The Midnighters

about

The backup group with R&B legend Hank Ballard, this Detroit band was initially called the Royals when they formed in 1952. Henry Booth, Charles Sutton, Lawson Smith, and Sonny Woods were the original lineup. Ballard replaced Smith in 1953 and became the lead singer. They became the Midnighters in 1954. The group disbanded temporarily in 1965, then reformed with Frank Stadford, Walter Miller, and Wesley Hargrove. This unit worked in the James Brown Revue for several years. Hank Ballard (born John Henry Kendricks) (November 18, 1927 - March 2, 2003) was an rhythm and blues singer, the lead vocalist of Hank Ballard and The Midnighters and one of the first proto-rock 'n' roll artists to emerge in the early 1950s. He played an integral part in the development of rock music, releasing the hit singles "Work With Me, Annie" and "Annie Had a Baby" with his Midnighters. He later wrote and recorded "The Twist", which was notably covered by Chubby Checker Born John Henry Kendricks in Bessemer, Alabama, Ballard grew up in Detroit, Michigan with relatives, where he began singing in church and later aspired to a career in music. In 1951, Ballard formed a doo wop group. He was discovered by Johnny Otis, of the Little Esther Revue, and was signed to sing with a group called The Royals, along with Henry Booth, Charles Sutton, Sonny Woods and Alonzo Tucker. The Royals had already signed to Federal Records in Cincinnati when Ballard joined. The group then changed its name to The Midnighters t

top songs

albums

Sexy Ways - 4 Track EP

▥

The Original Sound Of R&B 1954

▥

Texas Rockabilly

▥

Lux and Ivy's Favorites Volume 13

▥

Nasty: Rhythm 'n' Blues

▥

Early Years Of Rock 'N' Roll Volume 1

▥

The Midnighters

▥

Sarg Rockers Vol. 2

▥

Their Greatest Hits

▥

Rock 'n' Roll Number 1's

▥

The Rock 'N' Roll Era: 1954-1955

▥

The History of Rhythm & Blues, Volume 3 - The Rocknroll Years

similar artists