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#962 (10/15/24)
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BY TONY FOURNIER |
RALPH WILLIS
NOTE: RALPH WILLIS WAS INCLUDED IN THE JUBILEE RECORDS ARTICLE - PART ONE. SOME OF HIS OTHER RECORDS CAN BE VIEWED AND HEARD THERE. MUCH OF HIS BIO INFORMATION AND SOME OF THE PHOTOS ARE REPEATED HERE.
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Above: Photo of Ralph Willis, who was a Southern blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He recorded for various record labels from 1944 to 1953, including Regis, Savoy, Signature, 20th Century, Abbey, Jubilee, Prestige, Esquire, and King.
Ralph had two records on the King label (1953), both of them accompanied by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.
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Above: Label images of (Left) King 4611 and (Right) King 4631, all sides recorded on January 14, 1953 and released in March and June 1953, respectively. All four sides were composed by Ralph Willis. The personnel on the two records are Ralph Willis (vocal, guitar), Sonny Terry (harmonica), Brownie McGhee (guitar), and Gary Mapp (bass fiddle).
At Right: Photo of (L-R) Brownie McGhee And Sonny Terry.
The Billboard Review (3/28/53):
RALPH WILLIS — KING 4611....
Why'd You Do It (72) Fine material here gives Willis a chance to show his style on his first disk. He's a good country blues singer.
Do Right (68) Making his bow on the label, blues singer Willis delivers an okay piece of blues material in Deep South style.(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 60-69 considered "satisfactory" and 70-79 considered "good".)
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Why'd You Do It" - Ralph Willis - King 4611 - 1953.
2. "Do Right" - Ralph Willis - King 4611 - 1953.
3. "Door Bell Blues" - Ralph Willis - King 4631 - 1953.
4. "Gonna Hop On Down The Line" - Ralph Willis - King 4631 - 1953.ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.
THE INK SPOTS Charlie Fuqua, an original member of The Ink Spots, left Bill Kenny's Ink Spots in 1952 to form his own Ink Spots group. It's interesting to note that Bill Kenny was not an original member, but was the main reason that the group became famous and wealthy.
At Right: Photo of Charlie Fuqua.
THE BILLBOARD, August 16, 1952:
FUQUA TO LEAVE INK SPOTS TO ORGANIZE "NEW INK SPOTS"
NEW YORK—One of the original members of the Ink Spots, guitarist Charlie Fuqua, said today that he was leaving the group within the next few weeks to form another vocal outfit to be called the "New Ink Spots".... This would indicate that there would soon be two groups, one the present Ink Spots with Bill Kenny, and the other the Fuqua unit.Both Bill Kenny and Charlie Fuqua are agreed both men will be able to use the name Ink Spots, since both are original members [sic] of the unit....
The business of Fuqua leaving the group has been pending for a long time. He says his new quartet will have more group singing. (Note: The Ink Spots' records in the early 1950s focused on Bill Kenny's singing. His vocal backing became very light, sometimes nearly inaudible. Some of his records have "Bill Kenny Of The Ink Spots" when singing solo.)
Fuqua expects to start personal appearances with his new unit about September 1, tho no dates are set yet. The Ink Spots are booked by the Gale Agency and the Bill Kenny group will continue with the firm. The contract between Decca Records and the Ink Spots, which has about a year to run, was signed by Bill Kenny, and thus his group will keep waxing for the diskery.
Present personnel of the Ink Spots is Bill Kenny, Charlie Fuqua, Hal Francis, and Teddy Williams. (NOTE: The actual personnel of Kenny's Inks Spots on August 16, 1952 was Bill Kenny, Charlie Fuqua, Teddy Williams, and Ariel McDonald. Harold Francis was their pianist/arranger.)
THE BILLBOARD, March 28, 1953:
GALE SUES TO PROTECT NAME OF "INK SPOTS"
NEW YORK—Gale Agency, Inc., seeks a temporary injunction enjoining Universal Attractions and Charles G. Fuqua from offering employment under the name "Ink Spots", and from using the name until determination by the court of who has the right to the name.Gale claims that Kenny and Fuqua, a partnership, under the name "Ink Spots", signed an exclusive booking contract with them which runs until 1954. Last August Fuqua notified them to stop booking the act.
The offering to the public of two "Ink Spots", the complaint alleges, will cause irreparable damage to the name, cause confusion, and hurt the earning power of the act.
When Fuqua notified Gale to stop booking, William F. Kenny informed them to continue. Gale seeks to enjoin Fuqua from offering for any employment any act under that name until July, 1954, when the contract will have expired.
The motion for the injunction is expected to be argued this month.
THE BILLBOARD, April 4, 1953:
NO INJUNCTION ON "INK SPOTS"
NEW YORK—Gale Agency, Inc., this week was denied its motion for a temporary injunction to stop Charles Fuqua and Universal Attractions from using the name "Ink Spots" with his quartet.New York Supreme Court Justice Ernest Hammer ruled that there was no ground to issue an injunction in advance of the trial to determine who has the right to the name.
The "Ink Spots" title is the property of Fuqua and Bill Kenny as a partnership, and, according to the plaintiff, they have an exclusive booking contract with Gale to run until July, 1954. Kenny and Fuqua split and the latter signed with Universal Attractions, also under the "Ink Spots" title.
Kenny and his "Ink Spots" record for Decca Records. (NOTE: It wasn't until June 1953 that Fuqua's "Ink Spots" signed with King Records and in September 1953 recorded using that name.)
