#955 (11/13/21)

SPOTLIGHT ON SAVOY RECORDS - PART FIVE (1954 - 1957)

THE EMERALDS
THE DREAMS
THE FIVE PENNIES
THE HAMPTON SISTERS
NAPPY BROWN
ANNIE LAURIE
THE JIVE BOMBERS
MORRIS FONTAIN
"BROWN GAL" RECORDS

Includes Audio For Thirty-Three Songs
(Audio Restored By Dave Saviet - Images Restored By Tony Fournier)


LUTHOR BOND AND HIS EMERALDS:
Above Left: Luthor Bond.

Above Right: From 1954—Luther Bond And His Emeralds (Top L-R) Willis Miller (baritone), John McGue (guitar), (Bottom L-R) Charles Godfrey (second tenor), Luther Bond (lead tenor), Cedric Cox (first tenor), and Clyde Giles (bass). All these members were from Cincinnati.

Click HERE for an article about Luther Bond And His Emeralds by Marv Goldberg. (Will open in a separate window)

Above: Label images for Savoy 1124-A/B, recorded on January 15, 1954 and released in January 1954.
Above: Label images for Savoy 1131-A/B, recorded on January 15, 1954 and released in June 1954.

Lead singer on all the above four sides is Luther Bond, who also has composer credit for three of the songs. On the remaining side, composer Charles Godfrey was a member of the group, while Leon was not, but was probably Charles' brother.

Luther Bond And His Emeralds had three releases on Savoy (1954-55). Bond, backed by different "Emeralds" line-ups, also had releases on Federal (1956, 1959) and Showboat (1959-60).

Above Left: TRADE MAGAZINE, March 1954. (NOTE: Alan Freed's name is misspelled. "His Emeralds" are not mentioned in this clipping.)

Above Right: CASH BOX, July 3, 1954. (NOTE: Here "his Emeralds" are mentioned.)


THE CASH BOX AWARD O' THE WEEK — JUNE 26, 1954

Above Left: CASH BOX, March 13, 1954. (NOTE: the "New Boy Singer" was about 18 years old at the time.)

Above Right: CASH BOX, August 7, 1954.


[Above clipping provided by Richard Koloda.]


Above Left: CLEVELAND CALL AND POST, October 1955.
Note that "A Few Advance Sales Tickets Available Still"... want to go? "It's Written In The Stars" is Luther Bond And His Emeralds's third and final record on the Savoy label.

Yes, The Hornets mentioned ARE the States label "I Can't Believe" group (see more below). Wonder if "The Sundog" was the daytime version of Alan Freed, who had been known in Cleveland as "The Moondog".

Above Right: An example picture of a typical 1954 78-rpm Savoy Record sleeve. While Savoy was "established" in 1939, their first record was released in 1942. The Roamers are featured in Savoy Records - Part Four.


THE BILLBOARD, January 30, 1954: SAVOY INKS LUTHER BOND
NEWARK, N.J.—Herman Lubinsky, Savoy Records, has signed a new quartet from Cincinnati, Luther Bond and His Emeralds. Group's first etching, "What If You" b/w "See What You Done" has just been released. Savoy has also inked New Orleans lad Georgie Stevenson, whose first slicing, "Teasin" Tan" b/w "Grandma's Joints" will be out shortly.

THE CASH BOX, February 6, 1954:
....Herman Lubinsky, Savoy Records, signed Luther Bond and His Emeralds, a Cincinnati quartet, and predicts the first etching by the group, “What If You” and “See What You Done” will be a smash....

THE BILLBOARD, February 20, 1954:
....Savoy Records have pacted a number of new names. One is Little Eddie, a blues singer. The other is Luther Bond and His Emeralds. Signings were made by the label's a.&r. chief, Fred Mendellson....

THE CASH BOX, March 6, 1954:
....Herman Lubinsky has a hit in Luther Bond’s “What If You”. Item has already broken in Newark....

THE CASH BOX, June 26, 1954:
....Herman Lubinsky, Savoy Records, has come up with a good group, Luther Bond and His Emeralds. The lads hit with their initial release, “What If You”, and their follow up looks even stronger. The team has a good sound with Luther Bond an exciting lead. The new release is “You Were My Love” and “Starlight, Starbright”....

THE CASH BOX, July 3, 1954:
....Herman Lubinsky all stirred up about his new Luther Bond and the Emeralds release. The disk, “You Were My Love” and “Starlight, Starbright”, getting a great reaction from the distribs....

THE CASH BOX, August 7, 1954:
....Herman Lubinsky, sitting pretty with his Hot Shots' “Blue Hours” and Luther Bond's “You Were My Love”. Getting ready for another big one as he sets up a session with Varetta Dillard....

THE CASH BOX, January 8, 1955:
....Fred Mendelsohn chin up and chest out and rightly so. In the roughly one year he’s been with Herman Lubinsky at Savoy he has figured in such sides as “What If You”, Luther Bond; “Blue Hours”, The Hot Shots; “I Wonder” and “Is It True”, Nappy Brown; and “Don’t Drop it”, Wilbert Harrison. Fred cautions one and all to watch his newest, “Deep Freeze” by The Roamers....

The Cash Box Review (2/27/54):

LUTHER BOND AND HIS EMERALDS — Savoy 1124....
"See What You Done"
(B) Luther Bond gives an extremely sexy reading of a quick tempo jump that should excite his audience.
"What If You" (B+) Bond oozes sex as he dramatically sells a slow emotional blues. His individual styling could make this side happen big.

(NOTE: A rating of B was considered "very good" and B+ was "excellent".)

