The Harptones - Mambo Boogie

  • il y a 16 ans
Their story began in 1951 in the schoolyard of Wadleigh Junior High School, located at 115th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues in Harlem. The Skylarks, comprised of William Dempsey James, Curtis Cherebin, and Freddie Taylor, practiced there. Soon, they were joined by Eugene "Sonny" Cooke and a guy remembered only by his nickname, "Skillum." After many rehearsals, they entered the Amateur Talent Contest at the Apollo Theatre, singing "My Dear Dearest Darling." but were booed of the stage.
Another Manhattan-based group from the lower East Side comprised of the Winfield brothers - Willie, Clyde, and Jimmy - their brother-in-law Johnny Bronson, and William "Dicey" Galloway. They could be heard singing under the Manhattan or Brooklyn Bridge or wherever they found an echo.
Later, some of the members from both ensembles met with songwriter and piano player extraordinaire Raoul J. Cita and formed The Harps. The members initially included Willie Winfield (lead), William Dempsey James (first tenor), Clyde Winfield (second tenor and lead), William "Dicey" Galloway (baritone), Curtis Cherebin (bass), along with Raoul J. Cita (pianist and musical arranger).
Their third single, "I Depended On You" showcased the versatility of Nick dark on lead. Its flipside was "Mambo Boogie"