Charioteers : Best Of   

Led by the awesomely talented tenor Billy Williams, the Charioteers were the most gospel-sounding of the great black pop vocal groups of the '40s, a sound that did not translate into the record sales that Columbia record execs-eager for an answer to Decca's Ink Spots-were hoping for. But to ears educated by the doo wop and soul groups to come, this group's stuff is mighty fine, definitely vocal pop but hinting of the left turn towards R&B that vocal music was soon to take in the '50s. We are proud to present the *first-ever* compilation on CD of their work, with notes setting the scene for these 24 great sides.

Songlist: Way Down Yonder in New Orleans, I'm Getting Sentimental Over You, Why Should I Complain?, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, So Long, Calliope Jane, We'll Meet Again, I Understand, Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away), Yes, Indeed!, Elmer's Tune, I Got It Bad (and That Ain't Good), On the Boardwalk (In Atlantic City), You Can't See the Sun When You're Cryin', Open the Door, Richard!, Ride, Ride, Ride, Chi-Baba, Chi-Baba (My Bambino Go To Sleep), On the Sunny Side of the Street, Sleepy Time Gal, Oooh! Look-a-There, Ain't She Pretty?, What Did He Say? (The Mumble Song), The Last Thing I Want Is Your Pity, A Kiss and A Rose, Until

The Coasters are an American rhythm and blues/rock and roll vocal group who had a string of hits in the late 1950s. Beginning with "Searchin'" and "Young Blood", their most memorable songs were written by the songwriting and producing team of Leiber and Stoller.(1) Although the Coasters originated outside of mainstream doo-wop, their records were so frequently imitated that they became an important part of the doo-wop legacy through the 1960s.

Songlist: Riot In Cell Block, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Down In Mexico, Searchin', Idol With The Golden Head, Young Blood, Yakety Yak, Charlie Brown, Along Came Jones, Poison Ivy, Little Egypt (Ying-Yang), Shoppin' For Clothes, That Is Rock & Roll, I'm A Hog For You, What About Us, Run Red Run

Acrobat has a highly interesting catalogue of gospel, doowop and vocal group recordings, which already includes a Deep River Boys collection from their later era during the 1950s when they recorded for EMI in the UK. This is an expanded version of an album, now no longer available, which was released in 2000.

Songlist: Carmena Waltz Song, Who'll Jine de Union, I Am Seeking for a City, I Am Bound for Sweet Canaan Land, I Got a Home in Dat Rock, In Dat Great Getting' Up Morning, You Talk Too Much, A Zoot Suit, Cousin Jedidiah, A Little Jive Is Good for You, Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child, By the Light of the Silvery Moon, Get on Board Little Children, We Are Walking in the Light, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Oh Freedom, Castle on the River Nile, I'm Trampin', Go Down Moses, Honey, Honey Honey, My Guys Come Back, This Chick's Too Young to Fry, Charge It to Daddy, Get Up Them Stairs Mademoiselle, It Had to Be You, What Did He Say, Purgatory, Two Blocks Down Turn to the Left, Ain't Misbehavin', That's What You Need to Suceed, and more

The rise of groups like the Golden Gate Quartet took gospel music out of the conservative confines of the Black church, and opened the door for other groups who wanted to sing spirituals in a different way. One of the groups to achieve success in the more liberated climate was the Hampton Institute Quartet, who changed their name to the Delta Rhythm Boys, and were equally at home delivering a pop song as a gospel item. They teamed up with Ella Fitzgerald during the 1940s recording ban in America, when her career might have been put on hold. However much the gospel group might have been threatened with eternal damnation to even think about "La Cucaracha," their fearlessness, both musically and politically, is what made them one of the greats. 20 winners, and we can't decide which we like the best, pop tunes like "Little Lize," the sweet "It Was Wonderful Then," a swinging "La Cucaracha," the silly minstrel-show tune "Watermelon On The Vine," the hip "Gimme Some Skin" and "Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gave To Me," or gospel hits like "Wait Till I Put On My Crown," a rocking "Ezekiel Saw De Wheel," "Certainly Lord," "Mighty Day," and "Scandalize My Name" (which is actually more of a commentary on religious bigotry). There's a particularly fine, laid-back early version of "Georgia On My Mind," and the swinging title tune, the final cut, is a joy. All songs at least piano accompanied, recorded in NY in 1941.

Songlist: LIttle Lize (I Love You), Keep On To Galilee, Wait Till I Put On My Crown, The Railroad Song, Ezekiel Saw De Wheel, Bugle Woogie, Do You Care, Conversation At Midnight, It Was Wonderful Then, La Cucaracha, Dry Bones, Certainly Lord, Mighty Day, Scandalize My Name, Watermelon On the Vine, Gimme Some Skin, It's So Peaceful in the Country, Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me, Georgia On My Mind, I Dreamt I Dwelt in Harlem

"Boys" is the reissue of a 1957 LP of the same name, from the end of the five-man Jazz quintet's long and illustrious career, beginning in 1934 at an Oklahoma university. The "Boys," in these all-accompanied, upbeat collection of 13 cuts, bring us a tasty mix of jazz/swing covers (the Gershwins' "'S Wonderful" and "It Ain't Necessarily So," Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies," Rogers and Hart's "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" and Cole Porter's "It's All Right With Me." With wonderful humor and poise, the guys will begin a standard, then feel free to riff it into a joyous, upbeat, funny romp. "Poor Boy" and "Saturday Night Fish Fry" follow the basic rockabilly theme of "How'd I Get Into this Ridiculous Mess?" "There'll Be Some Changes Made," "The Riddle Song" and "Side By Side" are bright, upbeat foot-tappers, while "Young Man with a Horn" and "Something I Dreamed Last Night" are creamy-smooth slow-dance tunes. A varied repertoire with one thing in common-it's all wonderful stuff from the legendary, pioneering DRB.

