Artist:The Mello-Kings
Song:Tonite, Tonite
Album:The Doo Wop Box
Yet another classic from the Rhino 4CD Doo Wop Box. The thing that's interesting about The Mello-Kings is they're not black but usually toured with black doo wop groups. The group was led by lead singer Bob Scholl (born July 14, 1938 in Mount Vernon, NY). For those who don't know, Mount Vernon is a suburb of New York City. Bob formed the group with his brother Jerry Scholl, Ed Quinn, Neil Arena & Larry Esposito in 1956 as The Mellotones. All went to George Washington High School in Mount Vernon. They got the attention of a black pianist named Dick Levister and he became their manager. He brought them to Herald Records owner Al Silver who specialized in vocal groups. Herald released Tonite, Tonite but there was already a group called The Mello-Tones so Silver rereleased the song under the name The Mello-Kings. The song was a big hit in the Northeast US and the group made a splash on TV with their white dinner jackets. All of their subsequent records flopped but Tonite, Tonite has had a long life as a doo wop standard. The Mello-Kings toured with other doo wop groups and even played the Apollo. Bob Scholl died in a boating accident on Aug. 27, 1975 but Jerry Scholl continues to tour the oldies circuit with a version of The Mello-Kings. Tonite, Tonite also appeared in the 1979 film Boulevard Nights. Here's The Mello-Kings performing Tonite, Tonite in the 1959 film Sweet Beat.
No comments:
Post a Comment