|
Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZMIMMS, Garnet(b 26 Nov. '37, Ashland WV) Soul singer in NYC 'symphonic' or 'uptown' style. Grew up in Philadelphia; made first record with gospel group the Norfolk Four on Savoy '53; after military service formed doo-wop group the Gainors, recorded for Red Top; Mimms and Sam Bell left to form Garnet Mimms and the Enchanters with two others. Tired of competing with the likes of Chubby Checker and Bobby Rydell they went to NYC: Bert Berns signed them, called in Jerry Ragavoy to help with writing 'Cry Baby': no. 1 R&B/4 pop '63 on UA was one of the most intense of pop hits, some time before Aretha Franklin and others redefined soul music. Next was revival of Jerry Butler hit 'For Your Precious Love'; the Enchanters split and Mimms carried on solo for several more hits incl. another Berns/Ragavoy song 'I'll Take Good Care Of You' '66, top 30 pop and his second soul chart entry at no. 15. He supported Jimi Hendrix in UK '67, recorded for Verve and MGM but had no more hits despite the success of the soul era he had helped to inaugurate, except a frantic dance track: 'What It Is' (as Garnet Mimms and Truckin' Co.) was created by the producers behind the funk band Brass Construction, charting in UK '77 for one week. Compilation Cry Baby on EMI. |