Songlist: 'S Wonderful, Poor Boy, Saturday Night Fish Fry, The Riddle Song, There'll Be Some Changes Made, Young Man With A Horn, Side By Side, It Ain't Necessarily So, Blue Skies, Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered, Cha Cha Joe, Something I Dreamed Last Night, It's All Right With Me

Twenty nine track compilation contains radio & movie soundtrack performances from 1941-45 from the legendary & innovative Delta Rhythm Boys, who were one of the first vocal groups to wear matching color uniforms (most prior groups wore only black tuxedos) & one of the first groups to choreograph their moves on stage. This features the songs "A-Sittin' & A-Rockin'," "East Of The Sun," "Star Dust," "Darktown Strutters' Ball," "How High The Moon" & others.

Songlist: A-Sittin' & A-Rockin', One O'Clock Jump, I'm Beginning to See the Light, Jersey Bounce, Are You For It, St.Louis Blues, Stardust, Get On Board Little Children, Texas Polka, Hey, John, Snoqualimie Jo Jo, My Sacrifice, Darktown Strutters' Ball, Dry Bones, Jack You're Playing The Game, Jut A-Sittin' And A-Rockin', Rigoletto Blues, Snoqualomie Jo Jo, Take the 'A' Train, The More I Go Out With Somebody Else, Give Me Some Skin, I'm Beginning to See the Light, Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me, Shoe Shoe Baby, Paper Doll, How High The Moon, East Of The Sun, Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye, Bugle Woogie

The Du Droppers were formed in 1952 from members of various Gospel groups, and the talented, veteran quartet are an important link between Gospel groups, Harmony groups and the rise of Doo Wop and Rock 'n Roll. 23 wonderfully rich (all accompanied) tunes, from the funny "Can't Do Sixty No More" (an answer to the Dominoes' hit "Sixty Minute Man" to the title tune, this CD is a get-down, adult-themed, boogying treat that makes us imagine just how powerful (and dangerous) this music must have sounded to people used to listening to Perry Como and Pat Boone. "Chain Me Baby," "Go Back," "I Wanna Know," "Get Lost," the racy "Little Girl, Little Girl (You Better Stop Talking in Your Sleep)" "Bambalam" and "I Found Out," "Ten Past Midnight," "Honey Bunch," "I Only Had A Little," "Drink Up," "Speed King" "Dead Broke" and "Let Nature Take Its Course." Surprisingly, as good as these songs are, this is the first time we've heard most of them. Great rockin' Doo Wop boogie from the early 1950s by a pioneering group that obviously should be much better-known!

Songlist: Can't Do Sixty More, Chain Me Baby, Come On And Love Me, Go Back, I Wanna Know, Laughing Blues, Get Lost, Little Girl Little Girl, You Better, Stop Talking In Your Sleep, I Found Out, My Thrill Girl, Ten Past Midnight, Bambalam, Don't Pass Me By, Drink Up, Speed King, Dead Broke, I Only Had A Little, How Much Longer, If You Just Don't Leave, Honey Bunch, Let Nature Take Its Course, Boot Em' Up

One of the most influential gospel acts of all time, The Fiveblind Boys Of Alabama, have been performing and recording now for almost 60 years. Today they are at the height of their fame with world tours and best selling CDs as well as the support of rock stars such as Peter Gabriel. This collection gathers together 28 tracks recorded from 1948-51, many of which were hits in the gospel market at the time, "Honetin The Rock" and "Come Over Here" being the most notable. This is the perfect introduction to the early days of one of gospel's most important groups. The package comes with a 12 page booklet including notes by the renowned gospel expert "Opal Louis Nations."

Songlist: Jesus Love Devine, See Everybody's Mother but Mine, What Manner of Man is this, What More Can Jesus do, Don't Wonder About Him, I Want My Crown, By and By, I've an Intrest Over There, Living on Mother's Prayer, Right to the Tree of Life, Anyhow, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder, Death Has Taken Mother Home, Honey in the Rock, In the Vinyard, Power of the Lord, Jesus Won't Deny Me, Mother's Song, All the Days of my Life, Blessed be the Name, All I Have is Gone, Gonna Have A Good Time, Good Religion, No More Tears No More Dying, Come Over Here, Since Mother's Been Gone, Canaan Land, Leave Your Burdens There

The Blazes were journeymen musicians, who had played in and around the Chicago club scene since 1940, though they didn't score a national hit until 1952, with "Mary Jo." Written by bassist/singer Tommy Braden, who didn't actually join the Blazes until 1950, it epitomized their blues-influenced jazz sound: walking bass, clean guitar tone, honking sax over blues progressions. However, it was a sound rooted in an earlier era, and was swept away by the tides of rock 'n roll, in spite of the superior musicianship of professionals such as the Blazes. Still, these 24 songs show why the idioms of blues and jazz are universal, and any of them could be performed today. Highlight: an original arrangement of "Mood Indigo," a summer breeze wafting by on a sultry July evening.

Songlist: Mary Jo, Not Any More Tears, Raggedy Ride, Mood Indigo, Perfect Woman, My Great Love Affair, Rug Cutter, Lovin' Man, All Night Long, Never Start Living, Snag The Britches, Please Send Her Back To Me, Night Train, Ella Louise, Stop Boogie Woogie, My Hat's On The Side Of My Head, Perfect Woman, Do The Do, Drunken Blues, She Needs To Be Loved, Women, Women, Did You Ever See A Monkey Play A Fiddle, Done Got Over, Don't Loose You Cool

First ever legitimate CD release for this smooth pop orientated vocal group who scored numerous US hits in the early to mid-fifties. The vocal group of choice for label mates Nat King Cole who used them at every opportunity on his Capitol sessions. They scored a huge UK hit with "I Get So Lonely (When I Dream About You)" which reached number 5 in the summer of 1954. It's included here along with 25 other prime recordings on CD which was sourced from original EMI master tapes and compiled at Abbey Road Studios in London.

