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Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005 | ||
What do you think of this story? Bad Links? | A double dose of R & BMotown sound comes to town
By LINDSAY BIANCHI If its soulful harmonies that make you turn up the music, then The Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheaters double bill this Friday and Saturday night could be just the ticket. Beary Hobbs Drifters and The Marvellettes team up for an evening of great tunes and great memories beginning at 8 p.m. Originally formed in 1953 by Clyde McPhatter of The Dominoes, The Drifters recorded many well known hits for Atlantic Records. "Up On the Roof," "On Broadway," "Save the Last Dance for Me," and "This Magic Moment" all have a romantic appeal that is rare in music these days. With people like Carole KIng, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil penning your songs, it makes it that much easier to score a hit. The groups first hit was penned by the famous song-writing duo, Leiber and Stoller. There Goes My Baby climbed to the number two spot in 1959. By this time, The Drifters had undergone several incarnations, firing nearly the entire original line-up and hiring Ben E. King who went onto a successful solo career before finally returning to sing with future members of group. Over the years, at least 16 various line-ups have recorded as The Drifters. Beary Hobbs Drifters are named for longtime member Elsbeary Hobbs who died in 1996. They carry on the groups well established tradition of vocal charm. Joining The Drifters August 12 and 13 are The Marvellettes, another act from the swingin 60s who have had their own share of changes to endure. Started as a quintet from Inkster, Michigan, founding member Gladys Horton has been there and back again since the groups inception in 1961. After auditioning for Motown Records, Berry Gordy released their first chart topper, Please Mr. Postman on the Tamla label. Spending most of their career in the shadow of another Motown group, The Supremes, The Marvellettes received more than their share of obstacles over the years. Regardless, they persevered through illness and hard times to revisit the pop and soul charts with "When Youre Young and in Love," "Don't Mess With Bill," "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game." Gladys Horton came out of retirement in the early 80s, and although she couldnt convince other original members to pick up their microphones again, she was joined by new members Echo Johnson and Jean McClain who were later replaced by Jackie and Regina Hollemon. See these two very special acts together this weekend at The Fred, in Peachtree City. Visit www.amphitheater.org or phone 770-631-0660 for more information. | | |
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