
Composers shown at BMI.com are Henry Glover and Lois Mann. The latter was the name for one of Sydney Nathan's publishing companies and also a pseudonym when taking credit for songwriting. Nathan allowed Glover to have full credit for composing "My Prayer Tonight".
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Above Left: Label image of King 4626, recorded on April 17, 1953 and released in April 1953. Perry Heyward sings the lead on both sides. On "Ghost Of My Baby", Bill Brown helps by singing the bridge late in the song. Henry Glover and Fred Weismantel composed "Ghost..." The flip-side, "I Wanna Know", is a cover of The Du Droppers' 1953 hit song. Composer is The Du Droppers' Caleb Ginyard (also known as J.C. Ginyard). Above Right: Label image of King 4675, recorded in September 26, 1953/June 20, 1952 and released in October 1953. Here, with Bill Brown on lead, The Checkers sing old standards on both sides.
THE BILLBOARD, November 15, 1952:
....King Records, Cincinnati, has assigned Fred Weismantel, veteran arranger and composer, as assistant to Henry Glover, r.&b. a.&r. chief for King. Weismantel will operate out of the New York office. Sydney Nathan, King topper, and Henry Glover leave this week on a three-week talent-scouting jaunt thru the South....The Billboard Review (5/16/53):
THE CHECKERS - KING 4626....
Ghost Of My Baby (74) The group has a mysterious musical tale to tell here and they project it with effectiveness. Side should get air spins and return some coin.
I Wanna Know (68) A routine job by the Checkers with only token action in prospect.(NOTE: A ratings range of 60-69 was considered "satisfactory" and 70-79 "good.")
The Cash Box Review (11/15/52):
THE CHECKERS - KING 4626....The Billboard Review (5/16/53):
I Wanna Know (C+) The Checkers dish up an easy reading of the R & B tune currently making noise.
Ghost Of My Baby (B) The flip is a slow tempo blues softly chanted by the lead against background of easy humming. Soft piano ramblings drift through the piece.(NOTE: A rating of C+ was considered as "good" and B as "very good".)
THE CHECKERS - KING 4675....
White Cliffs Of Dover (80) The Checkers have a good side here that has a chance to break out. The group turns the oldie into a bright hand-clapper, with the help of solid backing and a big beat, by the ork. Side moves, and with exposure this one could earn many coins. Watch it.
Without A Song (77) Another fine evergreen receives a bright performance from The Checkers, with the bass lead doing an effective job with the tune in up-tempo. Could get attention.(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good" and 80-89 "excellent.")
CASH BOX, January 30, 1954:
....A1 Sherman, regional manager for King Records, says that "The White Cliffs of Dover" by the Checkers has started to break in LA....LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Ghost Of My Baby" - The Checkers - King 4626 - 1953.
2. "I Wanna Know" - The Checkers - King 4626 - 1953.
3. "White Cliffs Of Dover" - The Checkers - King 4675 - 1953.
4. "Without A Song" - The Checkers - King 4675 - 1953.ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.
THE BILLBOARD — OCT. 31, 1953. NOTE: The above named record by The Five Jets is included shortly
after the end of The Checkers section on this page. At this time DeLuxe was a King Records subsidiary label.
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Above Left: Label image of King 4710, recorded on March 12, 1954 and released in April 1954. Bill Brown, who sang lead on The Dominoes' "Sixty Minute Man", reprises his role of "Lovin' Dan" on the flip answer side, "Don't Stop Dan". Labels for both sides, as well as BMI.com, show Henry Glover as the composer. Above Middle: Little David Baughan, who sings lead on "House With No Windows". His voice sounded like Clyde McPhatter's. Little David had been with the first Drifters group in 1953.
Above Right: Label image of King 4751, recorded in October 1, 1954 and released in November 1954. Eddie Harris and Bill Brown share the lead on both sides. The group sounds similar to The Robins on "I Wasn't Thinking...".
Eunice Davis composed the shown side and, along with Lowman Pauling (of The "5" Royales), wrote the flip side, "Mama's Daughter". She was a regular songwriting partner to Lowman, with ten titles for the pairing. Eunice, as a blues singer, had records on King's subsidiary label, DeLuxe, and also the Derby, Atlantic, Grand, and Coral labels. Here's the Eunice Davis link for much more information about her.