Directly Above: HONOLULU STAR ADVERTIZER, December 26, 1954:
INK SPOTS—Like the Harlem Globe Trotters, the Ink Spots have split into more than one group. Only one [sic] of the original group is singing here, but the quartet sounds about the same. They are performing at Lou Chai's Gung Ho Room on New Year's Eve....NOTE: (L-R Back) Deek Watson, Jimmy Holmes, Harold Jackson, and (Front) Charlie Fuqua.
Both Watson and Fuqua were original members of The Ink Spots.This is Charlie Fuqua's first Ink Spots grouping, which lasted just a short time. They did not have any records issued. At the Apollo in January 1953, they sang "Wish You Were Here". Jimmy Holmes has the main lead and Deek Watson sings the break part. There is no doubt that Charlie found a great one in Jimmy Holmes!
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
"Wish You Were Here" - The Ink Spots - Live At The Apollo - January 1953.Leon Antoine replaced Watson prior to the group joining King Records.
NEW YORK AGE — JANUARY 3, 1953
CASH BOX, June 6, 1953:
.....King Records announced the signing of Charlie Fuqua’s Ink Spots....
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Above: Photo of Charlie Fuqua's Ink Spots, (L-R) Jimmy Holmes (lead tenor), Leon Antoine (tenor), Harold Jackson (bass), Charlie Fuqua (baritone), Essex/Essix Scott (tenor), and Isaac Royal (pianist). These are the Ink Spots' personnel that recorded for King Records.
Leon Antoine was with the group until December 1953. Essex Scott replaced him soon after that. The group members are shown on the record labels, but that's not always correct as will be pointed out later on.
Charlie's Ink Spots had nine records released on King (1953-55), and then, with a modified line-up, moved to the Verve label (1956-59). They also had a beautiful song on the Ford label (1962), with Joe Van Loan singing tenor lead.
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Above Left: Label image of King 4670, recorded on September 17, 1953 and released in October 1953. This is The Ink Spots' first record on the King label. Composer Fred Weismantel was an a&r man for King Records and a prolific songwriter, including many for various King artists. The flip-side, "Flowers, Mr. Florist, Please" was written by Teddy Powell, who also composed such songs as "Bewildered" and "Sugar Coated Lies". The label shows the publisher as "Tee Pee", which was his company. Teddy had previously been an orchestra leader and stage show promoter.
Above Right: Label image of King 1304, recorded on December 11, 1953 and released in January 1954. This is The Ink Spots' third record on the King label.
On this release it was elected to "cover" two recently popular hits, "Changing Partners" done by Patti Page, Kay Starr, Dinah Shore, etc. and "Stranger In Paradise" done by Tony Bennett, The Four Aces, Vic Damone, etc.
At Right: VALLEY TIMES (North Hollywood, California), November 27, 1953.
NOTE: As some of the independent label ads in Cash Box at the time would say "Now That I Have Your Attention!" You might recognize comedians "(Dan) Martin & (Dick) Rowan", who had the very popular "(Rowan & Martin's) Laugh-In" TV show in the late 1960s to the early 1970s.THE BILLBOARD, October 3, 1953: TED POWELL FORMS OWN PUB FIRM
NEW YORK—Songwriter Teddy Powell, who has to his credit such standards as "Boots and Saddles", "Heaven Help This Heart of Mine", and "Bewildered," has formed his own publishing company, Tee Pee Music Company, Inc., affiliated with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)....The firm's first tune, words, and music of which have been written by Powell, is "Flowers Please, Mr. Florist" [sic]. The ditty has been cut by the New Ink Spots on King, and Powell has arranged a promotional tie-up with florist associations.
THE BILLBOARD, November 14, 1953:
....The new Ink Spots, featuring Charlie Fuqua, are booked solidly for one year, according to Universal Attractions. Dates include some Hawaiian and Japanese stands and a number of West Coast engagements. The group waxes for King Records....The Cash Box Review (1/2/54):
THE INK SPOTS — KING 1304....
Stranger In Paradise (B+) The Ink Spots send up a great cover job on a tune that’s smashing through on the pop charts. Real pretty job. Lead voice terrific.
Changing Partners (B) The boys offer another top grade version of a current pop waltz hit. Boys jump up at mid point and slow up again. A top-notch coupling that should enjoy a healthy sale.(NOTE: A rating of B was considered "very good" and B+ was "excellent".)
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Here In My Lonely Room" - The Ink Spots - King 4670 - 1953.
2. "Flowers Mr. Florist Please" - The Ink Spots - King 4670 - 1953.
3. "Changing Partners" - The Ink Spots - King 1304 - 1954.
4. "Stranger In Paradise" - The Ink Spots - King 1304 - 1954.ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.
BLUE TO MAROON:
Sometime about mid-1953, King decided to include some of their "popular" artists on their maroon label 1000 series, which had been used for "country and western". Not sure why they did that, but perhaps they wanted to keep the blue label 4000 series dedicated to blues, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll.Their #1297 was the first record by The Ink Spots that was switched over to the maroon label. They stayed with the 1000 series for their five remaining records on King, although their last, #1512, went back to a blue label.
At Left: CALIFORNIA EAGLE, July 1, 1954.
NOTE: (Top-Bottom) Harold Jackson, Leon Antoine, Jimmy Holmes, and Charlie Fuqua.Above: Label image of King 1378, recorded on July 11, 1954 and released in July 1954. "Yesterdays" is another classic "oldie".
The flip-side, "Planting Rice", was composed by Charles Fuqua as BMI Work ID 1178545. Mysteriously, there is another "Planting Rice", ID 1178546, showing the composer as "Cezar Vealsco". There was a "Planting Rice" released by "Cezar Velasco And His Avenue Hotel Orchestra" on Filreco (Manila, Philippines). It's a different song than Fuqua's. What's strange is the consecutive ID numbers.
