CAN YOU HELP US TO SOLVE A VOCAL GROUP MYSTERY???
We work diligently to try and identify the vocalists in all of our historic vocal group videos. For too many years, the group members were nameless and faceless, allowing for imposters and “wanna-bes” to claim the honors that should have gone to the pioneers. We freely admit we don’t have all the answers, and occasionally a film is shrouded in mystery. This is one of those occasions and YOU may be able to help us.
The Cadillacs were one of the most popular and influential vocal groups of the 1950s. Their flashy stage appearances- sharply-dressed young men delivering soulful harmonies with precision dance steps- set the benchmark for many of the acts who followed in their wake. From their inception in 1954 until their performing lineup stabilized permanently in 1985, members were in and out of the group. In 1957, there were, in fact, TWO Cadillacs groups that eventually merged back into one. In June of 1961, Earl “Speedo” Carroll left to join the Coasters and remained with them until late 1979.
When the Cadillacs reformed for live performances and a recording session in 1970, they consisted of 1950s members Robert Phillips, James “J.R.” Bailey and Robert Spencer (who had been part of the Crickets and sang on “My Girl Friend”), Leroy Binns from the Charts, and Eddie Jones, serving as pianist and musical director. Eventually, the multi-talented J. R. Bailey left to pursue other successful endeavors. Stephen Brown, also from the Charts, and another 1950s recording member, Earl Wade, floated in and out of the lineup.
At the time of this performance at the Academy of Music on 14th Street in New York City in 1974, the lineup had changed dramatically. So much so that we have been unable to identify any of the four Cadillacs who perform “Gloria” and “Speedoo” in these eight minutes of color film. Obviously, Earl Carroll and Robert Phillips are not present. Leroy Binns does not appear to be present. So, who are we seeing? We STILL don't know! Fans, friends, family members: Do you recognize anyone? Earl Wade, Roland Martinez, Stephen Brown, Robert Spencer? If you recognize any of the four members of the group, we want to hear from you!!!!!
Beginning in the early 1970s, Boston-area disc jockey, concert host and producer, historian and enthusiast, Little Walter DeVenne began documenting the pioneers of vocal group harmony, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll using Super 8 movie film, reel to reel tape recorders, and whatever means were available to him. Concerts in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and other locations were preserved. Home video recording was in its infancy, and a typical reel of film ran for less than three minutes.
Through the efforts of Walter’s friend and longtime disc jockey, Mike Bollea, many of these recordings have been preserved. Through Mike’s generosity and a desire to see Walter’s historic films shared with fans and devotees of this music, we present the Little Walter’s Time Machine Official Archives series, remixed and synched by Todd Baptista, from the original source material.
For the best in “oldies but goodies” from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, listen to Mike Bollea on MIXCLOUD and follow his discjockeymike page to hear new shows. To leave comments or connect with Mike, send him a friend request and visit his Facebook page Michael Bollea (Not Just Another DJ) and the Mike Bollea’s Radio Friends Group or e-mail him at [email protected].