Golden Oldies: The Velvet Angels

A talented and versatile vocal group mixing R&B, pop, gospel and soul music; The Velvet Angels began with the breakup of the Diablos when members Willie Hunter and Jay Johnson decided to form their own group. Recruiting baritone Bobby Calhoun from Andre Williams' group and Bobby's high school buddy Cy Iverson, the newly formed Velvet Angels traveled around doing mostly club dates. After winning a talent contest in New Jersey, the group landed a steady gig at the Tender Trap club in Fairview. In 1963, Nolan Strong came to New Jersey and spent some time with the group - rehearsing and appearing with them at the club. The group began making recordings of their rehearsals at the hotel where they were staying during their engagement at the club, and many of the recordings were issued as singles beginning in 1964 with "I'm in Love" B&W "Let Me Come Back." All of the released singles are presented here along with alternate and previously unreleased versions, including Nolan Strong taking the lead on "Fools Rush In." Jay Johnson takes the lead on "Take a Tip, La La La", which he did the bass lead on, and also wrote. Bobby Calhoun sings lead on "Old McDonald," Iverson lead on "Sentimental Reasons". Willie Hunter was the main lead with the group, and fronted "Baby I Wanna Know" and "It's Too Soon to Know." "Johnny Johnny" is an acappella featuring the group singing in full harmony throughout. "It's Too Soon to Know" and "Johnny Johnny" were later issued as a single in the late 1970s. All selections newly remastered.