#956 (12/3/21)

SPOTLIGHT ON SAVOY RECORDS - PART SIX (1951 - 1960)

THE RETURN OF LITTLE ESTHER

BILLY NELSON AND THE FIVE WINGS

JIMMY JONES AND THE SAVOYS

SAVOY/KING SOLOMON/GOSPEL LABELS - SPIRITUAL RECORDS

ADDENDUM: LARRY HARRISON AND THE BARONS

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


THE RETURN OF LITTLE ESTHER:
Above: Photo of Little Esther. She went from Savoy Records to King/Federal in 1951 via a contract dispute, then on to the Decca label in 1953.

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

Above: Label image for Decca 48305, released in October 1953.

The Billboard, July 25, 1953: DECCA GRABS LITTLE ESTHER
Decca Records is moving ahead in its drive to grab some of the r.&b. traffic. This week the diskery pacted thrush Little Esther, formerly on the Federal label, and warbler Rudy Render. Bobby Shad, new Decca r.&b. head, takes over in his post next week....

The Billboard, August 8, 1953 DECCA HYPOES R.&B. VIA TALENT SIGNINGS
New artist pactings and a stepped-up release schedule have recently given Decca Records' revitalized rhythm and blues department a shot in the arm. Newly named r.&b. chief Bob Shad has just pacted four new performers, including Savannah Churchill, Lightning Hopkins, the Patterson Singers and jazz trombonist Benny Green. Miss Churchill's first etching for the label, "Shake a Hand" b/w "Shed a Tear," was cut this week and has already been rushed to the jockeys.

Other artists handled by Shad include Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Marie Knight, Little Esther, Louis Jordan, Arthur Prysock and Coleman Hawkins. Diskery will release seven records in the r.&b. category this month, stepping up this schedule to about 10 monthly in September.

The Billboard, August 15, 1953
The Shaw Agency has signed Little Esther, who is now recording for Decca....

The Billboard Review (11/7/53):

LITTLE ESTHER — DECCA 48305....
Stop Cryin'
(75) Little Esther's piping, like which there is none other, is put to use in a sad pop-type blues, and the net result is a convincing waxing. The gal creates a mood that many should find appealing.
Please Don't Send Me (72) Little Esther pleads her case convincingly above the slow but insistent rhythms of the ork. Dancers will like this effort.

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

The Cash Box Review (11/7/53):

LITTLE ESTHER — DECCA 48305....
Stop Cryin'
(B+) Little Esther does a grand job on a slow emotional blues. Gal sings with much feeling against a soft instrumental backing.
Please Don't Send Me (B) Flip is a change of pace. Little Esther belts a quick beat bounce in which she pleads not to be sent away as she has no place to go. Side moves.

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

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Stop Cryin'" - Little Esther (With Quartet) - Decca 48305 - 1953.
2. "Please Don't Send Me" - Little Esther (With Quartet) - Decca 48305 - 1953.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.

Above: Two photos of Little Esther. [Both photos provided by Hans-Joachim Krohberger.]

TRADE MAGAZINE, November 1954: SINGER LITTLE ESTHER HELD FOR PROSTITUTION, DOPE—Blues singer Little Esther Jones was arrested for street-walking and suspicion of narcotics addiction by Los Angeles police. Police said the 19-year-old entertainer admitted to "hustling for the past few months" to keep up her dope habit, and told officers she had been on heroin for about four months, taking "a jolt every four days." The singer is an ex-star with the Johnny Otis band.

NEW YORK AGE, December 4, 1954: A SAD STORY—One of the very sad stories to come out of California during the past few weeks was that Little Esther had been arrested on the streets of Los Angeles for street walking. Her troubles began some time ago when she got trapped in a dope net. It seems just a little while ago that she was being hailed as the greatest child entertainer.

THE BILLBOARD, May 19, 1956: ...This week, the r.&b. trade will get its first listen in a long time to Little Esther. This talented thrush, who once rode the hit lists, but then dropped out of the picture, is making a comeback at the ripe old age of 19 on Savoy, the same label on which she got her start. It's recalled that back in 1950, Little Esther won an amateur contest in California and was called to the attention of Savoy's top Mahoff [important person], Herman Lubinsky. Herman cut a string of hits with the youngster, but in 1952 [sic 1951] there was a legal hassle, her contract was proven invalid, and she ended up on Federal Records, and eventually out of the picture entirely. Now, she's reportedly back in good health, with Jimmy Evans handling the managerial reins, and Lubinsky guiding her disk fortunes once more.

Above: Label images for Savoy 1516, both sides recorded on May 2, 1956 and the record released in 1956.

Little Esther died in 1984 from long-term drug abuse.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Longing In My Heart" - Little Esther - Savoy 1516 - 1956.
2. "If It's News To You" - Little Esther - Savoy 1516 - 1956.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.

Savoy was NOT Little Esther's first record label. She debuted with the ubiquitous Johnny Otis on the Modern label.