Songlist: Sentimental Fool, Walkin' And Whistlin' Blues, Got Her Off My Mind, I Go Crazy, Charmaine, Cry, In The Chapel In The Moonlight, I Wanna Say Hello, It's No Sin, The Glory Of Love, I Wish I Had A Girl, The Way I Feel, Easy Street, Oh Happy Days, A Milion Tears, Tennessee Train, Baby Doll, Walkin' In The Sunshine, I Get So Lonely (When I Think About You), Period, Anniversary Song, I Couldn't Stay Away From You

The Four Vagabonds were radio stars of the 1940s - they were considered by many to be the grandfathers of R&B harmony! Their commercial recordings make it clear that their real stock-in-trade was haunting romantic harmony ballads; the best of these can be truly described as classics of American folk and popular music.

Songlist: I Had The Craziest Dream, Yeah Man, Juke Box Saturday Night, Hio Hip hooray, Can't Get Out of This Mood, Slender Tender and Tall, Three Dreams, Take It From Here, Hasta Luego, You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To, Moonlight Mood, Why Don't You Fall In Love With Me?, I Lost My Sugar in Salt Lake City, I've Heard That Song Before, Saving Myself For Bill, Hit The Road To Dreamland, Could It Be You?, It Can't Be Wrong, Can't Get Snuff In Your Cuff, Don't Get Around Much Anymore, Sharp As a Tack, Stick To Your Knittin' Kitten, Hey Good Lookin', I Don't Want Anybody

Along with the Mills Bros, the Ink Spots were the most popular black vocal group of the 1930's and 40's, though their careers spanned such duration, that groups are still performing under the Ink Spots name. Their trademark style, with a buttery tenor vibrato over spoken interludes by the bass vocalist, and elegant yet understated accompaniment, generated a spate of hits, including their first big chart appearance with "If I Didn't Care" in 1939. Having found their niche, a series of similarly-produced songs, including "The Gypsy," "Java Jive," "I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire" and "Prisoner of Love," capitalized on the record-buying public's attention. Though there were many subsequent personnel changes, the group sustained both artistic quality and popular success, and no music collection is complete without the Ink Spots.

Songlist: If I Didn't Care, My Prayer, Java Jive, I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire, Don't Get Around Much Anymore, I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You), I'm Making Believe, Into Each Life Some Rain Will Fall, The Gypsy, I'm Beginning to See the Light, Prisoner of Love, To Each His Own

Through changing pop styles the popularity of the Ink Spots remained strong. Across the globe, audiences flocked to hear their unique blend and fresh approach to the music. Spotlighted on this CD are some their greats, including "I Love You Truly," "My Wild Irish Rose" and "Shine On Harvest Moon." Not to be forgotten, closing the program is one of their most beloved hits from 1940, "Java Jive." No matter the changes in style, these songs will always be classics.

Songlist: I Love You Truly, Stars Fell On Alabama, My Wild Irish Rose, Just for A Thrill, Shine On Harvest Moon, It's Been A Long, Long Time, When You Were Sweet Sixteen, I've Got the World on a String, Address Unknown, In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree, Blueberry Hill, You Always Hurt the One You Love, In A Shanty In Old Shanty Town, Java Jive

Twenty five track compilation brings together greatest hits from the legendary vocal group's early career in the 1930s, and it features their original lineup, incuding the songs "Knock-Kneed Sal," "I'm Beginning To See The Light" & "When The Sun Goes Down"

Songlist: Knock-Kneed Sal, Street Of Dreams, I'm Beginning to See the Light, If I Didn't Care, When The Sun Goes Down, That's The Way It Is, Is It A Sin (My Loving You), We Three, I Hope To Die If I Told A Lie, I Could Make You Care, This Is Worth Fighting For, Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat, Nothin', Memories Of You, Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall, Shout, Brother, Shout, White Christmas, A Lovely Way To Spend An Evening, I'm Making Believe, I Cover The Waterfront, That Cat Is High, I'm Through, I'll Get By, Oh, Red, Maybe It's All For The Best

The Greatest!! Did we get your attention? The Mills Brothers were sons of John Mills senior who had been a concert singer before retiring to become a barber. Among the pioneers of close harmony singing, they became one of the best known popular groups ever. They began their career in small time vaudeville as "Four Boys and a Kazoo" until one night they forgot the kazoo! John cupped his hands over his mouth and did a vocal imitation of the forgotten instrument for an enthusiastic audience. Thus began the vocal imitation of the trumpet, the trombone, the tuba, and saxophone. If you let your attention lapse for a moment while you are listening to the brothers you will not believe that these are just four singers and a slight accompanying acoustic guitar. The Greatest!! Did we say that yet?

Songlist: Glow Worm, Paper Doll, Dinah, You're Nobody 'Till Somebody Loves You, Yellow Bird, Tiger Rag, You Never Miss the Water Till the Well Runs Dry, You Broke the Only Heart (that ever loved), Cab Driver, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Lazy River, You Always Hurt the One You Love, Coney Island Washboard, When You Were Sweet Sixteen, I'll be Around, Daddy's Little Girl, The Jones Boys, On the Banks of the Wabash, Opus 1, I Don't Know Enough About You, I don't mind being all alone (when I'm Alone with you), Nevertheless (I'm In Love With You)

We wish all history sounded this good! The Mills Bros. started singing together in 1925, combining barbershop harmony with the jaunty rythms of the swing era. It was a sweet combination that led to a 70 year career! From 1942's "Paper Doll" to their 1968 rendition of "Cab Driver", these harmonious gentlemen had a string of top-40 hits and enjoyed enormous popularity. Warning for purists: all the songs are accompinied to some degree, usually lighty. But don't miss this CD because of that -these guys are under the directory under "debonair". Every song is a treat "Lazy River", "You Always Hurt the One You Love", "'Till Then,"I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm", "Someday", their marvelous hit "Glow Worm", "Standing on the Corner", and "Be My Life's Companion." Classic!

