Rare 1953 Doo Wop 78 MY DEAR DEAREST DARLING The 5 Willows, Allen #1000, NM Cond
$
100
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Description
In the early 50s, twin brothers Ralph and Joe Martin and Richard Davis who were students at the Chelsea Vocational High School in Harlem New York, formed a group called the Dovers. The Dovers built up a familiar repertoire of popular songs that they performed at neighborhood venues like the Rockland Palace, the Chelsea Vocational High. Tony (Wright) Middleton joined the group and shortly after, they changed their name to the 5 Willows. Their earliest recordings were with the Allen label, who issued 'My Dear, Dearest Darling' and though it sold well in NY, it did not reach the national R&B charts. The second single 'Dolores' didn't catch on and so they tried a version of a NY vocal group favourite, 'The White Cliffs Of Dover' and predictably that also fell short of expectations. They moved to Herald who issued two singles in late '54, both led by Richard Davis and despite good reviews, they also failed to chart. Herald did not want 'Church Bells May Ring' which they considered too gospel and dropped the Five Willows, who worked on without a label for the next two years. During this period Tony made a solo record 'I'm On My Way' but still performed with the group.
Tony was restored to lead for the Willows career hit 'Church Bells May Ring', when it was finally issued by Melba records in April '56 and went to #11 R&B/62 pop on the singles charts. With this hit, the Willows established a larger following. They headlined a national tour and received some TV and radio exposure but they did not receive any payment from their record company.
This record also features the cool tune Rock Little Francis and it is in NM condition with virtually no wear., It is a DJ promo copy of the Allen release. Buyer will include $5 for shipping. I'm listing a lot of rare 78s this week and if you are a multiple winner I will combine records to save you shipping. Thanks.
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