|
Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame
-- inducted 1999
Legend has it that George "Smitty" Smith, Edward "Sonny" Bivins, Winfred "Blue" Lovett, Kenneth Kelly and Richard Taylor came to call themselves The Manhattans because, as teenage singers in Jersey City, New Jersey, they'd dream about the big time while gazing across the Hudson River at the Manhattan skyline. It's a nice story, but unfortunately it is not true. In fact, the quintet took its name from a cocktail known as the Manhattan that's made from whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Still, the name suggested class, something The Manhattans have epitomized throughout their long career. First tenor Bivins, who characterizes the group's elegant style as "progressive doo wop," first got together with baritone singer Taylor while they were serving with the Air Force in Germany during the late 1950's. After being discharged, Bivins, Lovett and Smith formed the Dulcets in 1960. In 1961, The Dulcets recorded "Pork Chops" on the Sue Label. In 1963, with the
addition of Kelly and Taylor, they formed The Manhattans.
Although they began making records in 1963, The Manhattans didn't strike it big until the mid
1970's, when they successfully bucked the disco trend with a series of romantic ballads for Columbia Records. They had eight songs in the R&B Top 10 between 1973 and 1978, with the composition "Kiss And Say Good Bye" going to Number One on both the R&B and Pop Charts in 1976 and placing in the top five in England and Australia. "Shining Star" made it to number five on the Pop Charts, staying on the charts for 14 straight weeks.
The Manhattans continue to bring their smooth, classy live sound to their fans, with more than
100 shows per year worldwide. The Manhattans continue to be one of the most sought after live R&B units of the day.
The Manhattans featuring Sonny Bivins are --
- Edward "Sonny" Bivins - baritone
- Al Pazant - bass
- Lee "The Reverend" Williams - lead vocals
- Charles "Charming Charlie" Hardy - 2nd tenor
- Harsey "The Candyman" Hemphill - 1st tenor
Hit songs include --
- Kiss and Say Goodbye
- One Life To Live
- There's No Me Without You
- Crazy
- Shining Star
- Am I Losing You
- It Feels So Good To Be Loved So Bad
- Don't Take Your Love
- I Kinda Miss You
- You Send Me
- Hurt
- We Never Danced To A Love Song
- I'll Never Find Another (Find Another Like You)
- You'd Better Believe It
- Just One Moment Away
- Wish That You Were Mine
- Follow Your Heart
- Searchin' For My Baby
- Baby I Need You
- Can I
The Manhattans featuring Sonny Bivins may be available for your next special event!
For booking information, click
HERE!
Genre: R&B
Styles:
.Northern Soul.
.Quiet Storm.
.Doo-Wop.
.Urban.
.Soul.
Years active:
..60s, ..70s, ..80s
Formed: ..in New Jersey
..in Jersey City
in 1962
Based: ..in New Jersey
|
Buy this album: "Super Hits" (2002)
Buy this album: "Love Songs" (2000)
Buy this album: "Best of Manhattans - Kiss and Say Goodbye" (1995)
Buy this album: "Part 2 - Sing For You and Yours" (1990)