The Billboard Review Spotlight (7/3/54):

LUTHER BOND — SAVOY 1131....
You Were My Love
—Luther Bond, backed by the Emeralds, has a solid disking here. He sings the ballad with a wealth of feeling, while the group sweetly harmonizes behind him. This could go. Flip is "Starlight, Starbright".

The Billboard Review (7/3/54):

LUTHER BOND — SAVOY 1131....
You Were My Love
(82) Luther Bond teams up with the Emeralds for a strong reading of a smooth new ballad. Bond sells it with much feeling over a quiet backing by the boys as he tells what happened to his love. Side could get action with exposure. Watch it.
Starlight, Starbright (78) Another good reading by the boys, again on a slow-tempo ballad. Bond sells it solidly again, altho the material is not quite as powerful as the flip. However, it should pull its share of spins, too. Bond can sock over a tune.

(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good" and 80-89 was "excellent".)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "What If You" - Luther Bond And His Emeralds - Savoy 1124-A - 1954.
2. "See What You Done" - Luther Bond And His Emeralds - Savoy 1124-B - 1954.
3. "You Were My Love" - Luther Bond And His Emeralds - Savoy 1131-A - 1954.
4. "Starlight, Starbright" - Luther Bond And His Emeralds - Savoy 1131-B - 1954.

ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.

BONUS RECORD—THE HORNETS (STATES LABEL):
Above Left: The Hornets, picture taken from Cleveland Call And Post dated 5/15/54. (L-R Top) Johnny Moore, Ben Iverson, (L-R Bottom) Gus Miller, and James "Sonny" Long.

Above Right: Label image for States S-127, recorded on August 12, 1953 and released in November 1953. James Long sings lead on both sides. Per Disco-File, this record was originally recorded with the artist listed as "Cleveland Quartet", which was really a description of the group.

States was a Chicago label, the subsidiary of United, owned by Leonard Allen. This was to become the only record by this original Hornets group and one of the most sought-after r&b vocal group collectibles of all time.

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

Above Left: CLEVELAND CALL AND POST, May 15, 1954.

Above Right: CLEVELAND CALL AND POST, October 30, 1954.
(NOTE: Virgil Brinnon was the replacement disc jockey for Alan Freed, after Freed left WJW-Cleveland for WINS-New York City.)

CASH BOX, October 10, 1953: UNITED SIGNS TEN NEW NAMES
CHICAGO—Leonard Allen, president of United Records here, announced the signing of ten new artists and groups recently. Six are singers, two are spiritual groups, a quartet, and an ork round out the list....The Four Hornets are the new addition to United’s quartet groups....

CLEVELAND CALL AND POST, December 25, 1954:
....at Gleason's on Monday, Dec. 27, for a week's engagement, are the Hornets. The Hornets, James Long, John Moore, Bill Britt [sic "Brent"], and Jimmie Vinson are the lads who recorded "I Can't Believe" and "Lonesome Baby". They have appeared twice through the past year at the Circle Theatre where they were an immense hit, but it is believed that the Gleason engagement will be their first night club appearance in Cleveland....

The Billboard Review (12/19/53):

THE HORNETS — STATES S-127....
Lonesome Baby
(75) Very interesting side with tune based on riff. Vocal group and ork both show up well.
I Can't Believe (73) Fine, slow reading of this ballad by the Hornets. Lead and bass stand out.

(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good".)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "I Can't Believe" - The Hornets - States S-127 - 1953.
2. "Lonesome Baby" - The Hornets - States S-127 - 1953.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.


THE DREAMS:
Above: Photo of The Dreams, (L-R) George Tindley (lead tenor), Wesley Hayes (second tenor and guitar), Stephen Presbery (bass), Robert Henderson (baritone), and Bernard Harris (first tenor and falsetto).

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

Above: Label images for Savoy 1140 A/B, both sides recorded on October 5, 1954 and the record released in December of that year. George Tindley sings lead on both sides. This was The Dreams' second of three records for Savoy (1954-55). Note that group members are credited as composer on label for each side ("John Hayes" is "Wesley Hayes").
Above Left: Label image for Savoy 1157-A. Both sides were recorded on March 14, 1955 and the record released the next month. This was The Dreams' last of three records for Savoy.

George Tindley sings lead on this side and Robert Henderson on the flip, "My Little Honeybun". Stephen Presbery is credited on the flip label as composer, but is misspelled "Pressbery".

The Dreams, renamed Kenny Esquire And The Starlites, had two releases on the Herald label (1956-57). "Kenny Esquire" was actually George Tindley, who sang lead on all four sides. Billy Taylor (of The Castelles) filled in for a missing Robert Henderson.

Above Right: THE BILLBOARD, May 14, 1955.

Above Left: TRADE MAGAZINE, May 1955.

Above Right: A 1955 picture of The Dreams, (L-R) Stephen Presbery, George Grant, Bernard Harris, Robert Henderson, and Wesley Hayes. George Grant, lead tenor for The Castelles, substituted for George Tindley, who was sick.

THE BILLBOARD, May 8, 1954:
....The Dreams, another new Savoy group, consists of teen-age youngsters from Philadelphia. Deejay Ramon Bruce of Philadelphia recommended them to the label....

THE BILLBOARD, June 12, 1954:
....Savoy Records has added a number of new names to its current roster.... The Dreams, a new blues quartet recently signed by the label, have already had their first release....

THE BILLBOARD, July 10, 1954: DJ PICNIC - WNJR HAS R&B STAR JAMBOREE
NEWARK, N.J.—The disk jockeys of radio station WNJR here are staging a mammoth jamboree, picnic, outing, and show tomorrow at a near-by park area which will feature many important rhythm and blues artists. Tickets for the event, which kicks off at noon and is scheduled to run thru 2 a.m., are tagged at $1.50.