Review Spotlight on... (The Billboard dated 4/24/54):
THE CHECKERS—Don't Stop Dan—King 4710—The Checkers flash their old form again with a driving reading of a wild new tune that rocks all the way. Solid fare for the market. Flip is "House With No Windows".The Billboard Review (5/1/54):
THE CHECKERS - KING 4710....
Don't Stop Dan (82) A wild rhythm effort receives a sock rendition from the Checkers, sparked by a strong bass lead, while the boys back him with gusto. The ork supports them all with a real beat. The side rocks, and it has a good chance for many coins on the boxes.
House With No Windows (78) The boys do their best to sound like the Dominoes here, and they do a pretty good job of it, tho they can't come up to the original. The tune is sung like "I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town," with a tenor taking the lead and the boys keeping harmony behind him. Should pull many spins.(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good" and 80-89 "excellent.")
The Billboard Review (5/29/54):
THE CHECKERS - KING 4710 - Don't Stop Dan/House With No Windows
Disk has overcome the handicap of limited deejay play to achieve wide operator and dealer acceptance. Territories that report profitable box play and over-the-counter sales include New York, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Durham, St. Louis, Dallas and Atlanta. Shows signs of considerable potential growth. Both sides are selling, but "Dan" has the edge. A previous Billboard "Spotlight" pick.(NOTE: The "limited deejay play" was due to the sexual inferences in "Don't Stop Dan.")
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "House With No Windows" - The Checkers - King 4710 - 1954.
2. "Don't Stop Dan" - The Checkers - King 4710 - 1954.
3. "I Wasn't Thinking I Was Drinking" - The Checkers - King 4751 - 1954.
4. "Mama's Daughter" - The Checkers - King 4751 - 1954.ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.
TRADE MAGAZINE — MAY 1954.
EXTRA RECORD — TEDDY WILLIAMS AND THE FEDERALITES
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Above Left: NEW YORK AGE, December 24, 1949. (Teddy Williams)
Above Middle: Label image of DeLuxe 6018, recorded on January 21, 1951 and released in February 1951. Teddy Williams had one other release on Federal (1951), as a single artist.
The Federalites, a female vocal group, had one other record on Federal (1951) backing Joe Bailey. Wonder if Federal, who namesaked them after this newly formed label, had bigger plans for them?
Above Right: Photo of Teddy Williams, who was an original member of The Checkers, a vocal group that formed in 1952.
TRADE MAGAZINE, (11/11/50):
....A new King Records subsidiary, probably to be named Federal Records, is set to make its bow shortly.... Label will also be used to develop talent which may be switched to the regular King label....(NOTE: Neither Teddy Williams or The Federalites ever did show up on the King label.)
THE BILLBOARD, August 16, 1952:
The Ink Spots are currently at the Steel Pier, Atlantic City, and will play a week at Salisbury Beach, Mass., after this engagement ends Sunday. Charlie Fuqua will pull out of the unit after that. Present personnel of the Ink Spots is Bill Kenny, Charlie Fuqua, Hal Francis, and Teddy Williams.(NOTE: Teddy Williams was the baritone for Bill Kenny's Ink Spots from early 1952 to August 1952. Hal Francis was the group's pianist/arranger at the time. The un-named Adriel McDonald was their bass singer.)
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "(Take My Money) Take My Love" - Teddy Williams And The Federalites - Federal 12017-A - 1951.
2. "If I Didn't Love You" - Teddy Williams And The Federalites - Federal 12017-AA - 1951.BOTH SONGS played in sequence.
THE BILLBOARD, January 3, 1953:
....New talent signed by Joe Davis of Beacon Music for the M-G-M r&b department includes Millie Bosman, Boote Green, Teddy Williams, The Crickets, Al King, Paula Watson, and Beulah Bryant....THE BILLBOARD, February 21, 1953:
....M-G-M's recent entry into the r&b field, thru a tie-in with publisher Joe Davis, has already resulted in the turning out to market of a number of specialty disks....(NOTE: Teddy Williams, as a solo, did have one record released on the M-G-M label in March 1953.)