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Yesterdays" - The Ink Spots - King 1378 - 1954.
2. "Planting Rice" - The Ink Spots - King 1378 - 1954.BOTH SONGS played in sequence.
The Cash Box Review (8/28/54): THE INK SPOTS — KING 1378.... Yesterdays (B) The lead voice [Jimmy Holmes] of the Ink Spots does a fascinating job with a great standard as the other boys support. Featured voice is amazing. Tremendous range.
Planting Rice (C) The boys glide with ease through a cute lilter on this end. Pleasing harmony and stylish delivery.(NOTE: A rating of C was considered as "fair" and B as "very good".)
The Billboard Review (8/28/54): THE INK SPOTS — KING 1378.... Yesterdays (73) The group's reading of the oldie is a good one. Should get spins and might make a little noise as it gets enough air play.
Planting Rice (60) For purposes of identification this is Charlie Fuqua's Spots. The sound is pretty much the same. They sing nicely, but the material here leaves something to be desired.(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 60-69 considered "satisfactory" and 70-79 considered "good".)
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Above Left: Label image of King 1336, released in March 1954. The side shown was recorded on September 17, 1953, while the flip-side, "Melody Of Love", was recorded on December 11, 1953. All of the three records featured here so far have the "Leon Antoine" line-up. Above Right: Label image of King 1425, released in January 1955. The side shown was recorded on September 17, 1953, while the flip-side, "When You Come To The End Of The Day", was recorded on July 11, 1954. The latter song is another that the Bill Kenny Ink Spots had released in the 1940s.
The members of The Ink Spots shown on the above "Someone's Rocking..." label include "Essix Scott". That line-up is true for when the record was released in 1955, but not when it was recorded in 1953. Essix Scott, also known as Essex Scott, did not replace Leon Antoine until 1954.
CASH BOX, February 27, 1954:
....Received word from the Ben Waller office that the Ink Spots have just completed a one week tour of Army Camps in Korea.... (See photo at right)CASH BOX, September 11, 1954:
....Ben Waller Enterprises reports that The Ink Spots are now doing a four-week stand in Sydney, Australia. Their next overseas stop will be in Honolulu....The Billboard Review (3/5/55):
THE INK SPOTS — KING 1425....
When You Come To The End Of The Day (71) The group delivers a smooth—and typical—ballad reading of a fine old song. Tenor lead and bass recitation are included.
Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat (69) This is Charlie Fugue's group (sans Bill Kenny) but with a good tenor lead. The reading of the the oldie is the kind which the original Spots did so well for so many years.(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 60-69 considered "satisfactory" and 70-79 considered "good".)
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Am I Too Late" - The Ink Spots - King 1336 - 1954.
2. "Melody Of Love (1st Version)" - The Ink Spots - King 1336 - 1954.
3. "Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat" - The Ink Spots - King 1425 - 1955.
4. "When You Come To The End Of The Day" - The Ink Spots - King 1425 - 1955.ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.
THE INK SPOTS PERFORMING (USO) IN KOREA ON JANUARY 30, 1954
(L-R) Jimmy Holmes, Essex Scott, Harold Jackson, and Charlie Fuqua.
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Above: Photo of Charlie Fuqua's Ink Spots, (L-R Back) Essex Scott, Jimmy Holmes, Harold Jackson, and (Front) Charlie Fuqua. (From the ARIZONA REPUBLIC, January 23, 1955)
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Above Left: Label image of King 1429, released in March 1954. "There Is Something Missing" was recorded on December 11, 1953. Therefore, the label is incorrect, Essix Scott should be Leon Antoine. The song was originally released by Roy Milton And His Solid Senders on Specialty in 1949 and is covered in the Specialty Records - Part Three article. Milton is a co-composer of the song, along with Dale Kerr.
The flip-side, "Melody Of Love", was recorded on an unknown date in 1954. It's the second version, which includes a saxophone. The record was released in December 1954.
Above Right: Label image of King 1512, recorded on August 27, 1955 and released in September 1955. This seems to be the last release on the 1000 series. Note the label is now the standard blue color that had been used for non-country and western records.
The Cash Box Review (1/15/55):
THE INK SPOTS — KING 1429....
There Is Something Missing (C+) Charlie Fuqua leads his Ink Spots through a soft and sentimental ballad. Familiar sound and introduction. Big lead voice.
Melody Of Love (C+) This side features the group on a mellow version of a currently high-flying hit. Poem by Mary Davies is capably recited by the bass voice.(NOTE: A rating of C+ was considered "good".)
The Billboard Review (1/15/55):
THE INK SPOTS — KING 1429....
Melody Of Love (72) The Ink Spots recorded this tune about nine months ago, but since it is now a big hit have re-cut it using a saxophone in the background to more closely approximate the original Wayne King recording. This recitation is affecting and may still get a share of the loot.
There Is Something Missing (68) A pretty ballad in the old Ink Spots manner, even to the recited second chorus. Tho the arrangement is a bit dated, there will still be Ink Spots fans who will have to have this.(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 60-69 considered "satisfactory" and 70-79 considered "good".)
The Cash Box Review (10/15/55):
THE INK SPOTS — KING 1512....
Don't Laugh At Me (B) The Ink Spots do a wonderful job on a touching romantic offering. High tenor lead voice handles the delivery in top form. Side has that commercial rock ‘n’ roll sound.
Keep It Movin' (B) This half is the swinging side. A driving rhythm deck that should make the teen-agers bop. Good deck with hit possibilities.(NOTE: A rating of B was considered "very good".)