Songlist: Paper Doll, Lazy River, You Always Hurt the One You Love, Till Then, Across the Alley from the Alamo, I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, Someday (You'll Want Me to Want You), Nevertheless (I'm In Love With You), Be My Life's Companion, The Glow Worm, Standing On the Corner, Cab Driver

The four Mills Brothers had a style that combined the best elements of vaudeville, Negro minstrelsy and the barbershop quartet with elements of the new jazz sound. Their habit of cupping their hands over their mouths to create an orchestral sound (similar to effects created by Europe's Comedy Harmonists), was a sensational factor in their success story, and appearances on popular radio programs like "Rudy Vallee's Fleishmann's Yeast Hour" led to their first million-selling record, "Tiger Rag/Nobody's Sweetheart" in 1931. The Brothers endeared themselves to movie audiences the world over with appearances on such hits as "Big Broadcast of 1932" with Bing Crosby, Kate Smith, Cab Calloway and the Boswell Sisters.

Songlist: Tiger Rag, Dinah, You Always Hurt The One You Love, St. Louis Blues, Bugle Call Rag, Swing It, Sister, Sleepy Head, Across The Alley From The Alamo, You Rascal, You, I Heard, Nobody's Sweetheart, Rockin' Chair, I Wish, Shine, It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), I Don't Know Enough About You, Be My Life's Companion, Sixty Seconds Got Together, Till Then, I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, Put Another Chair At The Table, Goodbye Blues

This recording presents the fabulous Mills Brothers late in the trio's lengthy career, but their rhythmic sensibilities haven't aged, and a fresh buoyancy characterizes these 12 selections. Many of the songs are standards in the Mills's canon. "Some of These Days" feature Donald's vocal cornet simulation, a skill the brothers used with less frequency as the years went by. "Till Then," with its doo-wop overtones, features the languid soul the brothers so aptly displayed in their ballads. Of the later songs, "Cab Driver" and "Truck Stop" are distinctive C&W subjects; the guitar and drums are appropriately spare. This same guitar-and-drums accompaniment appears in other, less countrified songs, like the wistful "I Guess I'll Get the Papers and Go Home" and the spiritual "He Gives Me Love." The brothers unison crooning imbues these songs with heartfelt reality.

Songlist: The Jones Boy, I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Till Then, Some Of These Days, Truck Stop, I Guess I'll Get The Paper And Go Home, You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You, He Gives Me Love, Cab Driver, You'll Never Miss The Water Till The Well Runs Dry, I Don't Mind Being All Alone, I Can't Stop Loving You

They just don't make 'em like this anymore. The emotion wrung from every note, the grit and rawness. The Moonglows were a seminal vocal group in the development of the sound between the vocal jazz and jubilee groups to the then ermerging doo wop sound. Smooth harmonies on this enjoyable recording.

Songlist: Sincerely, Most of All, In My Diary, We Go Together, When I'm With You, See Saw, Please Send Me Someone to Love, (I'm Afraid) The Masquerade Is Over, Blue Velvet, Over and Over Again, Sweeter Than Words, The Ten Commandments of Love

With lead Singer Sonny Till, The Orioles were the first African-American vocal group to target a young African-American audience. You'll hear elements of Gospel, Pop as well as Doo Wop sprinkled into the smooth harmonies in their many R&B hits such as "Tell Me" and "It's Too Soon To Know" and of course "Crying In The Chapel". The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

Songlist: It's Too Soon to Know, At Night, Tell Me So, (It's Gonna Be A) Lonely Christmas, Forgive and Forget, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, I Miss You So, Baby Please Don't Go, Till Then, You Belong to Me, Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, I Cover the Waterfront, Crying in the Chapel, In the Chapel in the Moonlight

Pilgrim Travellers : Best of Pilgrim Travellers   

Famous as the group from which soul singer Lou Rawls launched his solo career, the Pilgrim Travellers were one of the most hard-working and touring gospel groups of the 1950's. This value priced double LP set captures their intensity and fervor, and the sheer force of their conviction. Their intonation and the sound quality of the recording are well above average. Songs such as 'Jesus, I'm Thankful,' 'The Old Rugged Cross' and 'I Want My Crown' are personal and heartfelt testimonials to the power of salvation. Their most popular song, 'Jesus Met The Woman At The Well,' a Southern Spiritual, is an American art form.

Songlist: I Was There When the Spirit Came, Blessed Be The Name, Standing On The Highway, Jesus Hits like the Atom Bomb, I've Got a Mother gove Home, Jesus, I'm Thankful, Straight Street, Mother Bowed, The Old Rugged Cross, Something Within Me, A Soldier's Plea, Satisfied With Jesus, My Old Home, Jesus Met the Woman at the Well, What a Blessing in Jesus I've Found, I Want My Crown, God Shall Wipe all Tears Away, Weary Traveler, I'll Tell It, He Will Remember Me, Lord, Help Me Carry On, Now Lord (Yes, my Lord), Lord, Hold My Hand

The "Better Than That" collection follows the CD compilation of the two "Best of the Pilgrim Travelers" and the first release by the PT in the Legends of Gospel series, "Walking Rhythm;" and it focuses the early to mid-Fifties heyday of this talented all-male quintet. At that time, they were a top draw on the Gospel circuit, booked all over the country. Art Rupe of Specialty Records issued more PT singles over their 10-year relationship than any other group, gospel or pop. "Better" is a generous, comprehensive CD of 28 cuts, including 13 never-before-released cuts. Beginning with their a cappella roots, the group gradually became more accompanied, by organ, piano, guitar, bass, saxophone and drums. Our favorites, of course, are the a cappella numbers: "Please Watch Over Me," "Long Ago (Wooden Church)," "I Never Knew Joy Before," "Leaning On The Everlasting Arm," "I'm Going Through," "How About You?," "I'll Be There (In That Number)," "All The Way (I'm Willing To Run)" and "Your Mother Is Your Friend." This is a great collection by one of the most popular Gospel groups of all time, in their prime!