In October 1949, Modern issued #20-715 by Johnny Otis and His Orchestra, the "A" side listed as an instrumental titled "Thursday Night Blues", featuring a monster guitar solo by another Otis find, Pete "Guitar" Lewis, and was coupled by a blues called "I Gotta Gal", and in small print the singer was listed as "Esther Jones"! This record was later reissued, now correctly titled "I Gotta Guy", credited to "Little Esther" with Johnny Otis and His Orchestra, to coincide with her smash hit, Savoy's "Double Crossing Blues", some four months later!

Above Far Right: Rosemarie McCoy, a prolific song-writer, also co-composed Little Esther's Decca record "Stop Cryin'" (see further above). For Savoy Records, she collaborated on songs for Nappy Brown, Varetta Dillard, Jimmy Scott, and Big Maybelle.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
"I Gotta Guy" - Little Esther With Johnny Otis Orchestra - Modern 20-715B - 1950.


BILLY NELSON WITH THE FIVE WINGS:
Above: The Five Wings, who for this record, consisted of just four members: Billy Nelson, Billy Carlisle, Tommy Grate, and Kenny "Butch" Hamilton. (per Disco-File). A somewhat different line-up of "Five Wings" had released two records on the King label earlier in 1955. That line-up did include Carlisle and Grate, but not Nelson.
[The above label image and audio provided by Dave Saviet.]
Above: Label image for Savoy 1183-A, both sides recorded on November 10, 1955 and the record released in 1955. The band backing Billy on this record includes Sam Taylor (tenor sax), Mickey Baker (guitar), and Panama Francis (drums). As said before, Herman Lubinsky, head of Savoy Records, did not skimp on using top musicians. This was Billy's only recording session with Savoy, resulting in four songs, two of which were not released.
Above: PATERSON EVENING NEWS (New Jersey), May 13, 1955.
At Left: CASH BOX, January 7, 1956.

CASH BOX, December 10, 1955:
....Herman Lubinsky announces a new release this week for Savoy Records. It is Billy Nelson “Pack-Shack and Stack” and “Walk Along”....

THE CASH BOX, June 28, 1958:
CHICAGO....Billy Nelson, who is the current star at the Lake Club in suburban Melrose, shows promise of being discovered. Billy wails R&B as it should be delivered....

The Billboard Review (12/17/55): BILLY NELSON— SAVOY 1183....
Pack-Shack And Stack
(75) His baby left him. Billy Nelson gives this blues a strong performance. He's backed by a good sound by honking horns and percusions.
Walk Along (75) This side is relaxed and has a really bluesy mood and sound. Slower in tempo than the flip.

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

The Cash Box Review (12/24/55):

BILLY NELSON— SAVOY 1183....
Pack-Shack And Stack
(B) Billy Nelson shouts a rock and roll item in which his gal has left him. Driving ditty with a wild flavor the kids will like.
Walk Along (B) Nelson wails a slow blues description of his loneliness. Nelson sings with feeling and is given an effective assist by the Five Wings. Moving side.

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

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Pack-Shack And Stack" - Billy Nelson With The Five Wings - Savoy 1183 - 1955.
2. "Walk Along" - Billy Nelson With The Five Wings - Savoy 1183 - 1955.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.


THE SAVOYS:
Above Left: Mid-1956 photo of The Savoys/Pretenders, (Top-Left) Jimmy Jones (lead singer), (Bottom L-R) Irving Lee Gail, William Walker, Bobby Moore, and Melvin Walton. However, The Savoys' bass singer was Kerry Saxton, not Irving Lee Gail.

The Savoys had been The Sparks Of Rhythm on Apollo (1955) and soon would become The Pretenders on Rama (1956). This is the same Jimmy Jones who had the big hits "Handy Man" and Good Timin'" as a solo performer for M-G-M Records in 1959/60.

Above Right: TRADE MAGAZINE, April 1956.

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

[The above label image and audio provided by Dave Saviet.]
Above: Label image for Savoy 1188-A, both sides recorded on February 2, 1956 and the record released in April 1956.


THE CASH BOX R&B SLEEPER OF THE WEEK — APRIL 21, 1956
At Left: CASH BOX, May 12, 1956.
(NOTE: "A" side of the record was pushed. Flip not even mentioned.)

CASH BOX, 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....Herman signed a new group called, conveniently, the Savoys....

CASH BOX, April 14, 1956:
....Herman Lubinsky, after a bout of pneumonia, off to Arizona for a couple of weeks to recuperate. Before leaving, Lubinsky called to say “Watch out for ‘Say You’re Mine’ by The Savoys. A great group and a great record”....

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Say You're Mine" - The Savoys (Featuring James Jones) - Savoy 1188-A - 1956.
2. "You" - The Savoys (Featuring James Jones) - Savoy 1188-B - 1956.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.


LARRY HARRISON (THE BARONS):

Larry Harrison, aka Leon Harrison, had been the lead singer of The Four Buddies, who recorded for Savoy Records (1950-1953). The Four Buddies were featured in Savoy Records - Part Three. In 1954, Larry Harrison formed a new group, The Barons, resulting in two records on the Decca label.