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "There Is Something Missing" - The Ink Spots - King 1429 - 1954.
2. "Melody Of Love (2nd Version)" - The Ink Spots - King 1429 - 1954.
3. "Don't Laugh At Me" - The Ink Spots - King 1512 - 1955.
4. "Keep It Movin'" - The Ink Spots - King 1512 - 1955.ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.
THE INK SPOTS
(L-R Back) Harold Jackson, Essex Scott, (L-R Front) Charlie Fuqua, and Jimmy Holmes.
THE CALL (Kansas City, Missouri), August 5, 1955:
CHARLES FUQUA SUES DEEK WATSON FOR USE OF "INK SPOTS" TITLE
NEW YORK—Charles Fuqua, one of the original Ink Spots, filed suit last week in New York Supreme Court against Deek Watson.Fuqua charges that Watson, also a former [original] member of the internationally famous singing group, has been employing the "Ink Spots" tag for his own act. He has applied for a temporary injunction retsraining Watson and company from using the name and exploiting its good will.
Fuqua contends that in 1947 he and Billy Kenny entered into a written agreement with Watson, and that Watson, for certain "considerations", agreed not to use the name in any manner which might indicate his former association with the Ink Spots.
According to the complaint, the tag is now being used by Watson in direct violation of that agreement.
TULSA TRIBUNE, November 17, 1955:
.... The quartet is made up of Charlie Fuqua, Jimmy Holmes, Harold Jackson, and Essex Scott. Coming up soon for the Ink Spots is a tour of Europe. They already have sung in shows in Honolulu, Korea, Hawaii, Japan, and Australia.HONOLULU STAR ADVISER, November 10, 1954:
(This one wins the prize for the most ridiculous claim!)
Charlie Fuqua's (Ink Spots) have made over 300 platters for King, each of them a hit record....
EXTRA RECORD — CHARLES FUQUA'S THE INK SPOTS
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Photo of Charlie Fuqua's Ink Spots, (Top L-R) Joe Van Loan (lead tenor), Charlie Fuqua (baritone), David McNeal (bass), and (Bottom) Curtis McNair (2nd tenor). It's stated at the bottom of this photo "The Original Ink Spots". Charlie is, of course, an original member, but not any of the others.
Charlie knew how to bring in excellent personnel for his groups, starting in 1953 up to his death in 1971. It's no different here in the early 1960s. Joe Van Loan re-joined Charlie's Ink Spots in the late-1960s.
At Left: Label image of Ford 115, released in July 1962. "Hawaiian Wedding Song" features the beautiful tenor voice of Joe Van Loan, who was with this Ink Spots group from 1960 to 1962. David McNeal does the bass recitation part.
Warrick W. Brown was a keyboard artist, composer, arranger, and conductor. He performed with Charlie's Ink Spots. Warrick also did the arrangement for the flip-side, "Careless Love".
The Cash Box Review (9/8/62):
CHARLES FUQUA'S INK SPOTS — FORD 115....
Careless Love (B) Today’s version of the vet song crew is in fine form as it relays a bright swing-blues reading of the old favorite. Man upfront is deep-voiced. This is a solid jukebox programming entry.
Hawaiian Wedding Song (B) More in the old Ink Spots’ groove, a tenor handles the singing, while the deep-voiced member has a narrative section. Label is based in N.Y.(NOTE: In a new, more compacted number of ranges, a rating of B was considered "good".)
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Hawaiian Wedding Song" - Charles Fuqua's The Ink Spots - Ford 115 - 1962.
2. "Careless Love" - Charles Fuqua's The Ink Spots - Ford 115 - 1962.BOTH SONGS played in sequence.
(Top L-R) David McNeil, Curtis McNair, Joe Van Loan, (Bottom) Charlie Fuqua. (From Marv Goldberg's excellent Ink Spots' book , "More Than Words Can Say".) |
EXTRA RECORDS — "SOMEONE'S ROCKING MY DREAM BOAT""Someone's Rocking My Dream Boat" was composed by Leon René, Otis René, and Emerson Scott.
It was first released on the Make Believe Ballroom label in October 1941, followed by the Bluebird release in January 1942. In between, The Ink Spots released their version on Decca.
The Make Believe Ballroom label was owned by brothers Otis and Leon René. The label was named after the famous west coast radio show of Al Jarvis, where The Four Tones supposedly first sang it.
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Above Left: Label image of Make Believe Ballroom A. M. 02357-E, released in October 1941. The "Hollywood House Of Music" was created, in part, by Los Angeles' Al Jarvis, record store owner and radio disk jockey. The enterprise led to a recording studio operated by Jarvis. Could that have been where the Make Believe Ballroom tracks were recorded? Above Middle: Label image of Decca 4045 B, recorded on November 13, 1941 and released in November 1941.
Above Right: Label image of Bluebird B-11408-A, recorded on December 10, 1941 and released in January 1942. The song was re-recorded for Bluebird, a subsidiary of RCA Victor. Note that The Eddie Beal Trio is on both the Make Believe Ballroom and Bluebird versions.
At Direct Right: AFRO-AMERICAN, November 1, 1941: THEY SEEM HAPPY ABOUT IT ALL
The Four Tones seem happy about the whole thing as Leon René, composer (right), presents them the first recording of "Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat". Joe Green, their manager (left) has the biggest smile as the Tones (Dusty Brooks, Rudoph Hunter, Leon Buck, and Johnnie Porter, left to right) look on.(NOTE: Per the date of this article, Leon must be holding the "Make Believe Ballroom" record.)