Songlist: I Could Do Better Than That, Please Watch over Me, Long Ago (Wooden Church), I Never Knew Joy Before, Leaning on the Everlasting Arm, I'm Going Through, How About You?, I'll Be There (In That Number), All the Way (I'm Willing to Run), Your Mother Is Your Friens, Gonna Walk Right Out, Move up to Heaven, What a Friend We Have in Jesus , A Hard Road to Travel, That Lonesome Road, Go Ahead , In My Heart, I Love Jesus , He's My Friend, The Life You Save May Be Your Own (The Salety Song), Troubled in My Home Will Have to End , Every Prayer Will Find Its Answer, Close to Thee, Troubled in Mind, Bless Us Today, Hold On, After While, I Could Do Better Than That

Founded in the early 1930s in Houston during the early 1930s by Joe Johnson and the Davis brothers, the Pilgrims had moved to Los Angeles by 1942, adding two cousins, Kylo Turner and Keith Barber. Between 1947 and 1956, they recorded over a hundred sides for Specialty Records and developed a choreographed, dynamic road show that blew away the competition. There are 29 a cappella spirituals here, from "What Are They Doing (My Lord)," "Good News," the Gospel Boogie "Everybody's Gonna Have A Wonderful Time Up There" and "Nothing Can Change Me (Since I Found The Lord)" to "My Eternal Home," "Footprints of Jesus," "Welcome Home" and "Angels Tell Mother." It's all wonderful, feel good Gospel, some of the best and most authentic we've heard. At the end is a touching plug for Gospel radio station WDIA. "Walking" is a joy! Highly Recommended.

Songlist: What Are They Doing (My Lord), Stretch Out, My Prayer, Good News, Dig A Little Deeper, Everybody's Gonna Have A Wonderful Time Up There (Gospel Boogie), Nothing Can Change Me (Since I Found The Lord), Jesus, Thank You Jesus, What A Friend We Have In Jesus, It's A Blessing, Not A One, He's Pleading In Glory, Jesus Gave Me Water, Jesus, He's The One, King Jesus Will Roll All Burdens Away, My Eternal Home, Pass Me Not Oh Gentle Savior, Footprints of Jesus, When I Join The Jubilee, Call Him By His Name, Welcome Home, My Road's So Rough And Rocky, I Love The Lord, Deliver Me From Evil, Jesus Is The First Line Of Defense, Peace Of Mind, Angels Tell Mother, WDIA Radio Station Plug

The Platters, 4-man, 1-woman followed of black vocal harmony groups like the Ink Spots and the Mills Brothers, ushering in a new age of contemporary pop and R&B. The group grew up in the thriving music scene of Los Angeles in the early 1950s, first signing with Federal records, and then joining fellow Federal artists the Penguins (who had a national hit with "Earth Angel"), signed by Chicago-based Mercury Records. Their first recording, "Only You," didn't get a lot of attention until a Seattle DJ played it, eventually turning it into a national hit. "The Great Pretender" was a #1 smash, "The Magic Touch" was a top five it, but their next recording, of British songwriter Jimmy Kennedy's "My Prayer" became the group's biggest hit. Rock 'n' Roll-styled "Out of My Mind" and one other song were scheduled for the Platters to perform on Dick Clark's Saturday night TV show, who heard "Twilight Time" over the phone and said, "That's the hit!" It was the first record of the rock 'n' roll era to feature strings. "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," "Harbor Lights," "With This Ring"-18 all-accompanied winners by one of the most exciting and popular vocal groups of all time! Beautiful liner notes with history and pictures of the group.

Songlist: Only You (And You Alone), The Great Pretender, (You've Got) The Magic Touch, My Prayer, Heaven On Earth, You'll Never Never Know, It Isn't Right, On My Word Of Honor, One In A Million, I'm Sorry, He's Mine, My Dream, Twilight Time, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Enchanted, Harbor Lights, I Love You 1000 Times With This Ring

The Platters' rise into R&B/Rock 'n' Roll stardom began in Los Angeles, and two of its members had a lot to do with their meteoric rise, angel-voiced Tony Williams and manager Buck Ram. Tony's emotion-drenched voice made prayers and the longings of lovers so believable, and the precision and clarity of his delivery was pure pop gold. Ram agreed to let Mercury Records sign his hit group the Penguins if they'd also sign the Platters. Although the label first marketed the group on its purple "race" label, Ram convinced them to release it on their black "pop" label. The kids, just having discovered Elvis and Bill Haley, who heard the big hits "Only You" and "The Great Pretender" wanted to see who was singing them, and were surprised to see the suave, smooth black quintet. Thus the first number one pop record for a black group made its way up the charts. 11 classic winners, all accompanied, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," "The Magic Touch," "Harbor Lights," "You'll Never, Never Know," "Red Sails in the Sunset" and "Enchanted"-this is all incredible stuff from the legendary Platters!