The Barons consisted of Larry Harrison (lead tenor), Roger Wainwright (second tenor), Luther Dixon (baritone), and Danny Ferguson (bass).

In 1955, Larry Harrison returned to the Savoy label to record as a solo artist. This resulted in one Savoy release that same year.


Above: Label images for Decca 29293, released in August 1954 and Decca 48323, released in October 1954. All four sides were recorded on July 1, 1954. As shown on the labels, two of the sides were composed by Larry Harrison.

At Left: Larry Harrison.

TRADE MAGAZINE, June 1954:
....Decca Records' a.&r. chief Milt Gabler has pacted a new r.&b. quartet, the Barons, and will have the first wax out on them shortly....

The Billboard Review (11/6/54): THE BARONS— DECCA 29293....
Exactly Like You
(73) An r.&b. styled version of the oldie with interesting vocal work by the quartet. Should get spins in both markets on jukes.
Forget About Me (70) Another r.&b. styled vocal treatment of a weeper, which should draw its share of juke play.

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

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Exactly Like You" - The Barons - Decca 29293 - 1954.
2. "Forget About Me" - The Barons - Decca 29293 - 1954.
3. "A Year And A Day" - The Barons - Decca 48323 - 1954.
4. "My Baby's Gone" - The Barons - Decca 48323 - 1954.

ALL FOUR SONGS played in sequence.


SPIRITUAL/GOSPEL RECORDS:

Savoy Records started their subsidiary gospel label, King Solomon, in 1943. There were only twenty-two releases on the label before it shut down in 1948. The first thirteen records, all released in 1943 and 1944, were by "Kings Of Harmony Quartette", "Original Kings Of Harmony" [same group, but name changed?], and Johnson Jubilee Singers".

The songs were sung a cappella, which worked out well during the "Petrillo Ban" musicians' strike (1942-1944).

THE BILLBOARD, June 5, 1943: NEW DISK ON MARKET
NEW YORK—Savoy Record Company, Newark, N.J., is bringing out a new label to be called King Solomon records. Waxings under the new label will be exclusively devoted to Negro spirituals, and the first release is due within the next few weeks.

Above: Label images for King Solomon 1010 A/B, released in 1945.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Walk The Lonesome Valley" - The Original Kings Of Harmony - King Solomon 1010 A - 1945.
2. "Little Liza" - The Original Kings Of Harmony - King Solomon 1010 B - 1945.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.


Above: Label images for King Solomon 1015-A/B, released in 1946.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Joy, Joy, Joy" - The Royal Chanters - King Solomon 1015-A - 1946.
2. "Let It Be Known" - The Royal Chanters - King Solomon 1015-B - 1946.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.


After the demise of the King Solomon label, Savoy Records continued in the gospel field, issuing these on a blue Savoy label.

Above: Label image for Savoy 4017-A, first released in 1948. This record is among the first million-selling gospel hits. Marion Williams is the lead singer.
Above Left: Photo of The Ward Singers. On this record, The Ward Singers consisted of Clara Ward, Gertrude Ward, Henrietta Waddy, Marion Williams, and Willa Ward Moultrie. The sides were recorded for Gotham Records in Philadelphia, but got transferred to Savoy Records. It turned out to be a big hit for both The Ward Singers and Savoy Records.

Most of what Herman Lubinsky, Savoy Records owner, did was high quality, including his signing of the best gospel singers.
The Ward Singers certainly fell in that top category.

Above Right: Photo of Clara Ward, leader of the group.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
"Surely God Is Able" - The Ward Singers - Savoy 4017-A - 1948.


Above: Label images for Savoy 4025-A/B, released in 1951. It was a huge hit for The Gay Sisters.
Above: Photo of The Gay Sisters. Their names: Evelyn, Mildred, and Geraldine Gay (at the piano).
Above Left: Another photo of The Gay Sisters.

Above Right: TRADE MAGAZINE, March 1951.


LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "God Will Take Care Of You" - The Gay Sisters - Savoy 4025-A - 1951.
2. "I'm Goin' To Walk Out In His Name" - The Gay Sisters - Savoy 4025-B - 1951.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.


CASH BOX, June 18, 1955:
....Savoy Records, according to the label's dynamic mentor, Herman Lubinsky, is jumping right into the rising tide of the spiritual business. This week he signed the Wesley's Blind Boys of Mississippi, and a whole batch of other contracts are in the mail. The diskery always has maintained a good position in the field by way of the Ward Singers and the Davis Sisters....

CASH BOX, February 25, 1956: SAVOY RECORDS TO SHIFT TO NEW OFFICES
NEWARK, N.J.—It was announced this week by Herman Lubinsky, prexy of the Savoy Record Company, that since the city of Newark will be taking over the property now housing the Savoy Company on Market Street for a parking lot, he will move his offices to a four-story building which he has just purchased.