THE BILLBOARD, June 13, 1953:
Joe Davis, who has been handling the recording and merchandising of r.&b. platters for M-G-M Records for the past year, will sever his relations with the diskery in July, and start his own r.&b. label. The new label will be called Jay-Dee and will feature those artists who have been waxing under Davis for the M-G-M r.&b. line.The parting of the ways between Davis and M-G-M is a friendly one and has been in the works for sometime....
The talent that Davis will take to his new label, Jay-Dee, includes the Crickets, the Blenders, Paula Watson, Beulah Bryant, Basil Spears, Lem Johnson, Irene Redfield, Tommy Brown, Teddy Williams, Leslie Uggums Crayne, Gabriel Brown, Al King, and Nat Foster. All of these artists are under a waxing pact to Davis.
(NOTE: Teddy Williams did not have any records released on the Jay-Dee label.)
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Above: NEW YORK AGE, June 10, 1950: LAST WEEK IN HARLEM
The Dave Turpin (New York Age) Round Robin last week was at Al's beautiful bar at 415 W. 125th St. Those fine people you see in the above photo are (L-R) Teddy Williams, Warren "Baby Don't You Cry" Evans, Jackie Sighn, and band leader George Bailey.(NOTE: Jackie Sighn was a singer who performed at New York City night spots.)
EXTRA RECORD — THE FIVE JETS
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Above: 1956 photo of The Five Jets, (L-R) Crathman "C.P." Spencer, Charles Lee, Walter Gaines, Raymond Dorsey, and Joe Murphy. This vocal group had five records on King's subsidiary DeLuxe label (1953-1954). They had none on the main King label.
The group's members for the record featured here is Joe Murphy, Billy Davis, Raymond Dorsey, Charles Lee, and Crathman Spencer.
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Above Left: Label image of DeLuxe 6018, recorded in April 1, 1954 and released in August 1954. Notice the "Rhythm And Blues Series" on the label. This is The Five Jets first record of five on Deluxe (1953-1954). Joe Murphy is the lead singer on both sides. "Not A Hand To Shake" is an answer song to Faye Adams' 1953 hit, "Shake A Hand", which is included in the "Spotlight On Faye Adams..." article. Savannah Churchill's version of the song was also issued in 1953.
Both sides were composed by Detroit's famed Joe von Battle, with an assist on the shown side by the group's manager and bass singer, Billy Davis.
Above Right: CLEVELAND CALL AND POST - 1955. [This clipping was provided by Richard Koloda.]
NOTE: "I'm Stuck" is their second record on the DeLuxe Label.
Click HERE for an article about THE THRILLERS/FIVE JETS by Marv Goldberg.
(Will open in a separate window)THE BILLBOARD, November 21, 1953:
....Jim Wilson who heads the King distributorship in Detroit is getting behind the first big deck on the recently re-activated DeLuxe label; a number by the Five Jets called "Not A Hand To Shake". It’s taking off in Jim’s city....CASH BOX, November 21, 1953: KING RECORDS SIGNS LeBOW [See picture at right]
CINCINNATI—Syd Nathan president of King announced this week the signing of Carl LeBow as A & R head of King’s recently re-activated DeLuxe label.LeBow was formerly in the A & R position with Apollo Records during which time the "5" Royales hit the charts with their recordings of "Baby Don’t Do It", "Help Me Somebody", "Crazy, Crazy, Crazy", and "Too Much Lovin’ ". He will continue his existing personal management agreements with the "5" Royales and Charlie Ferguson.
LeBow has also formed a BMI publishing firm, Franklin Publishing Company.
King feted LeBow with a welcome party in Cincinnati inviting local dee jays and distributors. He is leaving shortly on an extended road trip through the South in search of new talent.
CASH BOX, November 28, 1953:
....Carl Lebow, new A & R at Deluxe Records, King subsidiary, hectic at his New York office as he interviews talent and cuts audition dubs. Carl has several artists lined up for contract and will make his announcements in a week or two....LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Not A Hand To Shake" - The Five Jets - DeLuxe 6018 - 1953.
2. "I Am In Love" - The Five Jets - DeLuxe 6018 - 1953.BOTH SONGS played in sequence.