AFRO-AMERICAN, November 22, 1941:
...."The song, "Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat", may hit #1, and has been covered by the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra and is to be recorded by The Ink Spots....RICHMOND TIMES DISPATCH, February 1, 1942:
Four Tones and the Eddie Beal Trio (Bluebird) give out with some close harmony and rhythm that rocks on "Goodnight Baby, Goodnight". Their rhythmic vocal arrangement of "Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat" is a natural. Both sides have zing—a platter that rates a place on the shelf.LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Someone's Rocking My Dream Boat" - The Four Tones And Eddie Beal Trio
- Make Believe Ballroom A. M. 02357-E - 1941.
2. "Someone's Rocking My Dream Boat" - The Ink Spots - Decca 4045 B - 1941.
3. "Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat" - The Four Tones And Eddie Beal Trio - Bluebird B-11408-A - 1942.ALL THREE SONGS played in sequence.
THE FOUR TONES WITH LEON RENÉ
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Above: CAIFORNIA EAGLE, April 24, 1941:
Centered is Otis René, well known song writer, as he is surrounded by the Four Tones, clever sepia singing quartet famed in stage, screen, and recordings circles. The Tones are getting the lowdown on René's latest number "Still Water," which they are to record soon.The Four Tones, currently at the Rhum Boogie Club, are under contract to Edward Crosby and Joe Green making their arrangements and handling their bookings. Their recordings of "What A Fool I Was" by Otis René, and "Two Hearts To Beat Tonight" by Shelton Brooks on Ebony Records, are the current rage.
(NOTE: "Still Water," referenced in this blurb, was never released by them.)
THE ADMIRALS
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Above: Photo of The Admirals. This vocal group consisted of Willie Barnes (lead tenor), Wesley Devereaux (1st tenor), Eugene McDaniels (2nd tenor), Richard Beasley (bass), and James Farmer (baritone).
This same line-up had previously been "The Sultans", recording for the Duke label.
As The Admirals, they had six records on the King label, two on their own, three sides backing Bubber Johnson, and one side backing Cathy Ryan, all of them released in 1955.
Wesley Devereaux was Wynonie Harris' son. Eugene McDaniels, as a solo artist, had two big hits in 1961, "A Hundred Pounds Of Clay" and "Tower Of Strength", both on the Liberty label.
Above Left: Label image of King 4782, recorded on February 24, 1955 and released in March 1955. Above Middle: Label image of King 4792, recorded on March 8, 1955 and released in April 1955. The flip-side, "Ow", is an instrumental by Lucky Millinder And His Orchestra.
Above Right: Cathy Ryan in a recording session at King Records in 1955.
THE BILLBOARD, January 1, 1955:
....Lucky Millinder signed a new waxing contract with King Records this week. Millinder and his ork will cut a session for the label in January and records by the ork will be out shortly thereafter. The ork leader, who has been leading a band at The Apollo in New York for a number of years, will put together an all new ork for the label....(NOTE: Lucky had originally joined King Records in 1950. Photos of him at King Records along with a 1951 King record by him are at the KING RECORDS ARTICLE - PART ONE.)
The Cash Box Review (3/26/55):
THE ADMIRALS — King 4782....
Give Me Your Love (B) The Admirals blend in a really pop manner with reminiscent characteristics of some of the leading pop groups. Ok quick beat wax.
Close Your Eyes (C+) The Admirals blend an effective cover of the current hit.(NOTE: A rating of C+ was considered as "good" and B was considered "very good".)
The Billboard Review (3/26/55):
THE ADMIRALS — King 4782....
Close Your Eyes ((75) A wildly expressive reading of the rhythm -ballad, with some amusing vocal touches. Good juke bait.
Give Me Your Love (72) A pop-flavored uptempo version of a swingy ditty. Flip, tho, is stronger ride.(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 70-79 considered "good".)
The Cash Box Review (4/23/55):
LUCKY MILLINDER — King 4792....
It's A Sad Sad Feeling (B) A slow beat rhythmic effort showcasing the vocal talents of Cathy Ryan and the Admirals. Good wax for any market.(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good".)
The Billboard Review (4/30/55):
LUCKY MILLINDER — King 4792....
It's A Sad Sad Feeling (68) Routine material gets an adequate reading by Lucky Millinder, with vocalist Cathy Ryan showing some quality.(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 60-69 considered as "satisfactory".)
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Close Your Eyes" - The Admirals - King 4782 - 1955.
2. "Give Me Your Love" - The Admirals - King 4782 - 1955.
3. "It's A Sad Sad Feeling" - Cathy Ryan And The Admirals (Lucky Millinder Orchestra)
- King 4792 - 1955.ALL THREE SONGS played in sequence.
THE ADMIRALS (AKA THE SULTANS)
Above Left: Cathy Ryan in the King Records recording studio. She was with Art Mooney And His Orchestra in the early 1950s, resulting in several records on the M-G-M label. In addition to the one side with The Admirals, Cathy had four records on the King label (1955-1956).
Above Right: Cathy Ryan getting direction (literally) from Lucky Millinder. This is a different room and microphone setup than her photo further above, although she appears to be wearing the same clothes.
EXTRA RECORD — THE SULTANS ON DUKE
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THE STATE (Columbia, South Carolina), September 4, 1949:
Here is one of the greatest new vocal groups to enter the recording field in many years.Currently riding the crest of top popularity on many national record charts, the Sultans can be heard under the Duke label. Recent personal appearances include a six month tour of Canada and the East with Lionel Hampton's famous Orchestra. The group presents a combination of exciting vocal arrangements, perfect timing, and marvelous showmanship.