The building will be located in the heart of Newark and will house, Savoy Records, Regent Records, the Lubinsky publishing firms, and World Wide Records, a foreign export line. The shift to the new location will be made sometime this year.


CASH BOX — July 2, 1955

Above Left: Photo of The Davis Sisters. For this record, they consisted of Thelma Davis, Ruth Davis, Alfreda Davis, Audrey Davis, and Jackie Verdell. Curtis Dublin is sitting at the piano in this photo.

Above Right: Label image for Savoy 4079, recorded in 1955, but not released until 1957.

CASH BOX, July 19, 1958:
....Herman Lubinsky announced the resigning of The Davis Sisters....

The Cash Box Review (3/9/57): THE FAMOUS DAVIS SISTERS— SAVOY 4079....
More Than All
(B+) The Famous Davis Sisters deliver a slow paced, inspiring reading of a tuneful religious item. Midway the Sisters stir up the rhythm. Excellent lead carries the tune beautifully. Top religious deck.

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

Above Left: Another photo of The Famous Davis Sisters. Shown here are (Top) Ruth Davis, (Bottom L-R) Thelma Davis, Audrey Davis, and Alfreda Davis.

Above Right: Label image for Savoy 4085, released in 1957. On this record, the personnel are Thelma Davis, Ruth Davis, Alfreda Davis, Audrey Davis, and Jackie Verdell. The song on the shown label has quite a "popish" sound. Many people, listening to this song by itself, might not realize it's gospel until well into the song, maybe not even then.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "More Than All" - The Famous Davis Sisters - Savoy 4079 - 1957.
2. "There's A Tree on Each Side Of The River" - The Famous Davis Sisters - Savoy 4085 - 1957.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.


Above Left: Label image for Savoy 4089, released in 1957. Also shown as "The Gospel Clefs" on other Savoy labels.

Above Right: Photo of The Gospel Clefs, (Top) Joe DeLoach, (Middle L-R) Rev. Abe Houston, Raymond Andrews, Robert Byrd, (Front L-R) Enoch Franklin, Leon Lumpkins, and Louis Johnson. The same personnel are on this record.


At Left: Photo of The Gospel Clefs.

THE BILLBOARD, December 16, 1957:
Things were moving at a swinging clip this week at the Newark offices of Savoy Records. The diskery mahoff, Herman Lubinsky, reports he has prepared an additional release of ten singles in his "Jazz for Juke Boxes" series.

Thirteen previous releases in the series have done very well, according to Lubinsky, both at retail and on the boxes, and in fact, some have helped raise the level of sales of albums, from which they were taken....

Lubinsky has also been active on the spiritual front, claiming—with a look at the financial pages—that spirituals always step out when a recession is under way. Newest singles release will be by the Gospel Giants and the Gospel Cleffs....

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
"Go Down, Go Down" - The Gospel Cleffs - Savoy 4089 - 1957.


CASH BOX, July 20, 1957: HY SIEGAL JOINS SAVOY RECORDS
NEWARK, N.J.—It was announced last week that Hy Siegel, formerly of Apollo Records, this city, had joined Savoy Records in Newark as a general assistant to the company’s president Herman Lubinsky. Siegel, a veteran disk man, had much to do with the success of the recent Apollo hit “Rang Tang Ding Dong” by the Cellos.


Above: Label image for Savoy 4092, released in 1957. Savoy Records' president, Herman Lubinsky, liked to describe his more "famous" gospel groups as such on the label. The Famous Ward Singers on this record are Gertrude Ward, Clara Ward, Henrietta Waddy, Marion Williams, Willa Ward Moultrie, Frances Steadman, and Kitty Parham.

Above Left: Photo of Clara Ward, who was leader, singer, and arranger for her group.

Above Right: Photo of Willa Ward, Clara's older sister and a singer in the group.

CASH BOX, March 21, 1953:
....Herman Lubinsky, Savoy Records prexy, called to advise he had renewed a long term contract with the Ward Singers....

CASH BOX, March 19, 1955:
....Savoy's head man, Herman Lubinsky, looks great in his new robin blue, and he reports that the Ward Singers, famed gospel group, are making their one-nighter tour in a big pink Caddy with matching trailer. The Wards, incidentally, have renewed their contract with Savoy for another long term. They've been with the label for ten glorious years....

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
"Our God Is Real" - The Famous Ward Singers - Savoy 4092 - 1957.


THE BILLBOARD, December 22, 1956: LUBINSKY BUYS DISCOVERY WAX AND COPYRIGHT
NEW YORK—Herman Lubinsky, Savoy/Regent Records mahoff, has acquired over 100 masters formerly owned by Discovery Records, label originally founded by Albert Marks in Hollywood.... Lubinsky has also acquired the copyrights formerly held by J. and J. Music Corporation, which owned most of the tunes on the Discovery masters bought by Lubinsky....

The Discovery material will be re-mastered, and those not of sufficient engineering quality will be abandoned, Lubinsky said....

