Introduction to Jay and The Techniques One of the earliest known racially integrated bands, Jay & the Techniques’ material is also unique – it either sounds pop-flavored soul or soul-flavored pop. They formed in Allentown, Pennsylvania, by lead singer Jay Proctor, during the mid-60s music era. The other group members were Karl … Read more
Introduction to Jackie Lee Singer-songwriter Earl Lee Nelson was a part of the R&B/doo-wop duo vocal duo in the 60s music era before scoring his own hit with “The Duck” in 1965. Lee (then under his real name Earl Nelson) and Bobby Byrd were both members of The Hollywood Flames (who scored … Read more
Introduction to H.B. Barnum H.B. Barnum (born Hidle Brown Barnum, on 15 July 1936) achieved his only hit “Lost Love” during the early 60s music scene. He won a nationwide talent contest at the age of four. From that point on he became a child actor, pianist, singer, musical recording arranger and … Read more
Introduction to Hank Ballad and the Midnighters Hank Ballard and The Midnighters began in the early 1950’s as a doo wop group named The Royals. The group consisted and had several future stars, such as Jackie Wilson, Little Willie John, Freddie Pride and Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs, perform in the … Read more
Introduction to Gloria Lynne Gloria Wilson, known by the stage name of Gloria Lynne, was an American jazz singer from the 60s music era who was best known for her Top 40 hit “I Wish You Love.” Her mother was a gospel singer and Wilson herself became a member of a Methodist … Read more
Career summary Gonzalez was a British band, specializing on R&B and funk. Personnel change occurred too frequently and amounted to over 30 musicians that came and left. The original lineup consisted of Godfrey McLean and Bobby Tench, to be rounded out by Delisle Harper and Lennox Langton. Tench left later on to … Read more
Introduction to Fontella Bass Fontella Bass (born on July 3, 1940 in St. Louis, MO) was an American soul and gospel singer who found her most fame in the mid 1960’s. Fontella was the daughter of gospel singer Martha Bass who was a member of the Clara Ward Singers. Before she had … Read more
Introduction to Gene Allison 50s music-era singer Gene Allison (Versie Eugene Allison) was born in Pegram, Tennessee and grew up in nearby Nashville, Tennessee. He started singing in the church choir with his brother Leevert (later performing under the name Levert Allison). Songwriter and record producer Ted Jarrett found the brothers and … Read more
Introduction to Frankie Ford New Orleans rock and roller Frankie Ford rose to distinction during the 50s music scene with his single “Sea Cruise” which reached #14 on the pop chart. He was born in Gretna, Louisiana in 1939, was adopted by a couple who named him Francis Guzzo. Although Ford never … Read more
Short career summary on Garland Green Garland Green (born Garfield Green Jr. in 1942) is an American R&B and soul singer and pianist who’s best remembered for his hit in the late 1960s music era, “Jealous Kind of Fella.” He was born in Dunleith, Mississippi but later moved to Chicago, Illinois. Naturally … Read more
Introduction to Fred Hughes Fred Hughes (not to be confused with another singer Freddie Hughes, who hailed from Oakland, California and is best known for his R&B hit “Send My Baby Back”) is an American R&B singer who figured in the 60s music era. Hughes was born in Arkansas but grew up in … Read more
Introduction to Etta Jones Etta Jones (not to be confused with the legendary singer Etta James) was an American 60s music-era jazz chanteuse best known for her work for the Prestige label and with saxophonist/manager Houston Person. North Carolina-born but New York-raised, Jones toured with Buddy Johnson when she was 16. She … Read more