Songlist: The Great Pretender, Twilight Time, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, Only You (And You Alone), You'll Never Never Know, My Prayer, (You've Got) The Magic Touch, I'll Never Smile Again, Harbor Lights, Red Sails In The Sunset, Enchanted

Soul Stirrers : Jesus Gave Me Water   

Lots of previously unreleased material here including a gripping nearly four minute riff between Cooke and the awesome Julius Cheeks.

Songlist: Jesus Gave Me Water, Christ Is All, Come, Let Us Go Back to God, I'm on the Firing Line, How Far Am I From Canaan?, Jesus Done Just What He Said, He's My Rock, Joy, Joy to My Soul, I'm Gonna Build on That Shore, Until Jesus Calls Me Home, Jesus Will Lead Me to That Promised Land, It Won't Be Very Long, Let Me Go Home, Someday Somewhere, Jesus Paid the Debt, End of My Journey, He's My Friend Until the End, I Have a Friend Above All Others, I Gave Up Everything to Follow Him, Come and Go to That Land, I'm So Happy in the Service of the Lord, Any Day Now, Jesus, I'll Never Forget, All Right Now, Pray

It has been argued Sam Cooke made his most inspired recordings during the six years (1951 -1957) he spent as a member of the Souls Stirrers. This compact disc delves deep into the famous quarete's period with Cooke and includes some of his best-loved gospel songs. While Cooke solos on all but one of the twenty-eight tracks, also featured are the outstanding contributions of Paul Foster, J.J.Farley, Juliius Cheeks and in a rare vocal performance Souls Stirrer's guitarist Bob King.

Songlist: The Last Mile of the Way, Mean Old World, That's Heaven to Me, Were You There?, Lord Remember Me, Pilgrim of Sorrow, He's My Guide, The Last Mile of the Way, Pilgrim of Sorrow, All Right Now, He'll Make a Way, Jesus I'll Never Forget, Come and Go to That Land, Just as I Am, He'll Welcome Me, He's My Friend Until the End, Jesus Paid the Debt, Jesus Will Lead Me to That Promised Land, It Won't Be Very Long, How Far Am I from Canaan?, Let Me Go Home

Extensive liner notes to this collection of classics compiled and produced by noted musicologist Opal Nations.

Songlist: By and By, I'm Still Living on Mother's Prayer, Feel Like My Time Ain't Long, Today, I Have a Right to the Tree of Life, In That Awful Hour, Jesus Hits Like the Atom Bomb, Shine on Me, Faith and Grace, Everybody Ought to Love Their Soul, Blessed Be the Name of the Lord, I'm Gonna Move in the Room With the Lord, My Loved Ones Are Waiting for Me, How Long, Who'll Be the One (There's a Vacant Room in Glory), The Lord Is My Shepherd, Christ Is All (The World to Me), By and By, I'm Still Living on Mother's Prayer, Feel Like My Time Ain't Long, I Have a Right to the Tree of Life, In That Awful Hour, Faith and Grace, My Loved Ones Are Waiting for Me

Sam Cooke was one of the most influential singers and songwriters of the latter half of the twentieth century. Between l957 and 1965 he had 29 top 40 hits on the pop charts and 34 on the R&B charts. This recording is about his real roots as a gospel singer. As a boy he sang with two brothers and two sisters in a gospel group called the Singing Children. At age 15 he became the lead singer of the Highway Q.C.'s (yes, they became famous) which were tutored by members of the nationally renown Soul Stirrers. In return, the Highway Q.C.'s became almost like a farm club of future singers. Sam was recruited to take the place of the great R.H. Harris when he retired at the end of 1950. He proceeded to put his own stamp on the group, not only because of his voice, but the fact that he was the most prolific writer in the group. His songs include classics such as 'Nearer To Thee,' 'Be With Me Jesus,' 'Touch The Hem Of His Garment' and 'That's Heaven To Me.' This recording traces his gospel career, both unaccompanied and accompanied by small bands.

Songlist: Peace in the Valley, It Won't Be Very Long, How Far Am I From Canaan?, Just Another Day, Come and Go to that Land, Any Day Now, He'll Make a Way, Nearer to Thee, Be With Me Jesus, One More River, I'm So Glad (Trouble Doesn't Last Always), Wonderful, Farther Along, Touch the Hem of His Garment, Jesus Wash Away My Troubles, Must Jesus Bear This Cross Alone?, That's Heaven to Me, Were You There?, Mean Old World, Lord Remember Me, Lovable, Forever, I'll Come Running Back to You, That's All I Need to Know, I Don't Want to Cry

When Cooke left the Soul Stirrers for a pop career in 1957, Paul Foster tried to carry on alone but soon realized he was most effective as a foil to a high tenor. So he hired Kansas City's Johnnie Taylor, and the 19-year-old tenor soon assuaged the disappointment over Cooke's departure with a sweet tone that seemed to make the lyrics hum as he soared up and down through the octaves. The 24 tracks on this album, recorded from 1953 to '59, feature 10 Foster leads, nine Taylor leads, and five split leads. Only two of these takes have been previously released.

Songlist: Christ Is All, He's My Rock (Wait on Jesus), In a Few More Days, Golden Bells, Sinner Run to Jesus, Heaven is My Home, Until Then, Out on a Hill, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Loved Ones are Waiting, The Love of God, When the Gates Swing Open, The Lord Laid His Hands on Me, That's All I Need to Know, My Life Belongs to Him, There's Not A Friend Like Jesus, Heaven is My Home

Philadelphia's sweet-singing Doo-Wop quintet perform 23 original, authentic hits, "Oh Lonesome Me," "Hey, Senorita," "Little Darlin'," "Let Me Come Back," "What'Cha Gonna Do," "Have Mercy Baby," "Louise," "When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano" "Ride Eddie Ride" and slightly racy tunes like "Sixty Minute Man" and "It Ain't The Meat." With voices like these, The Swallows could sing the phone book and get us boogying!

