The Paradons are an American doo wop vocal group from Bakersfield, California, United States, that formed in 1959.[1]
The Paradons | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Kern County, Bakersfield, California, United States |
| Genres | R&B, doo-wop, soul, rock-n-roll Country |
| Years active | 1959–1960 |
| Labels | Milestone Records |
| Past members | West Tyler Billy Meyers Chuck Weldon William Powers |
| Website | myspace |
The group began by singing locally at school dances and clubs. Within a few months they secured a recording session with Werly Fairburn's Milestone Records[1]—not to be confused with the like-named jazz label founded by Orrin Keepnews about six years later[2][3]—and recorded eight songs. Their first release with the label, "Diamonds and Pearls" / "I Want Love", became a hit in the US, peaking at number 27 on the US Billboard R&B chart and number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960.[1]
The group appeared on American Bandstand and at the Apollo Theater in the wake of its success.
The group soon broke up over monetary disputes, having been together less than a year.[4]
Despite the group's demise, Milestone continued releasing singles from their initial recording sessions, but these releases – "Bells Ring", "Take All of Me", and "I Had a Dream" – did not chart.[4][5]
Members
edit- William Powers
- Billy Meyers
- Chuck Weldon
- West Tyler[1]
Joe Karp and Billy Meyers revived the group in 1965 as 'Joey and the Paradons'.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 1901. ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
- ^ "The Note Book". The Hollywood Reporter. August 17, 1962. p. 8. ProQuest 2339635630.
Werly Fairburn, president of Milestone Records for the past three years, debuts on the label as a singer with 'You Are My Sunshine.'
- ^ Kirby, Fred (September 2, 1967). "R. Bialek Buys Milestone Line". Billboard. p. 1. ProQuest 1286226760.
Milestone began on a limited basis last year with Keepnews handling production and serving as an advisor part time. [...] A greatly increased sales and distribution network is being set up for the new label...
- ^ a b Biography, AllMusic
- ^ "The Paradons" Discography; Discogs.com 26-05-2015 May 25, 2015