CASH BOX — NOVEMBER 21, 1953.
(L-R) Carl LeBow And Sydney Nathan
(See article at left)
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At Left: CLEVELAND CALL AND POST - 1954.
Above: THE BILLBOARD, October 24, 1953.
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EXTRA RECORD — THE BLUE JAYS
At Left: The Billboard, October 1953. Disco-File gives the members as Cotty Coltrane, Basil Tibbs, Archie ?, Joe ?, and John ?.
Above: Label image for Checker 782, recorded on September 15, 1953 and released in October 1953. Even with a good review (see below), this turned out to be their only record.
CASH BOX, October 10, 1953:
....Len Chess just released a disk by The Blue Jays, a brand new recording group from Washington. The Jays' were discovered by Maxie Silverman of Quality Music, who is also responsible for discovering The Clovers. Len signed these boys during his last Southern junket.Cash Box Review (10/17/53): THE BLUE JAYS — Checker 782 Hey Papa/White Cliffs Of Dover
The Blue Jays, a new group, come up with a cutie titled, "Hey Papa", that moves along at a smart pace and looks headed in the direction of the charts. Set to an infectious riff, the boys sing a middle bounce telling Papa "I'm in love again." Disk is livened up with handclaps and a torrid horn. A foot tapper that we expect to go a long way.The flip, "White Cliffs of Dover", is that slow sentimental ballad, softly and tenderly etched by the Blue Jays for a top flight deck....
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
"White Cliffs Of Dover" - The Blue Jays - Checker 782 - 1953.
JIMMY RUSHING
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Above: Photo of Jimmy Rushing. He had records on Bluebird (with Bennie Moten), Decca (with Count Basie), Columbia (with Count Basie), RCA Victor (with Count Basie), Excelsior (with Jimmy Mundy, Johnny Otis), and United Artists (with Jimmy Mundy) before joining King Records. Jimmy had four records on the King label (1951-1953).
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Above Left: Photo of Jimmy Rushing performing. Above Right: Label image of King 4588, released in December 1952. The band assists Jimmy vocally on "Where Were You". Regarding the Bio, the Blue Devil Orchestra was led by Count Basie. Jimmy Rushing and Henry Glover are credited as composers of both sides.
CONTINUED BIO (On Flip-side):
Rushing made his first recording in 1928. In 1929 he joined the Bennie Morton [sic, Moten] Orchestra. Count Basie organized his band in 1936 and Jimmy sang with Basie from the start.LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Where Were You" - Jimmy Rushing - King 4588 - 1952.
2. "In The Moonlight" - Jimmy Rushing - King 4588 - 1952.BOTH SONGS played in sequence.
EXTRA RECORD — JIMMY RUSHING
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Above: Photo of Jimmy Rushing, who is most well known for being Count Basie's featured vocalist from 1935 to 1948. He was also a musician, playing the piano.
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Above Left: Label image of United Artist UA-503B, released in 1946. The record was also released on the Excelsior label in January 1947. The trumpeter gets a bit too heavy-handed on the "I Want-A-Little-Girl" side. Not sure how Excelsior obtained the masters. Excelsior was owned by Otis René. His brother, Leon René, owned the Exclusive label. Both of them are credited on the above label as co-composers of "I've Got to Have You That's All".
Above Right: Photo (L-R) Jimmy Rushing, Count Basie, and Helen Humes. Jimmy and Helen were the two featured vocalists in Count Basie's orchestra.
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "I've Got to Have You That's All" - Jimmy Rushing - United Artist UA-503B - 1946.
2. "I Want-A-Little-Girl" - Jimmy Rushing - United Artist UA-503A - 1946.BOTH SONGS played in sequence.
THE BILLBOARD — February 1, 1947
JIMMY RUSHING — I Want A Little Girl/I've Got to Have You That's All — Excelsior 503
The Count Basie fave, "I Want A Little Girl", gets full vocal expression in the Rushing manner, with choice piano and trumpet work providing the musical inspiration.Rene's "I've Got to Have You" is right up Rushing's song alley, as he throws full emphasis on the race wordage.
With the Rushing tag on the phono sticker, there'll be moneyed spinning at race locations for both sides, "I Want A Little Girl" carrying away most of the loot.