Artists scheduled to appear are Roy Hamilton, Luther Bond (and the Emeralds), the Orioles, Big Maybelle, Larry Darnell, Bull Moose Jackson's ork, El Tempos, Joe Liggins, Duke Anderson's ork, the Dreams, Nappy Brown, the Orchids, Varetta Dillard, the Four Bells, and Billie Zito. The event is set for Patrylow's Grove in Kenilworth, N.J.
(Where can I get my ticket?! Five of these acts are Savoy Records' artists.)

The Billboard Review (5/7/55):

THE DREAMS — SAVOY 1157....
I'll Be Faithful
(79) The touching standard is treated to an old-fashioned Ink Spots go, with high tenor lead and bass recitation.
My Little Honeybun (76) Group has spirit and ideas.

(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good".)

The Cash Box Review (5/7/55):

THE DREAMS — SAVOY 1157....
"I'll Be Faithful"
(B+) The Dreams dish up a strong etching that could command lots of attention. George Tindley is dramatically forceful as he sings an emotional lead. The group backs him beautifully and the result is a powerful entry. Listen carefully.
"My Little Honeybun" (B+) The Dreams provide a switch in tempo and treatment as they give out with a unique reading of a rock and roll item. It’s a chuckley side with the bass voiced lead giving it a gimmicked reading. Another strong side.

(NOTE: A rating of B+ was considered "excellent".)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "I'm Losing My Mind" - The Dreams - Savoy 1140 A - 1954.
2. "Under The Willow" - The Dreams - Savoy 1140 B - 1954.
3. "I'll Be Faithful" - The Dreams - Savoy 1157-A - 1955.
4. "My Little Honeybun" - The Dreams - Savoy 1157-B - 1955.

ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.


THE FIVE PENNIES:
Above: 1956 photo of The Five Pennies, (L-R) James Myers (tenor), Herbert Myers (tenor), Benjamin Washington (tenor), John Myers (baritone), and Charles Holloway (bass). The "FIVE" Pennies on their own two records for Savoy are these five singers plus Clifford Curry (baritone). Same is true for their one Savoy record backing Big Miller.

Click HERE for an article about The Five Pennies by Marv Goldberg. (Will open in a separate window)

Above: Label images for Savoy 1182-A/B, both sides recorded on November 10, 1955 and the record released in December 1955. Clifford Curry wrote and sings lead on "Mr. Moon". Benjamin Washington sings lead on "Let It Rain", composed by Paul Winley, who was soon to become a founder of Winley Records in New York City.



Above: CASH BOX, December 10, 1955.






Above: THE BILLBOARD, December 24, 1955.



Above Left: 1956 photo of The Five Pennies, (Top) Clifford Curry, (Middle Left-Right) James Myers, Charles Holloway, John Myers, and (Bottom) Herbert Myers. Another member of the group, Benjamin Washington, is missing from this photo.

THE BILLBOARD, December 3, 1955: SAVOY EXPANDS ARTIST ROSTER
NEW YORK—Herman Lubinsky, colorful rhythm and blues potentate, has signed a bevy of artists to the Savoy label.... New artists include Hal (Cornbread) Singer, Brownie McGee, the Five Pennies, Big Miller, Billy Nelson and the Five Wings, Mar-Lene, and Johnny Mehegan....

CASH BOX, December 10, 1955:
....Herman Lubinsky announces new releases this week for Savoy Records. They are Hal Singer, back with the label, with “Hot Rod” and “Rock N’ Roll”; Big Miller singing “Try To Understand” and “All Is Well”; The Five Pennies “Mr. Moon” and “Let It Rain”; Billy Nelson “Pack-Shack and Stack” and “Walk Along”.... (NOTE: Big Miller is backed by The Five Pennies and Billy Nelson is backed by The Five Wings.)

CASH BOX, February 18, 1956:
....Savoy keeps building with its “Mr. Moon” by The Five Pennies. Latest advices are that it has broken in Chicago....

THE BILLBOARD, February 18, 1956:
There's a lot of activity at Savoy these days. Herman Lubinsky tried to take a vacation in Florida, but had to fly right back to Newark to lend a hand in the office. Nappy Brown flew into town to record, and also the Five Pennies, who started kicking up some fuss with their "Mr. Moon".

Then Herman signed a new group called, conveniently, the Savoys. He also inked the 18-year-old Brooklyn gospel thrush, Christine Clark, who was the star of the recent all-spiritual show at the Apollo Theater. Gal is managed by Bobby Schiffman, son of the theater manager.

(NOTE: The Savoys and Billy Nelson With The Five Wings will be featured vocal groups in Savoy Records - Part Six.)

The Cash Box Review (12/17/55):

THE FIVE PENNIES — SAVOY 1182....
"Mr. Moon"
(B+) The Five Pennies offer a moving treatment of a slow, melodic love ballad softly blended with a strong lead. Romantic melter. Enough exposure could make it a sales attraction.
"Let It Rain" (B) The boys team on a fast beat jump socked out by a driving projection with a jubilee flavor. Wild rocker that should appeal.

(NOTE: A rating of B was considered "very good" and B+ was "excellent".)

The Billboard Review (12/17/55):

THE FIVE PENNIES — SAVOY 1182....
Let It Rain
(75) This new group does well with this fast-tempo blues, which is likely to get a lot of spins.
Mr. Moon (73) This side is a slow-paced item in the ultra refined and celestial mode.

