The Cleftones were a doo-wop and R&B vocal group from Queens, New York, best remembered for their 1961 hit “Heart and Soul.” Blending tight harmonies with a pop-soul sensibility, they helped define the doo-wop sound of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
While their career was relatively short-lived, their influence was significant, especially with their biggest hit breathing new life into a jazz standard and bringing it into the teen pop era.
| Group Name | The Cleftones |
|---|---|
| Origin | Queens, New York, USA |
| Genres | R&B, Doo-Wop |
| Years Active | 1955–1964 |
| Original Members | Herbie Cox (lead), Charles McGhee (first tenor), Berman Patterson (second tenor), Warren Corbin (bass), William “Buzzy” McClane (baritone) |
| Later Members | Gene Pearson (baritone), Patricia Spann (alto/female lead) |
| Label | Gee Records |
| Notable Hits | “Heart and Soul” – #18 Hot 100, #10 R&B (1961) “Little Girl of Mine” – #57 Hot 100, #8 R&B (1956) “For Sentimental Reasons” – #60 Hot 100 (1961) |
| Style | Smooth harmonies, doo-wop arrangements, reinterpretations of standards |
| Legacy | Helped evolve doo-wop into early pop-rock territory; “Heart and Soul” became a doo-wop classic and teenage anthem of the era |
Formation and Early Years
The Cleftones formed in 1955 at Jamaica High School in Queens, New York. The original lineup included:
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Herbert Cox – Lead vocals
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Charles McGhee – First tenor
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Berman Patterson – Second tenor
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Warren Corbin – Bass
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William “Buzzy” McClane – Baritone
Initially called The Silvertones, the group soon changed their name to The Cleftones, a nod to their musical training and harmonies. They practiced in hallways and basements, like many early doo-wop groups, and quickly gained attention in the New York area.
Breakthrough on Gee Records
The Cleftones signed with Gee Records, an imprint of George Goldner’s Tico Records label. Their debut single, “You Baby You,” was released in late 1955. Written by members Patterson and Corbin, it became a regional hit and established them on the East Coast doo-wop scene.
Their second release, “Little Girl of Mine” (1956), broke into the national charts:
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#57 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#8 on the R&B chart
It was their first true crossover success and remains a favorite among doo-wop collectors and fans.
Challenges and Lineup Changes
Following the early buzz, the Cleftones struggled to maintain their momentum. Singles like “Can’t We Be Sweethearts” and “String Around My Heart” failed to chart.
In 1959, baritone Buzzy McClane left and was replaced by Gene Pearson, formerly of The Rivileers. At the same time, Patricia Spann joined as the group’s only female member, helping the Cleftones develop a fuller, more modern sound.
This new lineup sought to move beyond group harmony conventions and emphasize a more lead-vocal-driven approach.
“Heart and Soul” – Their Biggest Hit
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In 1961, the Cleftones struck gold with a doo-wop version of the 1938 pop standard “Heart and Soul,” written by Hoagy Carmichael and Frank Loesser.
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#18 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#10 on the R&B chart
Their version gave the old chestnut a teen spin, adding energetic vocals and a catchy doo-wop arrangement. It became the group’s signature hit and one of the most recognizable versions of the song in American pop music history.
Follow-Up Releases
Although they tried to follow up their success with similar stylings, subsequent singles saw diminishing returns:
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“For Sentimental Reasons” (1961) – #60 Hot 100
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“Lover Come Back to Me” (1962) – Modest regional airplay
While these songs were well-performed, they failed to replicate the broad appeal of “Heart and Soul.” By 1964, the British Invasion had begun to dominate American airwaves, pushing many doo-wop acts aside.
Disbandment and Later Appearances
The Cleftones officially disbanded in 1964, with lead singer Herb Cox occasionally performing under the group’s name in later decades. Various configurations of the group continued to appear at oldies concerts and doo-wop festivals well into the 2000s.
They were featured in many doo-wop anthologies and live concert compilations, preserving their sound for new generations. Their influence is often acknowledged in retrospectives on early rock ‘n’ roll and R&B harmony groups.
Legacy
The Cleftones’ contribution to the genre is notable for several reasons:
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They helped modernize the traditional doo-wop sound by incorporating pop standards
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“Heart and Soul” bridged generational gaps between swing-era and rock-era music
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Their diverse lineup, including Patricia Spann, set them apart in an era of male-only vocal groups
Their music continues to be included in oldies radio playlists, TV soundtracks, and film scores, highlighting the timeless charm of their harmonies.