Reading left to right, above, are Richard Beasley, Wesley Devereaux, Willie Barnes, Gene McDaniels, and Jimmy Farmer.
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Above Left: Label image of Duke 135, recorded in October 1954 and released in November 1954. Above Right: Photo of The Sultans with Lionel Hampton.
CASH BOX, June 12, 1954:
....Irv Marcus, Robey National Sales Manager, talking up the new group, The Sultans, five teen-agers who reflect, he says, “a pleasant new sound in R & B”....
(NOTE: Don Robey was owner and president of the Peacock and Duke labels.)The Cash Box Review (1/15/55):
THE SULTANS — Duke 135....
Boppin' With The Mambo (B) The Sultans dish up an engaging mambo number that borrows a little from several other numbers.
What Makes Me Feel This Way (B+) The Sultans blend beautifully on this mellow pretty ballad. The lead is excellent. Could be a strong seller.(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good" and B+ was considered "excellent".)
NOTE: As you might have noticed from reading previous articles, The Billboard tended to give rhythm and blues, particularly vocal groups, lower ratings than Cash Box. Perhaps this was due to Billboard's being an older magazine and stuck in their ways.
The Billboard Review (3/26/55):
THE SULTANS — Duke 135....
Boppin' With The Mambo (75) The boys have a wild item here and they sell It brightly over solid ork support. It's in the vein of "Mambo Baby", which won't hurt it.
What Makes Me Feel This Way (72) Pleasant ballad is sung smoothly by the Sultans, backed quietly by the ork. Deejays will spin this side.(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 70-79 considered "good".)
NOTE: "What Makes Me Feel This Way" was one of four "Cash Box Best Bets" in their January 22, 1955 edition. That means that "In the opinion of The Cash Box music staff, the records listed below....are those most likely to achieve popularity".
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "What Makes Me Feel This Way" - The Sultans - Duke 135 - 1954.
2. "Boppin' With The Mambo" - The Sultans - Duke 135 - 1954.BOTH SONGS played in sequence.
THE BILLBOARD — MAY 21, 1955
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EXTRA RECORD — CLOSE YOUR EYES (THE FIVE KEYS)
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Above: Photo of The Five Keys, (L-R) Rudy West, Maryland Pierce, Ripley Ingram, Ramon Loper, Bernie West. This is the line-up that recorded "Close Your Eyes" and all subsequent Capitol sides.
Click HERE for an article about THE FIVE KEYS by Marv Goldberg.
(Will open in a separate window)
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Above Left: Label image of Capitol 3032, recorded in November 16, 1954 and released in January 1955. This is The Five Keys' second record for Capitol. Their first, "Ling Ting Tong"/"I'm Alone", had the same personnel, except for Ulysses Hicks instead of Rudy West. Rudy, recently back from service duty, had rejoined the group. Ulysses passed away from a heart attack on February 1, 1955. Maryland Pierce sings the main lead and Rudy West does the responses.
Chuck Willis wrote "Close Your Eyes". He was a singer of some reknown, recording for Okeh (1952-55) and then in 1956 for Atlantic until his untimely death at age 30 in 1958. Chuck also wrote several other hit songs, including "Oh What A Dream" by Ruth Brown with Her Rhythmakers (aka The Drifters) and "The Door Is Still Open" by The Cardinals.
Above Right: Photo of The Five Keys, (Top L-R) Maryland Pierce, Bernie West, (Middle L-R) Ramon Loper, Ripley Ingram, and (Bottom) Rudy West.
The Cash Box Review (2/5/55):
THE FIVE KEYS — Capitol 3032....Close Your Eyes/Doggone It, You Did It
The Five Keys have come up with two powerful followups to their current “Ling-Ting-Tong” in “Close Your Eyes” and “Doggone It, You Did it.” The treatment of “Close Your Eyes” is unusual, employing two leads, and the effect is tremendous. A slow beat pretty that is sure to please.The “Doggone It” side is a jump that looks like more laurels for that hit writing duo, Charles Singleton and Rose Marie McCoy. The boys are really rocking on this one and its coupling with “Close Your Eyes” makes it a powerful buy.
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
"Close Your Eyes" - The Five Keys - Capitol 3032 - 1955.
THE BILLBOARD, January 29, 1955:
Review Spotlight On... THE FIVE KEYS Capitol 3032
Close Your Eyes/Doggone It, You Did It — The boys should continue to come thru with hits if this fine two-sided recording is any indication. The top side is a powerful new ballad, and the flip is a wild swinging effort. Both feature sock performances, and both are coin-grabbers.NEWS RELEASE, February 5, 1955:
....The Five Keys are one of the oldest groups in the r&b field. They have been stirring up a lot of action with their new waxing "Close Your Eyes" and currently have a hit on Capitol with "Ling Ting Tong"....THE BILLBOARD, March 12, 1955:
This Week's Best Buys... THE FIVE KEYS Capitol 3032
Close Your Eyes — The group smashed thru to the national retail chart this week and was reported strong in almost every area checked thruout the country.ALAN FREED ROCK AND ROLL PARTY WINS 1010 NEW YORK CITY
LISTEN to an audio clip of Alan Freed playing "Close Your Eyes" on his March 23, 1955 WINS radio show:"Close Your Eyes" - The Five Keys - Alan Freed WINS Rock And Roll Party - March 23, 1955.
BUBBER JOHNSON AND BONNIE LOU — "DROP ME A LINE"
"Drop Me A Line" was composed by Hazel Johnson and Bubber Johnson, their relationship could not be determined. BMI.com shows eleven songs composed by "Hazel Johnson", three of these with "Bubber Johnson", plus another with "Archie Johnson". BMI.com also shows Bubber with fifty song titles, most of these under his real name, "Robert Johnson".