(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good".)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Mr. Moon" - The Five Pennies - Savoy 1182-A - 1955.
2. "Let It Rain" - The Five Pennies - Savoy 1182-B - 1955.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.


MORRIS FONTAIN (AND VOCAL GROUP):
Above: Label images for Savoy 1139 A/B, both sides recorded on September 28, 1954 and the record released circa November 1954. BMI credits both William Campbell and Morris Fontain as composers on both sides. Prolific composer Campbell had written Savoy Records' first big hit, "Don't Stop Now" by Bonnie Davis And The Bunny Banks Trio, back in 1943.


THE CASH BOX REVIEW — NOVEMBER 14, 1954

At Left: THE BILLBOARD, December 11, 1954.
(NOTE: This clipping has "Morris Fontaine", but it should be "Morris Fontain". It's the "B" side, "Cryin' My Heart Out", that is favored in both the above Cash Box review, the clipping at left, and the Cash Box blurb just below.)

CASH BOX, Nobember 13, 1954:
....Herman Lubinsky coming up with some strong releases of recent weeks. The Savoy prexy bubbling about his latest, “Cryin’ My Heart Out” by Morris Fontain. Lad has a combination country-pop-r&b sound....

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Juicin' And Goofin'" - Morris Fontain (And Vocal Group) - Savoy 1139 A - 1954.
2. "Cryin' My Heart Out" - Morris Fontain (And Vocal Group) - Savoy 1139 B - 1954.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.




THE HAMPTON SISTERS:
Above: The Hampton Sisters, (L-R) Dawn, Carmalita, Aletra and Virtue.
Above: Another photo of The Hampton Sisters.

[Label image and audio provided by Andrew Bohan.]
Above: Label image for 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.

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: INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER, April 5, 1952:
These Hampton Sisters should give with alotta competition before the curtain falls on The Recorder Musicians and Vocalists contest. From left to right, top row, Dawn, Aletra, and Virtue; bottom, center, is Carmelita.
(NOTE: Indianapolis was The Hampton Sisters' home town.)
At Left: THE BILLBOARD, 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".)


LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
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.


SAVOY RECORDS — 1955:
Above: CASH BOX, July 2, 1955.

NAPPY BROWN:
Above: Nappy Brown, from Charlotte, North Carolina, was a rhythm and blues vocalist and pianist. He joined Savoy Records in 1954, providing them with several hit records in the mid-1950s.
Above: Label image for Savoy 1155 A, both sides recorded on February 1, 1955 and the record released circa March 1955. This was an early use of the stretched out multiple "li-li-li..." technique that Clarence Palmer used later to great popularity on his "Bad Boy", "Cherry", etc. songs (See further down this webpage).

Herman Lubinsky, Savoy Records owner, must be given credit for providing excellent musicians to back his artists. This record has, among others, Sam "The Man" Taylor on tenor sax, Howard Biggs on piano/arrangements, and Mickey Baker on guitar.


THE CASH BOX REVIEW — MARCH 19, 1955

Above Left: THE BILLBOARD, April 9, 1955.
(NOTE: The Crewcuts' version of the song was the main competition to Nappy Brown's "Don't Be Angry".)

Above Middle: THE BILLBOARD, April 16, 1955.
(NOTE: Just as from the beginning, Savoy Records continued to utilize The Billboard and Cash Box magazines heavily to promote their records.)

Above Right: HARTFORD COURANT, October 30, 1955.
(NOTE: Nappy Brown surrounded by five great vocal groups! Not sure who the "Plus 50 Great Rock 'N' Roll Stars" are, but I'd pay $1.50 to find out.)

THE BILLBOARD, March 26, 1955: REPUBLIC BUYS "ANGRY" TUNE
NEW YORK—Republic Music, the Sammy Kaye publishing firm, this week bought the rhythm and blues tune "Don't Be Angry" from Herman Lubinsky. Kaye reportedly shelled out $6,500 for the song. The ditty was penned by Rosalie McCoy and Nappy Brown, and recorded by the latter for Lubinsky's Savoy Records. The disk has shown some action recently in the r.&b. sales market, with cover waxings expected.

THE BILLBOARD, April 2, 1955:
Savoy Records' Herman Lubinsky found himself in an enviable spot last week with a flock of publishers bidding for his tune "Don't Be Angry". The item, which was in Herman's Savoy Music firm, is shaping up strongly via the Nappy Brown waxing, and other labels are rushing cover versions. Sammy Kaye's Republic Music finally landed the plum.

THE BILLBOARD, April 23, 1955:
....Fred Mendelsohn, Savoy Records, excitedly reports passing the 100,000 mark for Nappy Brown’s original version of “Don’t Be Angry”....

The Billboard Review (3/19/55):

NAPPY BROWN — SAVOY 1155....
It's Really You
(76) Nappy Brown's Deep-South styled vocal makes strong r.&b. wax on this side. The chanter sings out with real heart and style on this blues.
Don't Be Angry (76) A change of pace from the flip. Side has novelty value and a good solid vocal job by Nappy Brown.

(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good".)

Above: Label images for Savoy 1525, both sides recorded on October 1, 1957 and the record released later that month. Nappy Brown has vocal group backing on both sides of this record. Note that "N. Brown" gets composer credit on the label for "The Right Time".


THE CASH BOX REVIEW — NOVEMBER 2, 1957

CASH BOX, November 2, 1957:
....Savoy Records enters the picture with Nappy Brown and two goodies, “Oh, You Don’t Know” and “The Right Time”....

CASH BOX, November 23, 1957:
....Herman Lubinsky, Savoy Records, reports big orders and repeats on Nappy Brown’s “The Right Time”. “It’s in” says Lubinsky....

