finetune artist: The Lamplighters

This vocal R&B outfit was formed in 1952 at Jordan High School in Los Angeles, California, USA, but was always too erratic and plagued with personal problems to be destined for success in the long haul. Leon Hughes, Matthew Nelson and Willie Ray Rockwell comprised the initial trio, who entered a talent show at Johnny Otis' Barrell House but came second to singer Thurston Harris (b. 11 July 1931, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, d. 1990, California, USA). They set about convincing him to join forces with them, and he eventually agreed. Al Frazier, formerly vocalist with the Mellomoods, helped to choreograph their rough stage act. Their performances soon evolved into some of the most exciting and wild events on the west coast R&B circuit, with acrobatics and audience participation that predated the rock 'n' roll boom. Frazier, too, was persuaded to join the group. After losing Leon Hughes, the unit secured a contract at Federal Records, having been once more reduced to a quartet. Their debut single, a powerful ballad titled "Part Of Me", failed to garner its just reward, though it did introduce them as the Lamplighters (Federal boss Ralph Bass had chosen the name in the absence of any band decision). A second single emerged, "Bee Bop Wino", but its title ironically mirrored the slide of several members of the band into alcoholism. Indeed, Rockwell later died after drunkenly crashing his car into a telephone pole. In 1954, following the release of "Sad Life", "Smootchie", "I Used To Cry Mercy, Mercy" and "Salty Dog", the group embarked on a major tour, with Eddie Jones and Harold Lewis deputizing for Rockwell and Nelson. Harris quit halfway through the tour because of a disagreement over money, and that appeared to be the end of the story. However, back in Los Angeles, Frazier put together a new version of the band with Sonny Harris, Carl White and a returning Matthew Nelson. The new formation christened itself the Tenderfoots. Four singles, beginning with "Kissing Bug' in March 1955, failed to bring any success, and they returned to the Lamplighters name after renewing their friendship with Thurston Harris. Three final singles emerged on Federal between 1955 and 1956. However, Thurston Harris" old behaviour problems resurfaced and he was soon replaced by Turner Wilson III. After this, the group changed names again to become the Sharps, while Thurston Harris enjoyed one major solo single, "Little Bitty Pretty One" (which ironically featured the Sharps as uncredited backing band).

Listen to The Lamplighters at Finetune.