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At Left: CASH BOX, March 10, 1947.
Above: CASH BOX CONVENTION ISSUE, 1947.
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DUKE HAMPTON ORCHESTRA — ALETRA HAMPTON
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Above: Photo of the Duke Hampton Orchestra in the 1940's. In this picture are the Hampton Sisters. Virtue is playing the bass fiddle and Aletra the piano. Dawn and Carmalita are the saxophone players. Duke, their brother, is the drummer.
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Above Left: Label image of King 4625, released in 1953. Aletra sings well and Duke plays 45 seconds of uninspired vibraharp. Clarke "Duke" Hampton is composer on the front side and Russell "Lucky" Hampton on the flip-side, "The Push", an instrumental. Lucky played the baritone-tenor-alto saxes.
Above Middle: Photo of Aletra Hampton.
Above Right: NEWSPAPER, May 1, 1946: Pictured is (Duke Hampton)
NOTE: The caption should say "vibraharp".
....The Hampton outfit is composed of seven girls and seven men in the band. Also the great Hampton Sextette, five beautiful girls and one boy... and it's harmony plus, singing everywhere from Boogie woogie to swing....At Direct Right: Photo of The Hampton Sisters. (Courtesy of Indiana Historical Society)
(Back L-R) Carmalita, Dawn, and Virtue, (Front) Aletra.Carmalita played the banjo, guitar, and tenor-baritone saxes, Dawn the alto sax, Virtue the double bass fiddle, and Aletra the piano and harp. Duke played saxophones, drums, timpani, and vibraharp.
The Billboard Review (6/6/53):
DUKE HAMPTON ORK - KING 4625....
Please Be Good To Me (65) Aletra Hampton lets out with a strong plea for kindness over quiet backing by the Hampton ork. The leader takes a few turns at the vibes.
The Push (60) A lot of blowing takes place on this side. Except for a few moments of excitement, there's little else but high powered blowing.(NOTE: A ratings range of 60-69 was considered "satisfactory".")
CASH BOX, March 7, 1953:
....Duke Hampton, who heads that very versatile boy-girl musical combo, set the best record ever at Harlem’s Apollo when he played two spectacular appearances, plus a midnite benefit show....CASH BOX, March 14, 1953:
....Duke Hampton plays a return engagement at the Cotton Club, Cincinnati, March 30, for two weeks with Wini Brown....THE BILLBOARD, March 6, 1954:
....Savoy Records has pacted some new record talent, including the Hampton Sisters, featuring Aletro Hampton, a singing and instrumental group....LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Please Be Good To Me" - Duke Hampton Orchestra (Vocal By Aletra Hampton) - King 4625 - 1953.
2. "The Push (Instrumental)" - Duke Hampton Orchestra - King 4625 - 1953.BOTH SONGS played in sequence.
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Above: Another photo of the Duke Hampton Orchestra in the 1940's. Virtue is playing the double bass fiddle, Eletra the piano, (L) Carmelita and (R) Dawn the saxophones (in the back). Duke is the drummer.
This orchestra was truly a family affair that included brothers Marcus (trumpet), Russell "Lucky" (baritone-tenor-alto saxes), Lockley "Slide" (trombone), and Maceo (trumpet).
EXTRA RECORD — THE HAMPTON SISTERS
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Above: Photo of The Hampton Sisters, (L-R) Dawn, Carmalita, Aletra, and Virtue.
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Above Left: Label image of Savoy 1125 B, both sides recorded on February 19, 1954 and the record released circa April 1954. Aletra Hampton sings lead on both sides. This is their only record for Savoy. Two other sides were recorded, but not released.
[Above label image and audio provided by Andrew Bohan.]Note the composer on the label is "A. H. Kerley", which is Aletra Hampton-Kerley. BMI gives credit to "Al Hampton", short for Aletra Hampton.
Above Right: CASH BOX, April 10, 1954.
THE BILLBOARD, March 6, 1954:
....Savoy Records has pacted some new record talent, including the Hampton Sisters, featuring Aletra Hampton, a singing and instrumental group....CASH BOX, March 6, 1954:
....Savoy's Freddy Mendelsohn in New Orleans this week cutting singers Dave Dixon, Aletra Hampton and the Hampton Sisters....The Billboard Review (4/17/54): THE HAMPTON SISTERS — SAVOY 1125....