Songlist: Will You Be Mine, Oh Lonesome Me, Dearest, Ride Eddie Ride, Beside You, A Lover's Question, Love Bells, Hey Seniorita, Would I Be Crying, Let Me Come Back, What'Cha Gonna Do, When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano, Little Darlin', Mother, Have Mercy Baby, I'll Be Waiting, Louise, At Night, Sit and Hold My Hand, Sincerely, It Ain't The Meat, Sixty Minute Man, Your Way

Definitive 2 CD collection of the post-war material from these gospel legends. The beginnings of The Swan Silvertones, one of the most revered and respected Gospel vocal groups of all time, starts with the legendary high tenor, falsetto voice of the Reverend Claude Jeter. His influence over a generation of Soul singers to come is breathtakingly presented on this 2-CD collection of some of their greatest early recordings. You will hear echoes of Bobby Womack, Wilson Pickett and David Ruffin and indeed much of the early Temptations sound in these tracks many of which are making their first appearance on CD. Liner notes by noted musicologist Opal Nations.

Songlist: I Cried Holy, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, I Done Made It Up in My Mind, I'm Tired, My Time Done Come, I Want My Crown, These Bones Gwine Rise Again, Go Ahead, I Want to Rest, I'll Search Heaven, In That Upper Room, I Want to Dig a Little Deeper, Working on a Building, Down on My Knees, Standing in the Safety Zone, All Alone, I've Tried, What Could I Do, I Must Tell Jesus, Depending on Jesus, No, Not a One, I Got a Mother Done Gone, Use Me Lord, I'm Gonna Wait, My God's Getting Us Ready, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Is God's Atomic Bomb, Mother's Name Lived in My Heart, Long Ago, Careless Soul, and more

Forty three lilting, rockin' and proto-doowoppin' harmony cuts from Steve Gibson and The Redcaps one of the most popular jump and jive vocal groups of the 1940's. The Five Red Caps began in 1940 Los Angeles, moving to New York in search of fame and fortune. After meeting record label owner Joe Davis (Beacon) in 1943, the multi-talented group, who also played their own instruments, recorded 26 singles for Davis from 1943-46. From rhythm-oriented jive boogie, velvety Ink Spots-style ballads, and the earnest gospel sound, a la groups of the 1930's such as the Golden Gate Quartet, the Five Red Caps did it all. The Redcaps enjoyed many hit records and appeared in movies, on radio and the emerging TV medium. Like many other groups of the period their roots can be traced back to the unprecedented influence of The Mills Brothers.

Songlist: CD 1, Don't Fool With Me, There's A Light On The Hill, Tuscaloosa, Mama Put Your Britches On, No Fish Today, Grand Central Station, Just For You, I've Learned A Lesson I'll Never Forget, Lennox Avenue Jump, Boogie Woogie Bal, Strictly On The Safe Side, Somebody's Lyin', Was It You, Gabriel's Band, Sugar Lips, It's So Good Good Good, I'm Crazy About You, Mary Had A Little Jam, Boogie Woogie On A Saturday Night, Atlanta GA, Get Off That Kick, It's Got A Hole In It, CD2, Monkey And The Baboon, You Can't See The Sun When You're Crying, Jack You're Dead, Wedding Bells Are Breaking Up That Old Gang Of Mine, If Money Grew On Trees, Palace Of Stone, and more

If you're a fan of a cappella gospel from the 1930s and '40s, you won't want to miss this CD! Best known of the five groups is the Soul Stirrers, who are credited with reshaping gospel and paving the way for modern R&B. Their historic first recordings are here and have never before been rereleased on CD.

Songlist: Home In The Sky, Let Me Ride The Chariot, Shelter In The Time Of Storm, Sorrow Valley, Dig A Little Deeper, Rough And Rocky Road, Standing By The Bedside Of A Neighbor, Stand By Me, Today, Where Shall I Be, Jesus Met The Woman At The Well, There Are Some Things, I Know The Lord, My Soul Is A Witness, I'm On My Way, Trouble All About My Soul, Walk Around, He's My Rock, Precious Lord, Freedom After A While

While students of American a cappella history can find many re-issues of gospel groups from the 1930's and beyond, this import from Austria is one of the few that captures the music from the roaring '20s. Of the four groups represented here, The Sunset Four were most productive with 13 of the 25 songs on CD They have snippets of future bass imitation on 'Jerusalem Morn' and barbershop - like chord ringing on 'Didn't He Ramble.' But perhaps 'Barnum's Steam Calliope' is most notable, for its unique vocal imitation of the famed circus instrument. The audio quality reflects the fact that old (and sometimes scratched) '78s were used to make the CD, but anyone interested in early 20th Century a cappella will happily overlook those flaws because of the unique performances captured here, all but two are a cappella.

Songlist: Sing On - Original Valentine Choral Club Quintette, Give Me That Old Time Religion - Original Valentine Choral Club Quintette, Jerusalem Morn - Sunset Four, Do You Call That Religion? - Sunset Four, Barnum's Steam Calliope - Sunset Four, Didn't He Ramble - Sunset Four, Walk in Jerusalem Just Like John - Sunset Four, You Must Have That True Religion - Sunset Four, Good News Chariots Coming - Sunset Four, Oh Lord What a Mourning - Sunset Four, Hand Me Down the Silver Trumpet, Gabriel - Sunset Four, Wade in the Water - Sunset Four, You Must Come in at the Door - Sunset Four, When I Came Out of the Wilderness - Sunset Four, Plantation Days - Grace Outlaw, I've Got a Home in That Rock - Grace Outlaw, In Some Lonesome Graveyard - Grace Outlaw, Sleep My Mother - Bessemer Melody Boys, Didn't They Crucify My Lord - Bessemer Melody Boys, Motherless Children - Bessemer Melody Boys, In My Father's House - Bessemer Melody Boys, When I Get Home - Bessemer Melody Boys, Sun Didn't Shine - Bessemer Singers

