The 5 Scamps
The origins of the Scamps go back to the late 30s and a CCC (Civilian Conservation Camp) in Parsons, Kansas. There, workers
Earl Robinson (from Kansas City, Kansas) and James Whitcomb (from Baxter Springs, Kansas), along with two others, would entertain to pass the time.
A Mr. Mason nicknamed them "The Scamps of CC Camp," and the nickname stuck. As time went on, the unremembered
two would be replaced by brothers Wyatt and Torrence Griffin (two more Kansas City residents).
The lineup of the Scamps (they decided to keep the CCC name) was as follows: Earl Robinson (lead vocals and cocktail drums),
Torrence Griffin (first tenor and dancer), Wyatt Griffin (second tenor and guitar), James Whitcomb (bass and bassist), and
Rudy Massingale (piano, sax, and occasional background vocals). Their first professional appearance was at the Sherman Bar, at 9th and Locust, in Kansas City, Missouri.
Since the Scamps played various instruments as well as doing vocals and dancing, they made a decision to become a
full-spectrum act, not just singers. Johnny Tumino, of Consolidated Orchestras of America, became their manager.
Tumino booked them into some appearances in California, and they all piled into Rudy's father's car and drove out there.
Tumino got someone from the Bihari Brothers' Modern Music come to see them perform, and they were offered a contract (which only Wyatt signed).
The Scamps - 1947 The Scamps first appeared on record in January 1947, with "Don't Cry Baby" (a tune that had been a big hit for
Erskine Hawkins). It was backed with "More Than You Know," which had been a charter for Ruth Etting in 1930 (and, most recently,
for Perry Como in the summer of 1946). Earl Robinson was to lead all their Modern releases
Tracks;
01 Red Hot.mp3
02 Solitude.mp3
03 That's My Desire.mp3
04 I'll See You In My Dreams.mp3
05 I'll Never Smile Again.mp3
06 Yes My Baby.mp3
07 How Nice.mp3
08 Worry (Over You Like I Do).mp3
09 Fine Like Wine.mp3
10 More Than You Know.mp3
11 If I Didn't Care (Unissued).mp3
12 Waterproof.mp3
13 I Want A Little Girl (Unissued).mp3
14 Baby Don't You Cry (Unissued).mp3
15 I'm Gonna Cry.mp3
16 They All Say I'm The Biggest Fool.mp3
17 Sweet Slumber.mp3
18 Chicken Shack Boogie.mp3
19 Don't Cry Baby.mp3
20 Good Lover Blues.mp3
21 Stormy Weather (Unissued).mp3
22 Don't Blame Me (Unissued).mp3
23 We'll Meet Again (Unissued).mp3
24 With All My Heart.mp3
25 Bye Bye Boogie.mp3
With covers.
Thanks
ReplyDeleteThank You
ReplyDelete