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. |
