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Artist
The Cleftones
12+ albums
doo wopoldies50sRock and Rollrhythm and blues
about
The Cleftones was an American vocal group formed in 1955, who were then called The Silvertones at Junior High School 40 in Jamaica, Queens, New York City. In 1955, the members of the group were high school students attending Jamaica High School in Queens, New York. The group initially formed around the idea of writing a political campaign jingle for Jamaica High School's Independent Party, an unpopular group of students "made up of people who were typically also-rans in all the school activities", which included future members of The Cleftones. With this aim, Herbie Cox (lead singer), along with classmates Charlie James McGhee (first tenor), Berman Patterson (second tenor), Warren Corbin (bass) and William "Buzzy" McClane (baritone), changed the lyrics to "Gee", a then-popular rhythm-and-blues song by The Crows. Performing their version of "Gee" resulted in making the Independent Party popular and winning the school elections. The group began performing locally as "The Silvertones" in a variety of neighborhood concerts, such as at Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp in Queens. The hit song "Gee" was originally produced by "gruff music industry legend" George Goldner, who also signed the group, now renamed "The Cleftones", to a recording contract in 1955. In their first effort as professional musicians, Corbin and Patterson wrote "You Baby You," which became a hit in 1955. Herb Cox then wrote "Little Girl of Mine" and "Can't We Be Sweethearts," for the group. However, after a
top songs
albums
The Best of the Cleftones
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Cleftones For Collectors Only
Heart and Soul
Heart and Soul/For Sentimental Reasons
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The Kids from Queens
The Cleftones Presenting Heart and Soul
Live In New York!
Heart and Soul (Remastered Edition)
American Graffiti
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Original Rock & Roll Show
Doo Wop Classics, Vol. 5
Happy Memories