CASH BOX, October 5, 1957: LUBINSKY PURCHASES OLD NATIONAL MASTERS
NEWARK, N.J.—Herman Lubinsky, president of Savoy and Regent Records, last week announced that he had purchased some 800 masters from the old National label, the pre-World War II diskery that introduced a number of today’s top stars.

Lubinsky is currently remastering the tapes of many of these sessions by such names as Billy Eckstine, Joe Turner, Lavern Baker, the Ravens, and others.... In time for the Christmas season, Lubinsky will release a single of the Ravens’ old hits “Silent Night” b/w “White Christmas”.


Above Left: Label image for Savoy 4093, released in 1957. The Roberta Martin Singers on this record are Roberta Martin, Dolores Barrett, Eugene Smith, Norsalus McKissick, and Gloria Griffin.

Above Right: Photo of Roberta Martin, who was an accomplished pianist, composer, and arranger. The Roberta Martin Singers' first session with Savoy Records was on January 31, 1957, in New York City. In 1958, they scored their first big hit with Savoy, "God Specializes" featuring Gloria Griffin on lead.

Above: Photo of The Roberta Martin Singers. Roberta is third from the left.

THE BILLBOARD, February 2, 1957: LUBINSKY SIGNS ROBERTA MARTIN SINGERS
Herman Lubinsky, Savoy Records mahoff, last week signed up the Roberta Martin Singers, noted Chicago gospel group. For years the Roberta Martin Singers were on the Apollo label.

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
"Nobody Knows" - The Roberta Martin Singers - Savoy 4093 - 1957.


At Right: CASH BOX, April 5, 1958.

CASH BOX, July 27, 1957:
Herman Lubinsky, Savoy Records, having passed his 61st birthday, could very well be one of the oldest pioneers in the indie record field....

CASH BOX, August 17, 1957:
....Herman Lubinsky, Savoy Records, announced that he will not raise the prices of his 78 rpm records. Lubinsky gave as his reason the fact that a great deal of his business in both the spiritual and rhythm & blues fields is greatly dependent upon 78 rpm records....

CASH BOX, February 22, 1958:
Herman Lubinsky, Savoy Record’s prexy, is boasting one of the most extensive spiritual catalogs in the music business. He announced the release of two new gospel LPs last week. One is titled “Newport Spiritual Stars” and features the gospel stars who appeared at last year’s Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, Rhode Island—The Clara Ward Singers, The Drinkard Singers, The Back Home Choir, and The Banks Brothers. The other LP is titled “Camptown Meeting Tonight” starring the Ward Singers.

This album was recorded in an actual camp meeting setting. Both will be $3.98 items. Other names on Savoy’s spiritual roster are The Davis Sisters, The Roberta Martin Singers, The Gospel Clefs, The Gospel Giants, Prof. Charles Taylor, and The McFadden Singers. Lubinsky stated that he would be glad to put on his mailing list any deejay who programs spiritual records.

Above Left: CASH BOX, March 1, 1958. The first four listed here are all covered above.

Above Middle: CASH BOX, December 15, 1958. Quite a large, impressive array of gospel groups indeed!

Above Right: CASH BOX, April 9, 1960. This is a different Jimmy Jones than The Savoys group; this Jones is a gospel bass singer.

CASH BOX, March 8, 1958:
....In line with Savoy’s big push in the spiritual field, Herman Lubinsky has signed the Imperial Gospel Singers and the Original Gospel Chordettes....

THE BILLBOARD, April 14, 1958:
Among the more traditional spiritual labels, activity has also been at an upbeat tempo of late. Savoy, for example, has produced in the month a half dozen singles by established, as well as, new artists. These would include the Ward Singers, the Roberta Martin Singers, Professor Charles Taylor and group, the Gospel Giants, the Gospel Clefs and the Gospel Chordettes. A record by the latter group, according to the label's chief, Herman Lubinsky is showing some pop action.

Lubinsky will soon have a new album by the Davis Sisters on Savoy and another on the companion Regent label, called "Gospel Train," which, according to the mahoff, "will be a potpourri of great material".

Lubinsky, indicating that "it's a great day for the sanctified beat", pointed out that interest is running high in France and England for the spiritual material. I have just closed a deal with the Ducretet-Thomson label in France to release four of our spiritual albums and Decca in England has been doing well right along with our records".

THE BILLBOARD, April 21, 1958:
Savoy label prexy Herman Lubinsky, commenting on a story in last week's Billboard, in which the religious trend in records was discussed, announced this week that a group of his top spiritual stars has been signed for a weekly 70-station radio show on Sunday morning. Acts include Clara Ward, Roberta Martin, and the Davis Sisters. New York outlet is WLIB.

The program will be produced by Sid McCoy, Chicago deejay. "Pet Milk will sponsor the show", said Lubinsky, "and we're really looking for a great response".

CASH BOX, May 24, 1958: COMPLETES MOA PICTURE
NEW YORK—Photos of the action on the Exhibition Floor of the MOA Convention held recently at the Morrison Hotel in Chicago:
Picture at right shows Al Bennett, Milton Sinsheimer, Herman Lubinsky, and Bob Austin.

