The Career and Music of The Hollywood Flames

The Hollywood Flames were a staple of West Coast doo-wop and R&B through the 1950s and 60s. Known for their tight harmonies and genre-spanning sound, the group achieved national fame with the hit “Buzz Buzz Buzz.” But behind their success lies a story of constant change—of shifting lineups, pseudonyms, and side projects.

From their beginnings in a Los Angeles high school talent show to their final recordings in the late 1960s, The Hollywood Flames made their mark as one of the most adaptable vocal groups of their era.

Group Name	The Hollywood Flames
Origin	Watts, Los Angeles, California, USA
Genres	Doo-Wop, R&B, Soul
Years Active	1949–1967
Labels	Aladdin, Specialty, Class, Swingtime, Chess, Atco, Selective, Hollywood, Lucky
Key Members	Bobby Byrd (aka Bobby Day), David Ford, Curlee Dinkins, Willie Ray Rockwell, Earl Nelson
Biggest Hit	“Buzz Buzz Buzz” (#11 Pop, #5 R&B, 1957)
Other Charting Song	“Gee” (#26 R&B, 1961)
Notable Aliases	The Flames, The Turks, The Jets, The Sounds, Bobby Day & the Satellites

Formation and Early Days as The Flames

The group began in 1949 in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. Original members included Bobby Byrd, David Ford, Curlee Dinkins, and Willie Ray Rockwell. As teenagers, they performed in school talent shows under the name The Flames and landed their first paid performance at the Barrelhouse Club, owned by R&B impresario Johnny Otis.

In 1950, the group recorded their first single for Selective Records. Though it didn’t make waves, it marked the start of their professional career. Early on, the group had a revolving door of members. Rockwell was temporarily replaced by Clyde Tillis and later by Gaynel Hodge. Dinkins was eventually replaced by Curtis Williams. These frequent lineup changes would become a recurring theme throughout the group’s existence.

Adopting Multiple Names and Expanding

By 1954, the Hollywood Flames were recording under a variety of names including:

• The Turks

• The Jets

• The Sounds

• The Voices

• The Tangiers (featuring Jesse Belvin and the Hodge brothers)

These aliases were often used for side projects or recordings on different labels to avoid contractual conflicts. Byrd and Earl Nelson (who joined in 1955) also formed a duo called Bob & Earl, a partnership that later yielded the 1963 hit “Harlem Shuffle.”

Breakthrough with “Buzz Buzz Buzz”

In 1957, the group signed with Class Records, now composed of Byrd, Ford, Dinkins, and Earl Nelson. That same year, they released “Buzz Buzz Buzz,” which became their biggest hit.

• #11 on the Billboard Hot 100

• #5 on the R&B chart

The song, co-written by Bobby Byrd, was a high-energy doo-wop number featuring Nelson on lead vocals. Its B-side, “Crazy,” also charted, reaching #11 on the pop chart later in 1958.

Following this success, Byrd left to pursue a solo career and to focus on his side project, Bobby Day & the Satellites. He went on to achieve solo fame with “Rockin’ Robin” in 1958.

Post-Byrd Years and More Personnel Changes

After Byrd’s departure, the group recruited new members:

• Eddie Williams, formerly of The Aladdins

• Ray Brewster, formerly of The Penguins

Led now by Earl Nelson, The Hollywood Flames signed with Atco Records (a subsidiary of Atlantic) and released “Every Day, Every Way.” Although the single didn’t chart, they promoted it with an appearance at New York’s Apollo Theater, performing alongside major acts of the era.

In 1961, the group signed with Chess Records, where they released their second charting single, “Gee”, which reached #26 on the R&B chart.

The Final Years (1962–1967)

Between 1962 and 1967, The Hollywood Flames continued to release singles across various small labels. However, chart success eluded them, and their popularity declined in the face of changing musical trends.

David Ford remained the only consistent member during this period. Despite rotating members and label changes, the group never regained the attention they had with “Buzz Buzz Buzz.”

The group officially disbanded in 1967.

Legacy and Side Projects

While The Hollywood Flames are often remembered for just one big hit, several members went on to notable careers:

Bobby Byrd (Bobby Day)

• Had solo hits like “Rockin’ Robin” and “Little Bitty Pretty One”

• Became a key figure in early rock and roll

Earl Nelson (Jackie Lee)

• Achieved solo fame as Jackie Lee

• Scored a hit with “The Duck” in 1965

• Continued working with Bob Relf as Bob & Earl

The group’s adaptability—recording under numerous names and navigating multiple genres—reflects their willingness to evolve, even if it meant lacking brand consistency.

Selected Discography