At Right: CASH BOX, November 23, 1957.

The Billboard Review Spotlight On R&B Records (10/21/57):

NAPPY BROWN — SAVOY 1525....
The Right Time/Oh, You Don't Know
—"The Right Time" is the strongest side for the artist in recent tries. The shoutin' approach on the blues with gospel chorus backing resembles somewhat the Ray Charles technique. Great side should easily make it. Flip, "Don't Know," is more opo-styled. The rocker gets a smooth vocal with excellent chorus and ork support.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Don't Be Angry" - Nappy Brown - Savoy 1155 A - 1955.
2. "It's Really You" - Nappy Brown - Savoy 1155 B - 1955.
3. "Oh, You Don't Know" - Nappy Brown (And Vocal Group) - Savoy 1525 - 1957.
4. "The Right Time" - Nappy Brown (And Vocal Group) - Savoy 1525 - 1957.

ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.

BONUS RECORD—THE SULTANS (JUBILEE LABEL):
Above: Label image for Jubilee 5077, recorded in 1951 and released in March 1952. This is the second of two records the group had on Jubilee as "The Sultans". The label states "Vocal Quartette", but The Sultans were actually a quintette on both records.

At Right: 1955 photo of Clyde Wright. [Photo provided by Paul Ressler.]

FROM PAM & CHARLIE HORNER (May 2008):

Clyde Wright was from the Charlotte, NC area. His first group was the Golden Bell Quintet. As a teenager, Clyde played guitar on the group’s 1945 RCA-Victor recording (#20-1939) but did not sing on it. Later, he sang in the group live on radio station WBT (Charlotte) along with his cousin, Napoleon “Nappy” Brown.

Thermon Ruth went to Charlotte to recruit Clyde Wright for the Selah Jubilee Singers in 1948. Wright agreed to join the Selahs, but insisted that Ruth also hire his cousin Napoleon Brown. At that time, the Selah Jubilee Singers then consisted of Thermon Ruth, Allen Bunn, Jimmy Gorham, Melvin Coldten, Junius Parker, Clyde Wright, and Napoleon Brown.

After a short while, Ruth and Bunn left to form the Jubilators, who also included Raymond Barnes, Hadie Rowe, Jr., and David McNeil. It was this group that soon acquired Eugene Mumford and eventually became the Larks on Apollo.

Meanwhile, the Selah Jubilee Singers, now consisting of Wright, Brown, Gorham, Coldten, and Parker, went to New York City and recorded for Jubilee records. Two records were released [Jubilee # 3002 – “Down Here I’ve Done My Best” (written by Nappy Brown) b/w “Why Not Today” (written by Clyde Wright) and Jubilee #3003 – “Since Mother’s Been Gone” (written by Parker) b/w “Sorrow Valley”.] Nappy Brown does lead on “Down Here I’ve Done My Best” and “Why Not Today”. Clyde Wright leads on “Since Mother’s Been Gone”.

At this point, Napoleon Brown left the group and was replaced by someone remembered only as Clarence. The group continued recording for Jubilee, but now did some secular tunes under the name the Sultans. The Sultans were Clyde Wright, Jimmy Gorham, Melvin Coldten, Junius Parker, and Clarence ???.

Clyde Wright wrote “Don’t Be Angry”. Clyde went into the army and was not aware the Sultans’ records were ever released until years later when Charlie Horner asked him about the records. The group must have been rehearsing “Don’t Be Angry” before Nappy Brown left, because he speeded the tune up and recorded it for Savoy in 1955, resulting in a hit record (#2 on R&B Charts, #25 on Pop Charts). When Nappy Brown’s version came out it did not credit Clyde Wright as writer. Clyde considered suing but didn’t because Nappy was his cousin.

The group was a quintet for all four sides. Master numbers indicate they were all recorded at the same session.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Don't Be Angry" - The Sultans - Jubilee 5077 - 1952.
2. "Blues At Dawn" - The Sultans - Jubilee 5077 - 1952.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.




CASH BOX — MARCH 15, 1952

THE JIVE BOMBERS:
[The above photo taken from Ferdie Gonzalez' Disco-File.]
Above: The Jive Bombers were a vocal and instrumental goup. Photo: (Top L-R) Earl Johnson, William "Pee Wee" Tinney; (Bottom L-R) Al Tinney, and Clarence Palmer. Earl Johnson played tenor sax, Al Tinney the piano, Clarence Palmer the bass fiddle, and Pee Wee Tinney the guitar and drums.

Click HERE for an article about The Jive Bombers by Marv Goldberg. (Will open in a separate window)

Above: Label image for Savoy 1508, recorded on November 30, 1956 and released in December 1956. This side was originally issued as "Little Bad Boy".

CASH BOX SLEEPER OF THE WEEK — DECEMBER 22, 1956


CASH BOX — MARCH 30, 1957

THE BILLBOARD, November 24, 1956:
....Savoy Records has just signed an instrumental and vocal group called the Jive Bombers. They were discovered in a small Manhattan club, the Wagon Wheel....

The Billboard Review (12/22/56):

THE JIVE BOMBERS — SAVOY 1508....
Bad Boy
(78) This can take off. The chanter has a gimmicked vocal and he sings out splendidly. Tune is a swingy, slow-paced item with a lot of mood and nostalgic quality.

(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good".)