THE BILLBOARD, September 22, 1958:
According to Savoy's prexy, Herman Lubinsky, a good spiritual record today can still pull 50,000 in sales. He said that more and more radio stations in the North and the South alike are devoting substantial programming time to spiritual material.

At least three stations in the New York area are programming considerable spiritual matter. These are WLIB, WWRL and WOV. WNJR in nearby Newark is broadcasting about six hours a day of spirituals.

"Advertisers find they get better returns for their air time with spirituals than with other kinds of music", say's Lubinsky. "This kind of material reaches the adult, buying market".

THE BILLBOARD, October 27, 1958: LUBINSKY INKS THREE GOSPEL ACTS
NEWARK, N.J.—Herman Lubinsky, veteran New Jersey music man, continues on his swing to the spirituals with three new artist pactings. For the Savoy label, Lubinsky picked up chanter Jimmy Jones [a gospel singer], formerly on VeeJay.

For his new subsidiary, Gospel Records, he has signed the Raymond Rasberry Singers, a gospel group; and the Hightower Brothers, another gospel group of Newark boys ranging from seven to seventeen years old.

Between the two labels, Lubinsky now has a total of sixteen gospel/spiritual acts.

THE BILLBOARD, November 24, 1958: LUBINSKY'S SPIRITUAL TALENT HOT
NEWARK, N.J.—"You think singles aren't selling?" says Newark disk mahoff Herman Lubinsky, "They certainly are for our spiritual acts. We have more gospel and spiritual talent on Savoy and Gospel Records now than we've ever had before. This stuff is really moving!"


Above: Label images for Savoy 4122, released in 1959. Notice that Dorothy Love is composer on both sides, as she was with many of their songs.

On this record The Original Gospel Harmonettes are Dorothy Love, Mildred Miller, Odessa Edwards, Willie Mae Newberry, and Vera Kolb. Leon Lumpkins, who had been with The Gospel Clefs, plays the organ and Gus Johnson is on drums.

Above: 1955 photo of The Original Gospel Harmonettes. Dorothy Love Coates is at top in photo.

At Left: Photo of Dorothy Love Coates, The Original Gospel Harmonettes' lead singer and group leader.

ORLANDO SENTINEL, January 3, 1955:
The Original Gospel Harmonaires, all schoolmates, were first organized in 1940. However, they did not command national attention until 1951, when they were discovered by Specialty Records of Hollywood, Calif. Under this label, they recorded "I'm Sealed", backed by "Just To Behold His Face", as their first release, and since that time demands for personal appearances have been tremendous.

Made up of Mildred Miller, second soprano and lead; Dorothy Love, contralto and lead; Vera Kolb, first soprano; Willie Mae Newberry, alto; Odessa Edwards, contralto and narrator; and Evelyn Starks, pianist and arranger.

CASH BOX, March 21, 1959:
....Savoy Records' prexy, Herman Lubinsky, signed a long term pact with the Original Gospel Harmonettes....


LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Lift Him Up" - The Original Gospel Harmonettes - Savoy 4122 - 1959.
2. "The Finishing Line" - The Original Gospel Harmonettes - Savoy 4122 - 1959.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.

THE ORIGINAL GOSPEL HARMONAIRES - BONUS RECORD:
Above Left: Label image for Specialty SP 811 A, released in 1951. Note that "I'm Sealed" composer is Roberta Martin of The Roberta Martin Singers, covered elsewhere on this page.

Above Right: ST. PETERSBURG TIMES (Florida), December 22, 1952: SLATED FOR CONCERT HERE
The famed Gospel Harmonaires Quintet [sextet, if pianist/arranger is included], radio and recording artists, are slated to appear here in their Winter concert, Jan. 1. They will be heard at the Manhattan Casino....

Miss Dorothy Love, front middle, is the group's leader. The Harmonettes are all employed in Birmingham's school system [Alabama] and only tour during holidays and Summer vacations.

HUNTSVILLE MIRROR (Alabama), October 4, 1952: GOSPEL HARMONETTES STAGE HOMECOMING
The Original Gospel Harmonettes, a group of native Birmingham ladies, who are nationally famous for their renditions of gospel lyrics and hymns staged a dramatic and soul stirring program at the St. James Baptist Church, Friday evening, September 26, 1952.

The church was packed to capacity, and still scores mingled in the streets and in the windows to listen to the rich, full, and melodic tones of gospel and religious testimonies in song....

The group is composed of Evelyn Stark Beavers, pianist and arranger; Mildred Madison Miller, Vera Conner Cobb [sic], Willie Mae Newberry, Odessa Glasgow Edwards, and Dorothy Love. Each being an indidvidual artist.

The young ladies do not depend entirely upon the sales of their recordings, recitals, and engagements for livelihood, each is gainfully employed in the various professions of our city....

They are always plain and simply dressed, but very impressive. Their touching ballads are recorded on Specialty records and have surpassed the sales of many equally famous singing aggregations....


