The All American Vocal Group
©JCMarion
1998
This is my attempt at emulating the All-American teams in different
sports categories formulated to be a part of the glorious age of the
R & B vocal groups of the 40s and 50s. What I have done is
rendered my own opinion as to each position in the typical quintet
and selected the person who I feel is the best at that position. As
always these are my opinions only, not subject to any poll of
listeners and fans, scientific or otherwise. So - here we go !
The First Team -
Lead - Willie Winfield (Harptones)
Bass - Bill Pinckney (Drifters)
Baritone - Paul Robi (Platters)
Frst tenor - Albert Crump (Heartbeats)
Second tenor - Johnny Carter (Flamingos)
The Second Team -
Lead - Clyde McPhatter (Drifters)
Bass - Prentiss Barnes (Moonglows)
Baritone - Bruce Tate (Penguins)
First tenor - Bobby Williams (Solitaires)
Second tenor - Bill Carlisle (Dubs)
and finally, the Third Team !
Lead - Tony Williams (Platters)
Bass - LeRoy McNeil (Nutmegs)
Baritone - Harold Lucas (Clovers)
First tenor - Herman Santiago (Teenagers)
Second tenor - Ripley Ingram (Five Keys)
Now then, why do I feel that there may be some disagreement on my choices ? Actually because that is the reason for the opinionated list in the first place. The expected reaction of "oh yeah ? what about . . . . .?" keeps interest in this musical style alive and makes it a focal point for this very kind of subjective judgement. We will never let the sounds of these vocal groups die ! ! !