CASH BOX, January 19, 1957:
Herman Lubinsky is swinging with the stars as his label moves with three sock items, “Little By Little,” Nappy Brown; “Bad Boy” by The Jive Bombers; and “Rib Joint” by Sam Price. An interesting sidelight is the “Bad Boy” deck. One of the Detroit outlets discovered that the deck had quite a lot of appeal played at a 78 speed. This is not unusual as many decks have been interesting at the same change in speeds. However, Herman, who says he was actually getting orders at the 78 speed, has issued it on a 45 cut at 70 rpms, and now has both records available. Lubinsky also announced the signing of the Roberta Martin Singers to a long term pact....

LISTEN TO SPEEDED UP VERSION (Windows Media Player): "Little Bad Boy (Speeded Up)" - The Jive Bombers - Savoy 1508 - 1957.

At Right: THE BILLBOARD, April 6, 1957.

The Billboard Review (1/26/57):

THE JIVE BOMBERS — SAVOY 1508....
Little Bad Boy
(78) This is the recent Jive Bombers' issue—but speeded up so that lead Clarence Palmer's sound gives it novelty value. Some sounds like Donald Duck. It's weird but the kids are certain to go for it.

(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good".)

The Billboard "This Week's Best R&B Buys" (1/26/57):
THE JIVE BOMBERS — SAVOY 1508....
Bad Boy
—The East Coast has been humming with activity on this disk. New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo are the most important centers of support for this record. Now the Middle Western markets are also beginning to move in quantity. Looks like a chart disk. Flip is "When Your Hair Has Turned to Silver".

CASH BOX, February 9, 1957: TWO SAVOY DISKS CLIMB POP CHARTS
NEWARK, N. J.—Herman Lubinsky and his Savoy crew have been getting very little sleep during the past few weeks. The entire organization has been working into the wee hours of the night keeping pressings of Savoy’s two smash hits, “Little By Little” by Nappy Brown and “Bad Boy” by Clarence Palmer and the Jive Bombers, rolling to distributors.

Lubinsky reports that orders have been pouring in by the tens-of-thousands and due to the bad weather all across the country, he has had to ship almost exclusively by air.

“Little By Little” is currently in the #27 slot on the Pop Best Selling Chart, while “Bad Boy” climbed into the #45 spot this week.

Above: Label images for Savoy 1515, recorded on November 30, 1956 and released in December 1956.

CASH BOX AWARD O' THE WEEK — JULY 6, 1957

Above Left: CASH BOX, June 22, 1957.

Above Middle: CASH BOX, July 13, 1957.

Above Right: CASH BOX, July 20, 1957.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Bad Boy" - The Jive Bombers (Featuring Clarence Palmer) - Savoy 1508 - 1956.
2. "Cherry" - Clarence Palmer And The Jive Bombers - Savoy 1515 - 1957.
3. "You Took My Love" - Clarence Palmer And The Jive Bombers - Savoy 1515 - 1957.

ALL THREE SONGS played in sequence.


BONUS SECTION: "BROWN GAL/BROWN BOY" RECORDS
Above: 1935 photo of Lil Armstrong, who was an accomplished jazz pianist, singer, composer, arranger, and bandleader. Note the bandleader's baton in her hands.
Above Left: Lil Armstrong with King Oliver's Orchestra in 1924.

Above Right: Label image for Decca 1092 A, recorded on October 27, 1936 and released in December 1936. This is the original version of the song with the correct composer credits on the label....Lil Armstrong and Avon Long.

Above Left: Photo of The Ink Spots, (Top L-R) Deek Watson, Hoppy Jones, Charlie Fuqua; (Bottom Center) Bill Kenny. This is the line-up for their "Brown Gal" recording. Deek sings lead on it.

Above Right: Label image for Decca 2044 A, recorded on August 31, 1938 and released later that year. Composer Avon is misspelled as "Acon" on the label.

[Above photo courtesy of Indiana Historical Society.]
Above: Mid-1947 photo of The Four Steps Of Jive, (L-R) Frank Ransom, Bennie Calloway, Eddie Johnson, and Minnie Whitlock. Notice there are two bass fiddles available for use.

Click HERE for an article about The Four Steps Of Jive by Marv Goldberg. (Will open in a separate window)

Above Left: THE BILLBOARD, January 24, 1948.

Above Right: Label image for Chord 656-A, recorded in mid-1947 and released in April 1948. This is their only known record. As stated on the label, Bennie Calloway is lead vocalist, including some scat singing.

Above: THE BILLBOARD, January 24, 1948.
(NOTE: Chord Records, located in Milwaukee, was owned and operated by Michael Cudahy. The label existed for a couple of years starting in 1947. There was a different Chord label in Chicago about the same time. Cudahy later made a fortune with Marquette Electronics manufacturing electrocardiograph machines for hospitals.)
Above Left: Label image for Coral 65023, their first of two on the label. The side was recorded on December 19, 1949 and the record released in February 1950. The Sparrows consisted of Clarence Palmer, William "Pee Wee" Tinney, Al Tinney, and Charlie Lee (see picture below right). Their second for Coral included the title "Tan Skin Lad".

As indicated on the label, Palmer is the lead singer. Notice that he had no problem with stealing composer credit for the song.

Above Right: Al Sears. [Photo provided by Paul Ressler.]
In the 1940s, Sears made a name for himself playing saxophone for Andy Kirk And His Clouds Of Joy, Lionel Hampton, and then the Duke Ellington Orchestra. As a fixture at Alan Freed's live shows, he became prominent as "Big" Al Sears in the mid-1950s. As part of Alan Freed And His Rock 'N' Roll Band, his most well-known record is probably "Right Now, Right Now", released on Coral in 1956

Above Left: Label image for Citation 1161-A, recorded in late 1951 and released in January 1952. As shown on the label, The Jive Bombers were a self-contained vocal/instrumental group. This was their second of three records for Citation, all released in the same month. Clarence Palmer is still taking composer credit on the label. However, when Savoy released "Bad Boy" in 1956, due credit was given to "Lil Armstrong", but no credit to Avon Long.

