Artist:The Flamingos
Song:I Only Have Eyes For You
Album:The Doo Wop Box
The Flamingos were one of the most popular groups of the 50s and were very influential on R & B music that followed. The group was formed in Chicago in 1950 by cousins Jake & Zeke Carey along with Paul Wilson, Johnny Carter and lead singer Earl Lewis. They were originally called The Swallows abut eventually settled on The Flamingos. Lewis was replaced by Sollie McElroy and The Flamingos had some success with the Carter song Golden Teardrops in 1953. By the mid 50s, they were probably the first group to have choreographed dance routines. They also signed with Checker in 1956 after recording for several smaller labels. By this time, Nate Nelson had replaced McElroy. The Zeke Carey & Carter were called up for military duty in 1956 and were replaced by Tommy Hunt & Terry Johnson. When Carter returned, he would join The Dells. The Flamingos signed with End Records and this 1959 version of the Warren/Dubin standard I Only Have Eyes For You was their biggest chart hit featuring a great lead vocal by Nate Nelson. This 4CD Doo Wop Box is essential for doo wop fans. They would continue to have success in the early 60s until of course the group eventually splintered. The Flamingos continued to exist in some form led by the Carey cousins and when Jake Carey died in 1996, his son JC Carey took over the group. The Flamingos were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2001. Here's what appears to be an early 70s version of The Flamingos performing I Only Have Eyes For You. They're obviously lip synching to the original.
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