Soul Singers Of The 60's

[Edie Antoinette]

I bought this gem from Out Of The Past Records in Chicago..it's a classic chocked full of goodies! I thought maybe we could share researching and lending facts about the groups and individuals that comprise this priceless compilation. Take note of #10 too, The Chi Lites on an early cut that quite frankly I'd never heard before. It may be a B-side, not sure--but here it is..enjoy!

[phone]
4407 W Madison St
Chicago, IL

[Edie Antoinette]

#10 is jammin....!!!

[Edie Antoinette]

I mean #9 (The Chi-lites)

[Edie Antoinette]

Lee Williams & The Cymbals

This Harlem vocal group was discovered Hollywood style. The guys were singing in the backyard of a brownstone on 127th Street where they lived when Joe Evans, the owner of Carnival Records, heard them practicing as he walked by. Carnival, a tiny operation in Newark, NJ, had three employees, with Evans being one of them. At the time of the discovery Evans was in Harlem on a promotional mission for his label. Excited by what he heard, he persuaded the landlady to let him in so he could see the warblers. Evans conducted an audition for the singers and the guys gave it their all. Liking their blend and the powerhouse lead of Lee Williams, Evans signed them on the spot. When he got back to Newark he made up a tape of songs for the group to learn. Ronnie McCoy, who had a group called the Topics, wrote one of the songs, "I Love You More."
(I have this and will post it with the above playlist)..~e He had been sending Evans songs and bugging him to record his group. McCoy wanted the song for his group but Evans thought it would be better served to have his new discoveries record it. As a consolation Carnival released "She's So Fine"/"I Don't Have to Cry" on the Topics.

"I Love You More" sold substantially in many cities including Baltimore, Washington, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Chicago. It was so popular in Chicago the group did a stint at the city's Regal Theater. The record barely missed entering Billboard's R&B Top 40, stalling at number 41 in 1967. It would be the group's biggest record ever. Carnival followed with "Peeping Through the Window," another McCoy composition, which didn't do as well but was their second most popular waxing. Four more singles followed: "Shing a Ling USA," "Please Say It Isn't So," "I Need You Baby," and "Til You Come Back to Me." All were good records but they only attracted local and spot interest. The group left Carnival though they were the label's second most popular act (next to the Manhattans) and recorded for some even smaller labels. One was Black Circle Records in Pittsburgh, PA, where they had a few releases that stiffed due to the same problem that afflicted Carnival Records -- lack of promotion. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide

[Edie Antoinette]

Thanks for that info William. I was confused about which one you first mentioned..must be the ringleaders I reckon.

Did you say Pizza? I went to the original Uno's back in the day and man you talkin bout hurtin yourself on some deep-dish!!!! Whew!!!!!

I have more rare gems, but I'll see if this one garners any attention first...

....thanks for the support!! I included a pic of my beloved Out Of The Past with the address and phone number (above)...I use to order stuff by phone too--they are good with sending out orders. Tell them Edie2k2 sent you.

[Shelley "SoleMann" King]

This is awesome and you know how i like looking for stuff....LOL

[Shelley "SoleMann" King]

THE CONTINENTAL FOUR

[Edie Antoinette]

Now this is what I'm talking about Sole!!!! This pic is PERFECT!!!! Whoa!!!

Look at their "FlyGuy" collars!!! LOL *but that's how it was then*

*clapping* Thank You Sole!!!! I can't wait to see what else you find!!!! I be just'a lookin for pics of the groups---to no avail...LOL

Bet'cha they can't hide from Ole Eagle Eye McSeven though!!! LOL

[Shelley "SoleMann" King]

Ole Eagle Eye McSeven and Agent Double O-Soul...I LOVE EM...LOL

[Edie Antoinette]

Wow! The Brothers Of Soul!!! This is awesome!!!!!!

[Tonya Anderson]

I logged on this site from my Mother's computer. While listening to the songs, I'd asked if she remembers any of the group. She's familiar with most of the songs. Before you know it, she said..she started dancing and then said...."Baby, keep that screen up...I like this music. Go use the computer downstairs"..LOL!! Once again Edie, you done an awesome job in creating this discussion.

[Edie Antoinette]

ROFLMBO...shooot, your dear mother knows some jammin when she hears it!!! Go Momma!!!! LOL!!!!!

And thank you Tonya!!!!