Above Right: The Jive Bombers, (L-R) William "Pee Wee" Tinney, Clarence Palmer, Al Tinney, and Charlie Lee. Earl Johnson had replaced Charlie Lee on saxophone prior to the recording of this record. (Picture is from the Evening Sun [Baltimore, MD] dated June 16, 1951.)

THE BILLBOARD REVIEW, January 26, 1952: Clarence Palmer (The Jive Bombers)
Brown Boy, Citation 1161—There's some fine sax work here as the rest of the combo serves up a strummy beat to back the singer's convincing reading of Palmer's carefree opus. Rated "74" (good).

There were also "Brown Gal" by Deek Watson (as a solo artist) on Jubilee in 1954 and "Bad Boy" by Big Daddy And His Boys on King in 1957.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Brown Gal" - Lil Armstrong And Her Swing Orchestra - Decca 1092 A - 1936.
2. "Brown Gal" - The Ink Spots - Decca 2044 A - 1938.
3. "Brown Gal" - 4 Steps Of Jive - Chord 656-A - 1948.
4. "Brown Boy" - Al Sears And The Sparrows - Coral 65023 - 1950.
5. "Brown Boy" - Clarence Palmer And The Jive Bombers - Citation 1161-A - 1952.

ALL FIVE SONGS played in sequence.


SAVOY RECORDS — 1956:
Above: THE BILLBOARD, July 28, 1956.

ANNIE LAURIE:
Above: Annie Laurie with Paul Gayton's combo. Annie had several hit records with Paul Gayton in the 1940s and early 1950s.
Above: Label images for Savoy 1197-A/B, recorded on May 3, 1956 and released in August 1956. This is the second of two records she had released on the Savoy label. A vocal group, possibly The Five Wings, backs Annie on the "You Promised Love" side.
Above Left: NEW YORK AGE, April 6, 1957.

Above Right: Photo of Annie Laurie, who had recorded for DeLuxe, Regal, and Okeh before coming to Savoy. After Savoy, she returned to DeLuxe resulting in another hit record, "It Hurts To Be In Love".

CASH BOX, July 21, 1956:
....Herman Lubinsky reports he has signed Annie Laurie, former Epic [sic? Okeh?] thrush, to a Savoy contract. Initial platter by the lass will be released shortly....

CASH BOX, September 1, 1956:
....Freddie Mendelsohn, Savoy Records, planning a south and mid-west tour to promote the new Savoy releases. They are Little Jimmy Scott singing “Guilty” and “If You Only Knew”; Wilbert Harrison’s “Confessin’ My Dream” and “The Way I Feel”; and Annie Laurie doing “Rockin’ and Rollin’ Again” and “You Promised Love”.

The Billboard Review (9/1/56):

ANNIE LAURIE — SAVOY 1197....
Rockin' And Rollin' Again
(78) Powerful thrush serves notice of a comeback. Side is a rocking shout that can make some loot.
You Promised Love (77) Another potent piece of chirping, this time on a blues-ballad, with group backing.

(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good".)

The Cash Box Review (9/15/56):

ANNIE LAURIE — SAVOY 1197....
"Rockin' And Rollin' Again"
(B+) Annie Laurie belts out a quick beat rocker with a full voiced vocal. Deck jumps and the kids can dance up a sweat to it.
"You Promised Love" (B) Miss Laurie wails a swinging blues ballad about an unhappy love. The energetic chantress sings out the item with a hearty reading. However the “Rockin’” side is the better possibililty.

(NOTE: A rating of B was considered "very good" and B+ was "excellent".)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Rockin' And Rollin' Again" - Annie Laurie - Savoy 1197-A - 1956.
2. "You Promised Love" - Annie Laurie (And Vocal Group) - Savoy 1197-B - 1956.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.

ANNIE LAURIE—BONUS RECORD:

Above Left: (Top) THE BILLBOARD, February 15, 1957 —— (Bottom) THE BILLBOARD, May 20, 1957.

Above Right: Label image for DeLuxe 6107, released in January 1957. DeLuxe was a subsidiary of King Records. An unknown vocal group backs Annie on this side. The song was written by Rudy Toombs (misspelled on the label) and Julius Dixon.

CASH BOX, January 26, 1957:
....Freddie Mendelsohn, a&r at DeLuxe Records, feels his trio of new releases should show up very strong in the sales charts shortly. Says watch “It Hurts To Be In Love” by Annie Laurie....
(NOTE: If Mendelsohn's name looks familiar, he was a&r chief for Savoy Records from 1954 to 1956.)

CASH BOX, May 4, 1957:
....Annie Laurie getting chart action from “It Hurts To Be In Love” thru-out midwest area....

The Billboard This Week's Ramp;B Best Buys (1/26/57):
ANNIE LAURIE — DeLuxe 6107....It Hurts To Be In Love
This waxing has proved to be a great come-back record for Annie Laurie. By last week, she had already hit the Cincinnati and Detroit territorial charts and was sparking healthy sales interest in other Midwest and Eastern cities. It won't take much more exposure now for the disk to hit big.

The Billboard Review (1/26/57):

ANNIE LAURIE — DeLuxe 6107....
It Hurts To Be In Love
(78) Miss Laurie makes her first appearance on the label with a heavy rhythm item that ought to put her in competition with the best of them again. She has power and stylistic authority, and she sells this material handily.

