The Crows
The Crows were an American rhythm and blues vocal group that was commercially successful in the 1950s. The first single, the group was called Gee and was the first and only major hit the group. The play was published in 1953 and is called the first rock and roll hit a rock and roll group. It reached 1954 in the pop Billboard chart No. 14, in the Rhythm and Blues Billboard charts Place 2
History
When The Crows were formed in 1951, the members of Daniel " Sonny " Norton were ( Lead); William " Bill" Davis (baritone ); Harold Major (tenor ); Jerry Wittick ( tenor) and Gerald Hamilton ( bass). 1952 Wittick left the group and was replaced by Mark Jackson (tenor and guitar).
The group was discovered at the Wednesday night talent show of the Apollo Theater by the agent Cliff Martinez and brought to the independent producer George Goldner, who had just founded the small indepenent label Rama Records. The Crows were the first group who were under contract and made the shots. The first pieces were included as background for the tenor and pianist Viola Watkins. Gee was the third song, which was recorded during the first recording session on 10 February 1953. The piece was arranged within a few minutes from band member William Davis, Viola Watkins is specified with as author.
The piece was first issued as a B-side So the ballad I Love You. However, radio stations began to turn the plate and Gee to play, first in Philadelphia, then in New York City and Los Angeles. In January 1954 100.000 plates were of the piece has been sold, and in April it reached in the rhythm and blues and pop charts of Billboard magazine number 2 or number 14 A year after recording the song was a successful hit.
The Crows had a one hit wonder only a very successful song. While Gee was in the charts published the record company more singles the group about Heartbreaker, baby and Miss You, but none were successful. The failure and lack of opportunities, regularly appear to support their recordings led to the dissolution of the group, a few months after Gee was no longer in the charts. The composition of the group remained unchanged during their success. Gerald Hamilton died in the 1960s, and Daniel Norton in 1972.