|
The Meditation Singers recently appearing at New York’s
Copacabana night club and at Las Vegas’ Flamingo with Della
Reese open at Fosters “Other Room” Friday.
Exciting and unusual, belting out swinging numbers to
tambourine rhythm in gospel renditions. Ernestine Rundless,
Marie Waters, Laura Lee Rundless, Victoria Beasley and Donna
Hammon are the pioneers of gospel singing as a night club
act.
While appearing at the Copacabana, a member of The
Meditations said, “We are not presented as holy singers. We
are there to show gospel singing is interesting music”.
Organised in Detroit, the five woman group has become radio,
television and concert artists. “I’m Determined” was their
first hit recording and “Sanctified” is one of their latest
HOB recordings.
In the adjoining Fosters Living Room, a theatre cocktail
lounge, Dick Scott stars in “Two Faces In One”.
|
Because she aided him greatly in learning the numerous
dos in the popular “Monkey Time” LP, Major Lance included
his sister Bessie on several of the duets.
Anyone interested in joining the new Miracles Fan Club may
do so by contacting Lagenna Terry of 319 Tyler in Highland
Park.
After experiencing his first big recording with “Since I
fell For You”, songster Lenny Welch has been drafted.
Incidentally Lenny’s hit recording was preceded by nine
unsuccessful attempts.
Ed Henry, a song stylist who possesses depth in soul and
showmanship will be appearing November 2 at Elk Auditorium,
2115 Cass at Elizabeth in a Cabaret Style Dance. The Manhattens will also be featured in a complete floor show.
Little Johnny Taylor of “Part Time Love” fame, and T-Bone
Walker with his latest “Cold Cold Feeling” will be featured
in a Battle Of The Blues, Friday, October 18 at Detroit’s
Prince Hall, McDougall and Gratiot streets. Caldonia Young
will also appear. Tickets at Joe’s Records on 12th
Street and Prince Hall. Show in Pontiac Armory October 19th.
Tickets at KD Record Shop.
T-Bone Walker
Little Johnny Taylor
November 1963 |
After making a hurried tour of record hops during a two day
promotion stay in Detroit, singer Brooks O’Dell found
himself slightly exhausted.
“We covered over 10 hops” said Brooks wearily “but we had
fun and got a chance to meet a lot of nice folks.”
O’Dell who has scored successfully in his second recording
“Watch Your Step”, is accustomed to extensive touring but on
a wider scale.
His very first release “My My My” was recorded by an Italian
firm when the young vocalist was exploiting the European
night club circuit. With an instrumental group known as the
Commanders.
As part of the group, Brooks found his chances of developing
his talent limited, so he parted with the aggregation to
work as a single. He later formed his own band the Majestics
who accompany him on night club engagements, one nighters
and college appearances.
Although the gold label recording artist has been singing
the majority of his 26 years, he only recently decided to
turn professional. Prior to serving with the armed forces,
Brooks attended a ministerial college for two years. In
addition he was an amateur boxer.
“A draft notice interrupted my career as a minister” he
said. “ Boxing proved to be more take than give, so I
decided to give show business a try.”
Brooks plans another sojourn out of the country next year,
first a tour of Canada , then several engagements in South
America.
article by Rita Griffin |
