The Velvetones
| The Velvetones | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Newark, New Jersey, United States |
| Genres | Doo Wop |
| Years active | 1943-1949 |
| Labels | Coronet, Sonora Records |
| Past members |
Enoch Martin John Parks Madison Flanagan Muzzy George "Pop" Willie Sam Rucker Walter Dawkins |
The Velvetones were a doo-wop group formed in Newark, New Jersey, in 1943. The founding members Madison Flanagan (tenor lead and maracas), Walter Dawkins (second tenor/baritone) and Sam Rucker (baritone and guitar) all attended High School together and formed the group alongside Enoch Martin (Pianist, baritone lead). They signed with record label Coronet at some time in 1946 and produced such titles as "Sweet Lorraine" and "Jason, Get Your Basin". Shortly after this the group left Coronet, and Walter Dawkins left and was replaced by "Pop" Willie as they signed with Sonora Records. The following year more changes came as Sam Rucker was replaced by John Parks and Muzzy George replaced "Pop" Willie. By 1949 demand for the band had disappeared and they called it quits. Enoch Martin died in 2002 at the age of 80, and Sam Rucker in 1997 at 73. The status of the other members is unknown. In 1995 their song "Glory of Love" was used in the soundtrack for the film Casino.
References
Goldberg, Marv. "Marv Goldberg's R&B Notebooks - VELVETONES". Marv Goldberg. Retrieved 25 September 2013.