My Heart Tells Me(77) First-rate performance of the evergreen by the girls with Aletra Hampton on lead. Side has a smooth pop flavor, plus a vocal that could help it get attention in both the pop and r.&b. markets.
Hey Little Boy (78) Thrush Aletra Hampton does a solid job with this swingy effort backed carefully by the sister group. Backing is interesting and the jocks will be able to use this one often. Good debut by the gals.(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good".)
THE BILLBOARD, December 17, 1955: DINEEN AIDS GIRL SINGERS
NEW YORK—John Dineen, operator of the Hampton Beach (N.H.) Casino properties, is sponsoring a girl singing trio, the Hampton Sisters, whom he discovered and developed at his ballroom last summer.Numerous club bookings in the New England area resulted in the girls devoting full time to their singing. A date at the Palace, New York, is scheduled for late this month.
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "My Heart Tells Me" - The Hampton Sisters - Savoy 1125 A - 1954.
2. "Hey Little Boy" - The Hampton Sisters - Savoy 1125 B - 1954.BOTH SONGS played in sequence.
Above: INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER, April 5, 1952:
These Hampton Sisters should give with a lot of competition before the curtain falls on The Recorder Musicians and Vocalists contest. (NOTE: Indianapolis was The Hampton Sisters' home town.)From left to right, top row, Dawn, Aletra, and Virtue; bottom, center, is Carmelita.
NOTE: Restoration of photos, clippings, record label images, and audio files is by Tony Fournier.
KING RECORDS - PART ONE FEATURES BULL MOOSE JACKSON, THE FOUR BLUE JACKETS, ANNISTEEN ALLEN, LUCKY MILLINDER, BILL JOHNSON AND HIS MUSICAL NOTES, THE JUBALAIRES, AND EARL BOSTIC AND HIS ORCHESTRA. ALSO INCLUDED IS A SECTION ON SYDNEY NATHAN, OWNER AND PRESIDENT OF KING RECORDS. AND SPOTLIGHTS ON THE SONGS "I KNOW WHO THREW THE WHISKEY IN THE WELL" AND "I'VE WAITED ALL MY LIFE FOR YOU".
KING RECORDS - PART TWO FEATURES LONNIE JOHNSON, LAVERN BAKER AND THE GLIDERS, THE STRIDERS, WYNONIE HARRIS, ROY BROWN, MABEL SMITH (BIG MAYBELLE), TINA DIXON, AND IVORY JOE HUNTER.
ALSO INCLUDED IS A SECTION ON KING RECORDS AND SYDNEY NATHAN, OWNER AND PRESIDENT OF KING RECORDS. AND SPOTLIGHTS ON THE SONGS "TOMORROW NIGHT", PLEASIN' YOU", AND "GOOD ROCKING TONIGHT".
KING RECORDS - PART THREE FEATURES TINY BRADSHAW, EDDIE "CLEANHEAD" VINSON, JOE THOMAS AND HIS ORCHESTRA, MABEL SCOTT, SARAH McLAWLER, THE SYNCOETTES, AND PERCY MAYFIELD.
ALSO INCLUDED IS A SECTION ON KING RECORDS AND SYDNEY NATHAN. AND SPOTLIGHTS ON THE SONGS "AFTER YOU'VE GONE", "T-99 BLUES, AND "TWO YEARS OF TORTURE".
KING RECORDS - PART FOUR FEATURES BIXIE CRAWFORD, WILD BILL MOORE, SONNY THOMPSON, LULU REED, TODD RHODES, KITTY STEVENSON, CONNIE ALLEN, LaVERN BAKER, AND SADIE MADISON. ALSO, A CONTINUING SECTION ON KING RECORDS' OWNER AND PRESIDENT SYDNEY NATHAN.
1. "Will You Be Mine" - The Swallows - King 4458-AA - 1951.
ALL THIRTY–SIX ABOVE KING LABEL SONGS played in sequence.
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Last Update: August 19, 2024
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