No wonder the singers of any music group during the 1950s held a special charm. They were famous and loved by people in the most special way. However, the one singer who received a lot of attention as a singer was Nate Nelson. He was the tenor singer for the doo-wop group called the Flamingos. Nate was born on April 10, 1932. He became part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted music group. This group belonged to the US and became highly popular in the late 1950s. To know more about Nate Nelson biography in detail, keep reading.
Nate Nelson and the Flamingos
The members of the group involved Jacob Carey as well as Ezekial Carey, who was the bass and second tenor of the group. They formed this doo-wop group in Chicago, Illinois, after getting in touch with Paul Wilson as well as initial tenor John E. Carter.
Earl Lewis joined the group. However, the group went through a series of name changes and ended up being called The Flamingos. Soon, Sollie McElroy replaced Earl Lewis.
The first single of the group was I Can’t Have You. The song got some local success, and later the group did a follow-up, ‘That’s My Desire’.
Later, the Flamingos decided to leave Chance Records and sign with DJ AI Benson’s Parrot Records. In 1954, Sollie decided to leave the group, and that is how Nate Nelson entered the Flamingos to replace him.
In 1955, the group signed with Chess Records and achieved their initial national chart hit, ‘I’ll Be Home’. This song got to the fifth position on Billboard’s R&B chart. The Flamingos even enjoyed moderate success for the label by composing songs like A Kiss from Your Lips, Would I Be Crying, etc.
In 1956, the group appeared on Rock, Rock, Rock. This was the movie, but later that year, Zeke and Carter were drafted.
Whereas, Nate Nelson, Jake, and Paul decided to add a new member Tommy Hunt. The same year, Terry Johnson was added to the group as a tenor, guitarist, as well as arranger. In 1957, they began recording music for Decca Records.
Nate Nelson: Issues with the Flamingos
The most famous single by the group was ‘The Ladder of Love’. This was Johnson’s arrangement. However, the legal issues between Checker Records and Nate Nelson ruined the chances of any kind of commercial success for Nate. Also, this was the end of Nate Nelson discography with the Flamingos. In 1958, Zeke came back to the group, and this made them a sextet.
The issues between the Flamingos
After a decade, the group began to come apart. Tommy Hunt decided to leave the group in 1960 to pursue his solo career. In 1961, Nate Nelson and Terry left to create ‘Modern Flamingos’, and in 1963, they recorded with Starglows on Atco Records.
Somehow, new members entered the group. As a tenor, Zeke Carey came in; at bass, Jake Carey; at baritone, Paul Wilson; at tenor, Billy Clarke and Eddie Williams; at guitar, Alan Fontaine; and at saxophone, Julien Vaught.
In 1961, Johnny Carter even left the group and joined the Dells. Whereas Clarke and Williams handled the duties of the new lead vocals. In 1962, Doug McClure entered the group, and Clarke and Williams decided to leave the group.
The Flamingos continued to record in the 1970s. In 1972, they released an album called The Flamingos Today. By 1980, the Flamingos had Jake Carey, Zeke, Frank, as well as Jerome Wilson. In the 1990s, the group had Careys, Ron Reace, Kenny, as well as Satterfield.
Also, the Flamingos split up in 2005 because of money issues. However, the group performs at concerts countrywide.
Nate Nelson and the Flamingo Awards
Some of the Flamingos Awards involve Nate Nelson as well. In 1996, they got the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award. In 2000, Flamingos were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. In 2004, the Flamingos were inducted into the Doo-Wopp Hall of Fame. In 2003, they recorded ‘I Have Eyes for You and got inducted into the Grammy Award Hall of Fame.
The Flamingos discography
- The Flamingos Meet the Moonglows
- Flamingo Serenade
- Colour them beautiful.
Final Wrap
Despite having the brief success period, The Flamingos featuring Nate Nelson and other group members can never be forgotten. They didn’t achieve much commercial success, but with their melodic songs the musical group managed to survive forever in the hearts of ardent music lovers.
FAQs
When and where was Nate Nelson born?
Nate Nelson was born in American on April 10, 1932.
What’s the name of his musical group?
He’s a tenor singer for American R&B musical group called The Flamingos.
How many awards did the musical group Flamingos win during their active phase?
The doo-woop group Flamingos featuring Nate Nelson won a good number of awards such as, the Rhythm & Blues Foundation Pioneer Award, the Grammy Award Hall of Fame, etc.
What are the most popular songs by The Flamingos?
The musical band is known for their hit singles, including , I Only Have Eyes For You, ‘The Boogaloo Party’, ‘Lovers Never Say Goodbye’, etc.
