Doo Wop
This group The Hollywood Flames goes way back in R&B and doo wop history as a 1940s vocal ensemble. This fun, uptempo golden oldie was written by John Gray and Robert Byrd. (aka Bobby Byrd and Bobby Day) was released in 1957 and went to #5 on the R&B Chart and #11 on the U.S. Pop Chart. Group members for this record were Earl Nelson, Bobby Byrd, David Ford, Clyde Tillis, and Curtis Williams.
The group was one of the early R&B vocal groups from the West Coast, which in their case was Los Angeles. They first recorded in 1949 as The Flames. They changed names, labels, and membership many times over the years. It’s a long, convoluted story. However, there were a number of recording stars who came from this group, including Bobby (Day) Byrd himself, who wrote and recorded “Little Bitty Pretty One” and who had a big hit with “Rockin’ Robin.” Curtis Williams was a Penguin and co-author of “Earth Angel.” Earl Nelson, as Jackie, Lee had a hit in the 1960s with “The Duck.” Nelson was also the “Earl” of Bob & Earl, who had success with “Harlem Shuffle.” Also, Gaynel Hodge was a member of the Hollywood Flames at one point. He also was with The Platters and the Turks. Gaynel wrote and performed for many artists, including Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, and Duane Eddy.
