Published On Mar 25, 2024
One of the most prolific backing vocal groups of the early rock'n'roll era, the Cues provided harmonies to the hits of Ruth Brown, LaVern Baker, Big Joe Turner, and Ivory Joe Hunter, among others. They also recorded under their own name, as the Four Students, and on rhythm and blues and pop sides by the likes of Nat "King" Cole, Charlie White, Carmen Taylor, Varetta Dillard, Big John Greer, and many others.
The core members of the Cues were lead and second tenor Henry Oliver "Ollie" Jones (1923-1990), first tenor Abel DeCosta (1929-1985), second tenor Jimmy Breedlove (1928-1978), baritone Winfield Scott (1920-2015) and bass Eddie Barnes. Their members were also prolific songwriters. Scott, who also used the name Robie Kirk, wrote or co-wrote LaVern Baker's "Tweedle Dee", Elvis Presley's "Return To Sender", and "Burn That Candle", recorded by both the Cues and Bill Haley & the Comets. Jones, an original member of the Ravens, wrote or co-wrote "Send For Me", a #1 hit for Cole, the Crests' "Step By Step", Fabian's "Tiger", and Perry Como's "Love Makes The World Go Round". DeCosta, formerly of the Blenders, later worked extensively with various Ink Spots groups. Breedlove, Barnes, and Scott all had solo records issued during their careers as well.
This unreleased 1955 recording of "Oo-Oo What A Feeling" is written and led by Ollie Jones and was preserved on a 78 RPM acetate disc. The Cues' recognizable harmonies on the opening portion of the backing chant were influenced by the Crows' recent hit, "Gee". Reuploading of the audio is prohibited.