DESCRIPTION:
Released in April of 1956. In the early 50s, twin brothers Ralph and Joe Martin and Richard Davis who were students at the Chelsea Vocational High School in Harlem New York, formed a group called the Dovers. The Dovers built up a familiar repertoire of popular songs that they performed at neibourhood venues like the Rockland Palace, the Chelsea Vocational High. Tony (Wright) Middleton joined the group and shortly after, they changed their name to the 5 Willows. Their earliest recordings were with the Allen label, who issued 'My Dear, Dearest Darling' and though it sold well in NY, it did not reach the national R&B charts. The second single 'Dolores' didn't catch on and so they tried a version of a NY vocal group favourite, 'The White Cliffs Of Dover' and predictably that also fell short of expectations. They moved to Herald who issued two singles in late '54, both led by Richard Davis and despite good reviews, they also failed to chart. Herald did not want 'Church Bells May Ring' which they considered too gospel and dropped the Five Willows, who worked on without a label for the next two years. During this period Tony made a solo record 'I'm On My Way' but still performed with the group.
Tony was restored to lead for the Willows career hit 'Church Bells May Ring', when it was finally issued by Melba records in April '56 and went to #11 R&B/62 pop on the singles charts. With this hit, the Willows established a larger following.