(NOTE: A ratings range of 70-79 was considered "good".)

The Cash Box Review (2/2/57):

ANNIE LAURIE — DeLuxe 6107....
"It Hurts To Be In Love"
(B+) Miss Laurie delivers a middle beat rhythm ditty with style. She sings with sincerity and a manner that commands your attention. Good deck and good treatment.

(NOTE: A rating of B+ was considered "excellent".)

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
"It Hurts To Be In Love" - Annie Laurie (And Vocal Group) - DeLuxe 6107 - 1957.


NOTE: Most discographical information provided at this website is from Ferdie Gonzalez' Disco-File.


SAVOY RECORDS - PART ONE FEATURES THE SAVOY DICTATORS, BONNIE DAVIS AND THE BUNNY BANKS TRIO, THE JOHNSON JUBILEE SINGERS, MISS RHAPSODY, THE TOPPERS, AND INDECENT SAVOY RECORDS.

SAVOY RECORDS - PART TWO FEATURES THE KING COLE TRIO, TINY BRADSHAW ORCHESTRA, THE X-RAYS, THE ROBINS, THREE B'S AND A HONEY, LITTLE ESTHER, MEL WALKER, JOHNNY OTIS ORCHESTRA, LIL GREEN, AND THE RAY-O-VACS.

SAVOY RECORDS - PART THREE FEATURES THE FOUR BUDDIES, LINDA HOPKINS, LITTLE SYLVIA, THE FALCONS, BILLY WRIGHT, MEL WALKER, "(IT'S NO) SIN" RECORDS, AND BONUS: THE SCAMPS/THE FIVE THRILLS.

SAVOY RECORDS - PART FOUR FEATURES VARETTA DILLARD, THE ROAMERS, DOLLY COOPER, CLEO BROWN, THE FOUR BUDDIES, BEN SMITH QUARTET, HERB LANCE, THE MARSHALL BROTHERS, WILLIAM COOK, AND THE GAYLORDS.


Listen to this week's selections using Windows Media Player:
[Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]

          1. "What If You" - Luther Bond And His Emeralds - Savoy 1124-A - 1954.
          2. "See What You Done" - Luther Bond And His Emeralds - Savoy 1124-B - 1954.
          3. "You Were My Love" - Luther Bond And His Emeralds - Savoy 1131-A - 1954.
          4. "Starlight, Starbright" - Luther Bond And His Emeralds - Savoy 1131-B - 1954.
          5. "I Can't Believe" - The Hornets - States S-127 - 1953.
          6. "Lonesome Baby" - The Hornets - States S-127 - 1953.
          7. "I'm Losing My Mind" - The Dreams - Savoy 1140 A - 1954.
          8. "Under The Willow" - The Dreams - Savoy 1140 B - 1954.
          9. "I'll Be Faithful" - The Dreams - Savoy 1157-A - 1955.
        10. "My Little Honeybun" - The Dreams - Savoy 1157-B - 1955.
        11. "Mr. Moon" - The Five Pennies - Savoy 1182-A - 1955.
        12. "Let It Rain" - The Five Pennies - Savoy 1182-B - 1955.
        13. "Juicin' And Goofin'" - Morris Fontain (And Vocal Group) - Savoy 1139 A - 1954.
        14. "Cryin' My Heart Out" - Morris Fontain (And Vocal Group) - Savoy 1139 B - 1954.
        15. "My Heart Tells Me" - The Hampton Sisters - Savoy 1125 A - 1954.
        16. "Hey Little Boy" - The Hampton Sisters - Savoy 1125 B - 1954.
        17. "Don't Be Angry" - Nappy Brown - Savoy 1155 A - 1955.
        18. "It's Really You" - Nappy Brown - Savoy 1155 B - 1955.
        19. "Oh, You Don't Know" - Nappy Brown (And Vocal Group) - Savoy 1525 - 1957.
        20. "The Right Time" - Nappy Brown (And Vocal Group) - Savoy 1525 - 1957.
        21. "Don't Be Angry" - The Sultans - Jubilee 5077 - 1952.
        22. "Blues At Dawn" - The Sultans - Jubilee 5077 - 1952.
        23. "Bad Boy" - The Jive Bombers (Featuring Clarence Palmer) - Savoy 1508 - 1956.
        24. "Cherry" - Clarence Palmer And The Jive Bombers - Savoy 1515 - 1957.
        25. "You Took My Love" - Clarence Palmer And The Jive Bombers - Savoy 1515 - 1957.
        26. "Brown Gal" - Lil Armstrong And Her Swing Orchestra - Decca 1092 A - 1936.
        27. "Brown Gal" - The Ink Spots - Decca 2044 A - 1938.
        28. "Brown Gal" - 4 Steps Of Jive - Chord 656-A - 1948.
        29. "Brown Boy" - Al Sears And The Sparrows - Coral 65023 - 1950.
        30. "Brown Boy" - Clarence Palmer And The Jive Bombers - Citation 1161-A - 1952.
        31. "Rockin' And Rollin' Again" - Annie Laurie - Savoy 1197-A - 1956.
        32. "You Promised Love" - Annie Laurie (And Vocal Group) - Savoy 1197-B - 1956.
        33. "It Hurts To Be In Love" - Annie Laurie (And Vocal Group) - DeLuxe 6107 - 1957.
 
          ALL THIRTY-THREE ABOVE SONGS played in sequence.
 
          ALL TWENTY-FOUR ABOVE SONGS ON THE SAVOY LABEL played in sequence.


           [To download audio files, right-click on song title link and then select "Save link (target) as..."]


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