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Above Left: Photo of Bubber Johnson, who was an actor, singer, piano player, and songwriter.
Click HERE for an article about BUBBER JOHNSON by Marv Goldberg.
(Will open in a separate window)Above Right: Photo of Bonnie Lou, who started as a country & western artist for King Records and then became a "popular music" (actually a hybrid) singer for them.
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Above Left: Label image of King 4793, released in April 1955. The flip-side, "Ding Dang Doo", was composed by Bubber Johnson, who is backed on both sides by The Admirals. Bubber had twenty-two records released on the King label (1955-1959). Per Mike Sweeney's book, "Single Artist Groups", fourteen sides have vocal group backing, and, of these, three sides are The Admirals and four sides are The Hurricanes.
Above Right: Label image of King 1476, released in May 1955. Bonnie Lou had twenty-five records released on the King label (1953-1957).
On this record, Bonnie is backed by The Harmonaires Quartet, who also backed Lula Reed on one of her King releases (see further down).
You could call Bonnie's rendition of "Drop Me A Line" a "cover" record, even though it's the same label. She was, in a way, King Records' designated part-time "cover" artist, with sides such as "Seven Lonely Days", "Dancing With Someone", "Tweedlee Dee", "Bo Weevil", and "I'm Available".
This is not the only "cover" that King did of a Bubber record. Cathy Ryan, on King 4848, covered his "Come Home", on King 4822. King included both "Come Home" versions in its advertisements.
At Right: CASH BOX, June 6, 1955.
The Cash Box Review (5/7/55):
BUBBER JOHNSON — King 4793....
Ding Dang Doo (B) Bubber Johnson rocks out a rhythmic jump tune with a novelty romantic lyric. Infectious bouncer with group support and a driving ork in the break.
Drop Me A Line (B+) Johnson changes pace with a slow blues pretty. Tune has good pop possibilities. Voice has a bit of Nat Cole in it.(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good" and B+ as "excellent".)
The Cash Box Review (6/11/55):
BONNIE LOU — King 1476....
Drop Me A Line (B+) A sensational and super-commercial new piece of material is beautifully handled by Bonnie Lou. Song is one of the best to come along in quite a while and could make Bonnie a big star. An all-around top grade waxing.
Old Faithful And True Love (C+) A catchy rock 'n' roller is cleverly handled by the thrush and a vocal group. Inviting deck.(NOTE: A rating of C+ was considered as "good" and B+ as "excellent".)
NOTE: Both "Drop Me A Line" versions achieved B+ ratings from Cash Box. So which one did King Records promote? The Bonnie Lou version, steadily advertised; Bubber's version, little or no promotion.
NOTE: Audio for all four sides is provided as all have vocal group backing....
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Drop Me A Line" - Bubber Johnson (With The Admirals) - King 4793 - 1955.
2. "Ding Dang Doo" - Bubber Johnson (With The Admirals) - King 4793 - 1955.
3. "Drop Me A Line" - Bonnie Lou And The Harmonaires Quartet - King 1476 - 1955.
3. "Old Faithful And True Love" - Bonnie Lou And The Harmonaires Quartet - King 1476 - 1955.ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.
MORE BUBBER JOHNSON & BONNIE LOU SELECTIONS
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Above Left: Label image of King 4988, released in April 1955. This is a cover record of Sonny Knight's original on the Vita label. Charles Brown also covered the song on the Aladdin label. BMI.com lists 44 different "Confidential" song titles. Dorinda Morgan has 79 titles listed at BMI.com, with one "BMI Award Winning Song". That one is "The Man Upstairs", a hit for Kay Starr.
Above Right: Label image of King 4835, released in May 1955. A reversal in roles here, Bonnie Lou's is the original. It's success proved Bonnie's "popular music" capability. A King Records' advertisement called it "pop & country".
The Fontane Sisters' version on Dot Records, which did better, was the cover. "Daddy-O" was composed by Charlie Gore, Buford Abner, and Louis Todd Innis. It's a "BMI Award Winning Song".
At Right: CASH BOX, December 1, 1956.
THE BILLBOARD, October 27, 1956:
Review Spotlight On... BUBBER JOHNSON, King 4988
Johnson's styling of "Confidential" is a smooth, popish job of A-1 quality. ...Silky tones (a la Nat Cole) make a strong impression. Johnson is a favorite of many pop deejays; this ought to extend his circle of admirers.The Cash Box Review (10/27/56):
BUBBER JOHNSON — King 4988....
Confidential (B+) A beautiful new ballad with great potential is beautifully executed by Bubber Johnson, working with a choral backdrop. Lovely fish-beat ballad that should appeal strongly to the teenagers. A sleeper to keep a tab on(NOTE: A rating of B+ was considered as "excellent".)
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Confidential" - Bubber Johnson (With Vocal Group) - King 4988 - 1956.
2. "Daddy-O" - Bonnie Lou - King 4835 - 1955.BOTH SONGS played in sequence.
("GAC" stands for "General Artists Corporation", a booking agency.) |
EXTRA RECORD — LULA REED AND THE HARMONAIRES
NOTE: LULA REED IS FULLY COVERED IN THE KING RECORDS ARTICLE - PART FOUR ARTICLE. THIS IS A BONUS TO HIGHLIGHT ADDITIONAL HARMONAIRES' RECORDS ON THE KING LABEL.