THE ORIGINAL GOSPEL HARMONAIRES

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "I'm Sealed" - The Original Gospel Harmonettes - Specialty SP 811 A - 1951.
2. "Just To Behold His Face" - The Original Gospel Harmonettes - Specialty SP 811 B - 1951.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.


[The above label images and audio provided by Dave Saviet.]
Above: Label images for Gospel 1025, released in 1959. The Selah Singers had four records and one LP released on the Gospel label (1958-1959). Most of their sides on the Gospel label were composed by "P. David" and "L. Herman". While "The Wicked Race" side here was composed by T. Ruth, that is not proof that Thurman Ruth was in the group at this time.

The Savoy Records' owned Gospel label existed from 1958 to 1974. In the early 1960s, Herman Lubinsky, Savoy head, would become specialized almost exclusively in spiritual records.

CASH BOX, August 27, 1955:
....Herman Lubinsky, Savoy, announces his signing of Florence Wright, the Selah Jubilee Singers, and Irene Reed....

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
1. "Don't Blame The Children" - The Selah Singers - Gospel 1025 - 1959.
2. "The Wicked Race" - The Selah Singers - Gospel 1025 - 1959.

BOTH SONGS played in sequence.


[The above label image and audio provided by Dave Saviet.]
Above Left: Photo of The Caravans, (Top L-R) Willie James McPhatter, Julie Mae Price, (Bottom L-R), Loleatta Holloway, Albertina Walker, and Gwen Morgan.

Above Right: Label image for Gospel 1017, released in 1959.

At Left:CASH BOX, March 14, 1959.

CASH BOX, October 25, 1958:
....Herman Lubinsky has pacted and recorded on his Savoy label, The Caravans, well known vocal combo which clicked under the United/States Records' banner some years ago.....

THE BILLBOARD, March 16, 1959:
....George Weiss of Superior Record Sales reports heavy action on "Oh, Mary Don't You Weep" by the Caravans on Gospel. He mentions that the sacred record is selling in the quantities of a pop disk....

The Billboard Review (2/16/59): THE CARAVANS— GOSPEL 1017....
Mary Don't You Weep, Parts 1 & 2
Moving performance. Group is precise and has fine technique, and do the vocal with emotion. Lead singer is terrific, and on side 2 he reaches a peak of excitement which effectively contrasts with the slow, measured chorus.

The Cash Box Review (2/21/59):

THE CARAVANS— GOSPEL 1017....
Mary Don't You Weep, Part 1
(B) The Caravans go all out on this slow pacer, relating the sad tale of sisters Mary and Martha in top sacred style. Heartfelt job turned in by lead singer.
Mary Don't You Weep, Part 2 (B) Continuation of the above theme, with the group reaching a heart shattering climax. Combined sides offer almost seven minutes of a class inspirational piece.

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

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
"Mary Don't You Weep, Parts 1 & 2" - The Caravans - Gospel 1017 - 1959.


CASH BOX, September 12, 1959:
....Herman Lubinsky, Savoy topper, letting everyone know that the firm has moved into its new 25,000 sq. ft. home at 56-58 Ferry St., in Newark, N.J....

CASH BOX, December 19, 1959: LUBINSKY FORMS SHARP LABEL
NEWARK, N.J.—Herman Lubinsky, prexy of the Savoy, Regent, and World Wide labels, last week announced the formation of a new label called Sharp Records. The new company will issue pop singles, spirituals, and rock and roll records as well as a low-priced LP line.

The company’s first release will be made available on or about the first of the year. Lubinsky is now in the process of setting up distribution for the new company.

CASH BOX, December 26, 1959: DISTRIBS TO CARRY SHARP LABEL
NEWARK, N.J.—Herman Lubinsky announced last week that his World Wide Record Corp., this city, has set-up 30 distribs for Lubinsky’s new Sharp Records. Label’s first single is due soon.


CASH BOX — January 9, 1960
NOTE: Sharp 103's "Little Boy" by Little Sylvia is a re-issue of Savoy 816 from 1951. "I'll Always Be In Love With You" had been released on Savoy 681 in 1948, but that was by The X-Rays. The Ray-O-Vacs did record the song in 1948 for the Coleman label and Savoy's Herman Lubinsky did have legal access to those Coleman masters.

SHARP RECORDS LABEL IMAGE — 1960
NOTE: The two sides on Sharp 602 above, "Tell The Angels" and "Think Of His Goodness", had been recorded by The Caravans on States S-108 in 1952. The States label gives the group members as "Nellie G. Daniels, Ora Lee Hopkins, Elyse Yancy & Albertine Walker (Soloist)".

LISTEN (Windows Media Player): "Tell The Angels" - The Caravans - States S-108 - 1952.

CASH BOX, May 5, 1962: SAVOY AND SUBSIDS ISSUE NEW GOSPEL SINGLES
NEW YORK—Twelve new gospel singles have just been released under Herman Lubinsky’s Savoy, Gospel, Sharp, and Regent labels.

