Formed in 1992, taking their name from the legendary lead singer of the Heartbeats, James Sheppard. Known for their authentic performance and recording of the classic 1950s Doo-Wop, this Christmas CD features songs, some with light percussion, most of which we have not heard before. "Christmas Puts Jingle Bells in My Heart," a bopping "Santa Claus, Santa Claus," the a cappella anthem "My New Year's Prayer," the nice original "Give Your Heart For Christmas," the a cappella lament "She Took The Merry Out Of My Christmas" and the love song "Christmas Is Over." It's an authentic Christmas on the corner!

Songlist: Christmas Puts Jingle Bells in My Heart, It's Christmas All Over Again, Santa Claus, Santa Claus, My New Year's Prayer, You Santa Claus..., Give Your Heart for Christmas, Interlude, She Took the Merry Out of My Christmas, It's A Lovely Christmas Night, Christmas Puts Jingle Bells In My Heart, Christmas Bells, Christmas Is Over, We'll Spend Christmas Apart, It's A New Year

Presented as "a tribute to the Authentic Roots, 1950's RnB Groups, "Destiny" is several cuts above your average Doo-Wop CD. First, the material concentrates on that of mid-50's groups, primarily those from Chicago and New York. Songs like the Pipes' "Be Fair," The Velours' "Romeo," The Crows' "Baby Doll," "Call A Doctor" and "I Love You So," The Orchids' "Newly Wed" and The Diablos' "The Wind"- these songs are the real thing, and take us back to the years when streetcorner Doo-Wop was a ticket for some very talented singers and songwriters into recording studios and onto the radio and tv. Clean, sweet, in-tune leads by 5 guys who have paid their dues, and the arrangements (by Tommie Shider), don't take the easy path of many groups. There's 23 songs, including two nice originals, the title tune and "UGHA." A couple of songs are accompanied, but trust us, "Destiny" is a treat by a group that takes care of business!

Songlist: Be Fair, Romeo, Baby Doll, It Wasn't A Lie, You're Mine, Gloria (The Girl for Me), Castle in the Sky, PS I Love You, It Was Destiny, Tell Me Why, She Was A Battle Axe, I Love You So, All I Want, Call A Doctor, Newly Wed, The Verdict, I Know, Starting from Tonight, Fool's Prayers, The Wind, UGHA, How Would You Know, The Beat of Our Hearts

The Sheps are one of those rare groups which received almost instant success and public acclaim. Tommy Shinder formed the group in late 1992 after a long search for kindred spirits who loved to sing the music of the early R&B groups. Their name honors James Sheppard of both the Heartbeats and Limelites. In their first year of performing they won the UGHA's (United In Group Harmony Association) prestigious award, Rookie Of The Year-1993, and in unprecedented triumph were declared the Veteran Group Of The Year in 1994. This award winning quintet have their harmonic sensibilities firmly rooted in the 1950's as they emulate the Mellomoods ('Where Are You,' 'I'm Lost,' 'How Could You'), the Heartbeats, the Five Keys, Flamingos and more. Included is one original composition, the title track, 'Me, My Tears and a Jukebox' which might have written in 1954 except it mentions all the groups they love. Great!

Songlist: Where are You, I'm Lost, How Could You, Heaven Above Me, Tormented, People Are Talking, Down On My Knees, You're The Dream, Darlin', My Reverie, Mistakes, How Long, Priceless, Untrue, Miss You, Gee, Eternally, Dearest, Golden Teardrops, Me, My Tears and a Jukebox