The Cleftones
Formed in Queens, NY, in 1955, the Cleftones consisted of five friends from Jamaica High School -- Herb Cox (lead), Warren Corbin (bass), Charlie James (first tenor), William McClain (baritone), and Berman Patterson (second tenor). Originally signed to Gee, the group released its first single, "You Baby You," late in 1955; an up-tempo doo wop song, the record became a regional hit. "Little Girl of Mine," the Cleftones' second single, broke nationally, charting at number eight R&B and number 57 pop in 1956; two other similar singles, "Can't We Be Sweethearts" and "String Around My Heart," were released the same year, yet they failed to attract national attention. "See You Next Year," a ballad the group recorded in 1957, did not earn the group an audience outside of New York. Two years later, McClain left the group and was replaced by Gene Pearson from the Rivileers. Patricia Spann was also added to the Cleftones' lineup that year, which helped nudge the band away from traditional group-oriented doo wop harmonies and toward a vocal sound that was dominated by the lead vocals. In 1961, the Cleftones realized the potential of the sound with their smash hit version of the standard "Heart and Soul"; it became the group's biggest hit, reaching number 18 on both pop and R&B charts. Later that year, the group had another hit with "For Sentimental Reasons," but the band had reached a peak with "Heart and Soul" and were never able to reach those heights again. The Cleftones broke up in 1964, three years after their greatest success.
© Stephen Thomas Erlewine /TiVo
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The Diamond Collection (Original Recordings)
R&B - Released by Hoogan Records on 16 May 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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For Sentimental Reasons
Miscellaneous - Released by Foggy Milan Records on 3 Apr 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Earth Angel
Electronic - Released by Kenzo Records on 16 Dec 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Cleftones (Vintage Charm)
R&B - Released by Don't stop the music on 23 Feb 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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See You (Soulful Rhythm Songs)
Jazz - Released by Beach View Records on 25 Nov 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Lover Come Back to Me (Billboard Hot 100 - No 95)
Soul - Released by Music Manager on 23 Oct 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Heart And Soul
Pop - Released by Finestar Records on 23 Aug 2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Earth Angel (Lovely & Soulful Classic Collection)
R&B - Released by Beach View Records on 14 Oct 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Les idoles du doo wop : The Cleftones, Vol. 1
Pop - Released by Mpm on 28 Oct 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
She's so Fine
Electronic - Released by Kenzo Records on 16 Dec 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
For Sentimental Reasons (Billboard Hot 100 - No 60)
Soul - Released by Music Manager on 23 Oct 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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The Cleftones Meet the Jive Five Doo Wop, Vol.1
Pop - Released by Classic Records on 26 Jun 2009
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Cleftones Meet the Jive Five Doo Wop, Vol.2
Pop - Released by Classic Records on 29 Jun 2009
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
You Baby You (Billboard Hot 100 - No 78)
Blues - Released by Music Manager on 23 Oct 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Heart and Soul (Billboard Hot 100 - No 18)
Blues - Released by Music Manager on 23 Oct 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -