Well known in The Carolina's for their signature "Beach Music" sound, The Tams travel all over the country, frequenting the Southeast, and up and down the East Coast. They have also performed in the Midwest and United Kingdom. The Original Tams, sometimes called The "Mighty" Tams, have been elected into the Beach Music Hall of Fame, the Georgia Hall of Fame and the Atlanta Music Hall of Fame. They have also been named "Beach Band of the Decade".
Known for such hits as "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy", "What Kind of Fool", "I've Been Hurt" and "Untie Me", The Tams have had 2 Gold Records, and 1 Platinum Single. "What Kind of Fool" hit 1 on the Billboard charts, and 6 on the R&B charts. While "Be Young, Be Foolish" only hit 26 on the Top 40, the single sold over 1,000,000 copies, sending it to Platinum status. Though their style of music has historically been referred to as Beach Music, it can be also classified as a mixture of Smooth Soul, and R&B. Their show is fun, fresh and exciting and appeals to audiences of all ages and musical tastes.
Original member Charles Pope has been with The Tams for 48 years. He co-founded the group with his brother, the late Joe Pope, in 1959. The group is often termed The Joe Pope Tams. His son "Little Redd" has been performing with the group since he was 6 years old. Charles continues to bring the same "Tams sound" to their shows, while Little Redd adds a fresh, hip spin with his energetic performance. The Tams are the perfect group to appeal to all ages!
The Original Tams were formed in Atlanta, GA. It’s members were Joseph Pope and Charles Pope (founders), Horace Key, Floyd Ashton, and Robert Lee Smith. In the beginning, they sang and danced as a way of having fun and to escape their circumstances, hoping to make at least a little money. The group began performing in local night spots for $1.25 each. These small wages only allowed for them to purchase matching Tam O’shanter hats to wear while on stage. From this trademark, the legendary Tams name was born. The Tams hard work, patience and perseverance eventually paid off when they were signed to Arlen records and had their first Billboard hit in 1962, the single “Untie Me”, which was number 12 on the R&B chart. In 1963, ABC Records signed them and their first album produced a Top Ten hit, “What Kind of Fool”. They began playing throughout the country and a string of hits followed. These included “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy”, “I’ve Been Hurt” and “Hey Girl”. Since then, they have released over 15 albums and been honored with one Platinum and two Gold records. They have toured and recorded with Jimmy Buffet and performed with such greats as Gladys Knight, Jackie Wilson and many more. They have received the title “Beach Band of the Decade” and have been inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame, the Atlanta Hall of Fame and the Beach Music Hall of Fame. The Tams are still recording today and have recently released their latest singles “My Main Squeeze” and “This Love Will Last” from their newest CD The Tams Comin’ At Cha’.
The Tams, ever popular in the 90's, recorded 'Flesh and Bones' with Super Star Jimmy Buffett and joined him on the 'Beach House on the Moon' Tour. The Tams began the new millennium by debuting their new album “Steppin' Out in the Light” with guest artist, G.C. Cameron of The Spinners featured on “Walkin' Dr. Bill”. The Tams have recorded 13 albums and have been performing for over 40 years. The bands first hit "Untie Me" came about in 1962. They have had 1 Platinum & 2 Gold records. They were featured in 'Top of The Pops" and have traveled the world over.
The current members include Charles Pope, his son Li’l Redd, Elton Richardson, Robert Arnold, Greg Gallashaw and Reginald Preston. Despite the unfortunate passing of “The Legendary Joe Pope”, The Tams have continued to be as popular as ever. Over forty two years after the group’s formation, Charles and Li’l Redd continue to lead The Tams toward success. Fans clamor to see Charles Pope – Living Legend, and Li’l Redd – Fastest Feet in the South! And with a new generation of “Little Tams” coming along, Charles puts it best when he says “The Tams will NEVER die”!!
