Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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FLAMINGOS, The

Vocal group formed in 1952 Chicago, among the best in the doo-wop genre. Original lineup: Sollie McElroy (sang lead until '54), Earl Lewis, Ezekiel and Jacob Carey, Johnny Carter, Paul Wilson. They originally clled themselves the Swallows, changing their name because another group of that name was becoming successful. They sang on the South Side, won a talent show, played dates at local Club DeLisa and in Las Vegas. Their first single was on the Chance label, 'If I Can't Have You' '53. Despite fine harmonies and smooth style, they had little success on Chance or Parrot '54, Checker '55, Decca '56, except third single for Checker, 'I'll Be Home', made no. 10 '56 on R&B chart (Pat Boone had the pop hit). But their fame grew; releases on End broke through in film Rock, Rock, Rock '57 with 'Lovers Never Say Goodbye' (no. 52 pop chart, 25 R&B). By this time they were a quintet led by Zeke Carey and Nate Nelson; their classic version of evergreen 'I Only Have Eyes For You' was no. 11 pop, no. 3 R&B '59 (the Art Garfunkel hit version '75 was very similar). Other hits '59-61 included 'Love Walked In', 'Nobody Loves Me Like You', 'Your Other Love', 'Time Was'; also minor hits 'Boogaloo Party' '66, 'Buffalo Soldier' '70.

Johnny Carter (d 21 August 2009, Harvey IL, on lung cancer, aged 75) was the last surviving member of the original lineup. He sang beautiful tenor solos, but not often; his falsetto in the ensemble was an important part of its beauty. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1956 and replaced as a Flamingo (but did appear in the film); in 1960 he joined the Dells, another successful group, who continued touring until 2008.