"That's The Rhythm" is a delicious collection of 20 examples of Black vocal group harmony from the early 1930s to the early 1950s, all at least lightly accompanied. The watershed moment for these groups was the rise of network radio, which made immediate stars of the Mills Brothers and the Ink Spots. By 1945 there were three routes an aspiring group could take, the "jubilee" gospel style of the Golden Gate Quartet, which enjoyed a crossover appeal, the jump/jive stylings of the Four Vagabonds, which had an almost entirely Black following, or going into the pop crossover stylings of the Ink Spots/Mills Brothers, whose huge success was due to the support of a vast white audience. So many treats: The Three Keys' cartoon-like "Somebody Stole Gabriel's Horn," Three Sharps and a Flat's wonderful title tune, the raunchy, double-entendre "Garbage Man" by the Four Aces, the very funny "Wig Blues" by The Melody Masters, who also star on "Subway Cutie," The Four Vagabonds' swinging "Choo Choo," The Four Blues' boogie-woogie anthem "It Takes A Long Tall Brown Skinned Girl," the Four Knights' sweet "Wrapped Up In A Dream," The Three Riffs' silly "Cherry In My Lemon And Lime," The Beavers' torch song "I'd Rather Be Wrong Than Blue"-these are unknown musical treasures on many levels. Funny, poignant, hip, romantic-it's all here, and some of the sweetest leads and harmonies you could imagine. We love this collection!

Songlist: Somebody Stole Gabriel's Horn, Za Zu Swing, That's the Rhythm, Milk Shake Stand, Satchelmouth Baby, Garbage Man, Wig Blues, Hurry Home, Let's Be Sweethearts Again, (I Wonder) Where Is My Love, Nicholas, Subway Cutie, Choo Choo, It Takes A Long Tall Skinned Girl, Yesterday Rose's, Wrapped Up In A Dream Again, Cherry in My Lemon and Lime, I'd Rather Be Wrong that Blue, I Don't Mind Being All Alone, Yes Sir That's My Baby

These are some of the very earliest recordings Black vocal groups and is an outstanding example of the genre including vaudeville, blues and spirituals sung in both the "old style" with its integrated parts blending smoothly as if sung by one person, and the "new" with its foregrounding of wailing, blue notes and syncopation. The most well known groups here come from the incredibly fertile area of Norfolk Virginia, known for its astonishing number of vocal quartets in the 1920's and 30's. In all there is plenty of top-notch material here for lovers of pre-war vocal groups, with some churning quartet blues recordings that are irresistible.

Songlist: Aunt Hagar's Children Blues - Black Devil Four, Miss Annabelle Lee - Variety Four, I'm Coming, Virginia - Variety Four, Every Time I Feel The Spirit - Pulman Porters Quartette, Good News Chariot's Coming - Pulman Porters Quartette, Jog-A-Long Boys - Pulman Porters Quartette, Won't Be Worried No More - Starlight Quartette, Oh, You Better Mind - Starlight Quartette, Monkey Man Blues - Starlight Quartette, Gone Jazz Crazy - Starlight Quartette, Doodlin' Back - Triangle Quartette, She Done Quit Me Blues - Triangle Quartette, Queen Street Rag - Triangle Quartette, What's The Matter Now? - Quartette of Norfolk, Just Too Late - Quartette of Norfolk, Pleading Blues - Quartette of Norfolk, Four Or Five Times - Quartette of Norfolk, When I Was A Moaner - Quartette of Norfolk, King Jesus, Stand By Me - Quartette of Norfolk, When Death Shall Shake This Frame - Quartette of Norfolk, Somebody's Wrong - Quartette of Norfolk, Pullman Passenger Train - Quartette of Norfolk, Ain't Got No Mama Now - Quartette of Norfolk, Somebody's Always Talking About Me - Quartette of Norfolk, I Ain't Got Nobody (And Nobody Cares For Me) - Quartette of Norfolk

This second volume moves us chronologically into the 1930's, a time when slicker, smoother, more polished and sophisticated vocal groups were gaining ascendancy in pop quarters. The groups included here show some of the barbershop stylings and imitations of instruments made popular at the time by groups such as the Mills Brothers. These groups were capturing the imaginations of popular fans and Harlem hipsters alike with their smooth, sweet and sometimes swinging harmonies.

Songlist: My Little Dixie Home - Red Cap Quartet, They Kicked The Devil Out Of Heaven - Red Cap Quartet, Mammy Lou - Four Southern Singers, Be Ready - Four Southern Singers, Hambone Am Sweet - Four Southern Singers, You're Sweet To Your Mammy/Mudder Knows - Four Southern Singers, Old Man Harlem - Four Southern Singers, Careless Love - Four Southern Singers, Take My Seat And Sit Down - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Bring It On Home To Grandma - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Let's Go To Dinner - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Don't 'Low No Quartet Singin' In Here - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Moonglow - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Tiger Rag - Mississippi Mud Mashers, Cushion Foot - Five Jinks, Za Zu Swing - Five Jinks, I' m Moaning All Day For You - Five Jinks, There Goes My Headache - Five Jinks, Found A Baby Down Dixie Way - Five Jinks, Dirt-Dishing Daisy - Five Jinks, Just Dream Of You - Norfolk Jazz Quartet, Shim Sham Shimmie At The Cricket's Ball - Norfolk Jazz Quartet, Mama Don't Allow It - Norfolk Jazz Quartet, Ol' Man Mose - Norfolk Jazz Quartet