From Savoy are: “It Was The Blood” and “Out Of The Depths” by the Roberta Martin Singers; “I Can’t Begin To Tell You” and “In The Storm” by Jimmy Jones & The Sensations; “Stand The Storm” and “Be Still My Soul” by The Gospel Clefs; and “There Is No Failure In God” and “Sit Down Servant” by James Cleveland & The Gospel Chimes.

The Gospel entries are: “Mary Martha & Lazarus” and “Evening Shades” by The Voices Of Jordan; “On The Battlefield” and “Journey Home” by The Bibletones.

The Sharp label has: “When You Pray” and “Jewels” by The Murrie Singers; “I’ve Done What You Told Me To Do” and “Some Day” by Sally Jenkins Singers; “Build Me A Cabin” and “Don’t Pass Me By” by The Royal Silvertones; “Don’t Listen To A Liar” and “Sing Amen” by Rev. J. A. Tomlin Choir.

The Regent sides are: “I’ve Never Seen The Rightious Forsaken” and “Lord See The Rain” by The Smith Sisters;
and “Going To The City” and “I’ll Get My Crown” by The Sons of Thunder.


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.

SAVOY RECORDS - PART FIVE FEATURES THE EMERALDS, THE DREAMS, THE FIVE PENNIES, THE HAMPTON SISTERS, NAPPY BROWN, ANNIE LAURIE, THE JIVE BOMBERS, MORRIS FONTAIN AND GROUP, AND "BROWN GAL" RECORDS.


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

          1. "Stop Cryin'" - Little Esther (With Quartet) - Decca 48305 - 1953.
          2. "Please Don't Send Me" - Little Esther (With Quartet) - Decca 48305 - 1953.
          3. "Longing In My Heart" - Little Esther - Savoy 1516 - 1956.
          4. "If It's News To You" - Little Esther - Savoy 1516 - 1956.
          5. "I Gotta Guy" - Little Esther With Johnny Otis Orchestra - Modern 20-715B - 1950.
          6. "Pack-Shack And Stack" - Billy Nelson With The Five Wings - Savoy 1183 - 1955.
          7. "Walk Along" - Billy Nelson With The Five Wings - Savoy 1183 - 1955.
          8. "Say You're Mine" - The Savoys (Featuring James Jones) - Savoy 1188-A - 1956.
          9. "You" - The Savoys (Featuring James Jones) - Savoy 1188-B - 1956.
        10. "Exactly Like You" - The Barons - Decca 29293 - 1954.
        11. "Forget About Me" - The Barons - Decca 29293 - 1954.
        12. "A Year And A Day" - The Barons - Decca 48323 - 1954.
        13. "My Baby's Gone" - The Barons - Decca 48323 - 1954.
        14. "Walk The Lonesome Valley" - The Original Kings Of Harmony - King Solomon 1010 A - 1945.
        15. "Little Liza" - The Original Kings Of Harmony - King Solomon 1010 B - 1945.
        16. "Joy, Joy, Joy" - The Royal Chanters - King Solomon 1015-A - 1946.
        17. "Let It Be Known" - The Royal Chanters - King Solomon 1015-B - 1946.
        18. "Surely God Is Able" - The Ward Singers - Savoy 4017-A - 1948.
        19. "God Will Take Care Of You" - The Gay Sisters - Savoy 4025-A - 1951.
        20. "I'm Goin' To Walk Out In His Name" - The Gay Sisters - Savoy 4025-B - 1951.
        21. "More Than All" - The Famous Davis Sisters - Savoy 4079 - 1957.
        22. "There's A Tree on Each Side Of The River" - The Famous Davis Sisters - Savoy 4085 - 1957.
        23. "Go Down, Go Down" - The Gospel Cleffs - Savoy 4089 - 1957.
        24. "Our God Is Real" - The Famous Ward Singers - Savoy 4092 - 1957.
        25. "Nobody Knows" - The Roberta Martin Singers - Savoy 4093 - 1957.
        26. "Lift Him Up" - The Original Gospel Harmonettes - Savoy 4122 - 1959.
        27. "The Finishing Line" - The Original Gospel Harmonettes - Savoy 4122 - 1959.
        28. "I'm Sealed" - The Original Gospel Harmonettes - Specialty SP 811 A - 1951.
        29. "Just To Behold His Face" - The Original Gospel Harmonettes - Specialty SP 811 B - 1951.
        30. "Don't Blame The Children" - The Selah Singers - Gospel 1025 - 1959.
        31. "The Wicked Race" - The Selah Singers - Gospel 1025 - 1959.
        32. "Mary Don't You Weep, Parts 1 & 2" - The Caravans - Gospel 1017 - 1959.
        33. "Tell The Angels" - The Caravans - States S-108 - 1952.
 
          ALL THIRTY-THREE ABOVE SONGS played in sequence.
 
          ALL TWENTY ABOVE GOSPEL SONGS played in sequence.


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


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