Above Right: Label image of King 4590, recorded in October 7, 1952 and released in December 1952. Lula Reed had one other record backed by The Harmonaires, that on King 4811 in 1955. One side is included in the audio below. Note at the very end of the song, Lula says something in the background that sounds like "some day". Above Middle: Photo of Lula Reed. If anyone has a "Harmonaires Quartet" photo to share, please contact me.
Above Right: Label image of King 4811, released in 1955.
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Heavenly Road" - Lula Reed And The Harmonaires - King 4590 - 1952.
2. "My Mother's Prayers" - Lula Reed And The Harmonaires - King 4590 - 1952.
3. "Why Don't You Come On Home" - Lula Reed (And The Harmonaires) - King 4811 - 1955.ALL THREE SONGS played in sequence.
THE HURRICANES
NOTE: MUCH OF THIS SECTION WAS INCLUDED IN THE JUBILEE RECORDS - PART FIVE ARTICLE. THE PORTION INCLUDED HERE IS TO PROVIDE COMPLETENESS OF KING RECORDS' HISTORY.
The Hurricanes, prior to arriving at King Records in 1955, were The Toppers on the Jubilee label, their only record issued, by them for that label, in February 1954. The Hurricanes, with some changes in personnel, had ten records released on the King label (1955-1957).
Click HERE for an article about The Hurricanes by Marv Goldberg. (Will open in a separate window)
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Above: Still shot of The Hurricanes from the 1956 movie "Rockin' The Blues". In photo, (L-R) Henry Austin, Fred Williams, Vernon Britton, and James Brown. They are singing "You May Not Know" released by them on King 4947 in 1956. Williams and Britton were in The Toppers' group that recorded for Jubilee.
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Above Left: Label image for King 4817, recorded on June 15, 1955 and released in July 1955. This is The Hurricanes' first record on the King label. The song title "Poor Little Dancing Girl" is not listed at either BMI or ASCAP. Above Right: Label image for King 4867, recorded on November 29, 1955 and released in January 1956. It's their third record on King. Henry Alston sings lead on both of the sides shown above.
Composer Bernice Snelson has 36 song titles listed at BMI.com. Of note, "Tell Her" (The Velvets on Red Robin 127 in 1954) and "I'd Like To Thank You Mr. D.J." (Otis Williams And The Charms on Deluxe 6097 in 1956).
The flip-side, "Yours", was composed by Gonzalo Roig and Jack Sherr, and is a "BMI Award Winning Song". Other performers who recorded the song include Dionne Warwick and The Dell Vikings.
The Billboard Review (7/30/55):
THE HURRICANES — King 4817
Pistol Packin' Mama (70) Fair r&b reading of the old novelty. The vocal group is backed by instrumentation that's strong on honking horns and beat.
Poor Little Dancing Girl (68) This side is a slow ballad. Tune is a pretty one, but the arrangement lacks sparkle.(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 60-69 considered as "satisfactory" and 70-79 as "good".)
LISTEN (Windows Media Player):
1. "Poor Little Dancing Girl" - The Hurricanes - King 4817 - 1955.
2. "Pistol Packin' Mama" - The Hurricanes - King 4817 - 1955.
3. "Maybe It's All For The Best" - The Hurricanes - King 4867 - 1956.
4. "Yours" - The Hurricanes - King 4867 - 1956.ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.
Cash Box Review (8/20/55):
THE HURRICANES — King 4817
Pistol Packin' Mama (B) The novelty hit of former years is given a rocking revival by The Hurricanes. Item still packs appeal and the treatment accorded the tune by the group is an infectious one. Happy, rocking side.
Poor Little Dancing Girl (B) The Hurricanes, with a Johnnie Rayish lead, project tenderly as they fashion a delightfully melodic feathery item. Effective side.(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good".)
Cash Box Review (1/14/56):
THE HURRICANES — King 4867
Maybe It's All For The Best (B) The Hurricanes offer a slow melodious romantic tune with an easy to take treatment. Group treats it with an r&b tinted pop reading. Pleasant wax.
Yours (B) The lads bounce gayly through the tuneful oldie and come up with an ok deck.(NOTE: A rating of B was considered as "very good".)
The Billboard Review (1/14/56):
THE HURRICANES — King 4867
Maybe It's All For The Best (75) A refined ballad slow in tempo. The group gives a dignified solid reading.
Yours (73) The great standard gets an interesting performance. Lead singer has a high-pitched voice which sometimes has a feminine quality. A good side.(NOTE: Ratings had a range of 0-100 with 70-79 considered as "good".)
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.
KING RECORDS - PART FIVE FEATURES EXTENSIVE COVERAGE OF THE SWALLOWS AND THE CHECKERS. ALSO, SECTIONS ON JIMMY RUSHING, DUKE HAMPTON, ELETRA HAMPTON, AND THE HAMPTON SISTERS, AND THE FIVE JETS. AND A SPOTLIGHT ON THE SONG "BICYCLE TILLIE".
KING RECORDS - PART SIX FEATURES EXTENSIVE COVERAGE OF THE "5" ROYALES AND STICKS McGHEE. ALSO, SECTIONS ON ROY BROWN, THE MAGIC-TONES, CHRISTINE KITTRELL, THE ROYAL SONS QUINTET, THE STRANGERS, AND SUGAR RAY ROBINSON. AND A SPOTLIGHT ON THE SONG "DRINKIN' WINE, SPO-DEE-O-DEE".
1. "Why'd You Do It" - Ralph Willis - King 4611 - 1953.
ALL THIRTY–FIVE ABOVE KING LABEL SONGS played in sequence.
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Last Update: October 15, 2024
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