The Harptones w/Willie Winfield, "Gimmie Some" c/w "What is Your Decision?," Andrea 101 (rel. 4/1956)
The Harptones are in the top tier of Black vocal groups of their era. Their rich, dense vocal harmonies and the voice of lead Willie Winfield, combined with superb song material, make their catalog essential listening for those hep to this-type jive.
Renowned for their fine ballads, the group could get hot with style and ease. Their audience wanted the dramatic numbers such as "A Sunday Kind of Love" and "That's The Way it Goes"--two superb examples of their work in this vein. Today's single, a release on the hole-in-wall Andrea label, serves up both sides of this stellar group in their prime.
"Gimmie Sone" is yet another excellent song by Rose Marie McCoy and Charlies Singleton. This songwriting credit is always a reason to pick up an unfamiliar record and they never disappoint. Willie Winfield's vocal performance is backed by the energy of his groupmates on this bluesy bopper that approaches the vibe of another major vocal group, The "5" Royales (best of them all in this reporter's book).
A scorching sax solo by Sam "The Man" Taylor adds to the appeal of this perfect mover and shaker. Buried on the B-side, this might have gotten the group once again on the r&b charts. In 1956, this might have crossed over the pop as well. It's one of the group's least-known sides, but I rate it as perhaps their best uptempo side. See what you think!
Renowned for their fine ballads, the group could get hot with style and ease. Their audience wanted the dramatic numbers such as "A Sunday Kind of Love" and "That's The Way it Goes"--two superb examples of their work in this vein. Today's single, a release on the hole-in-wall Andrea label, serves up both sides of this stellar group in their prime.
"Gimmie Sone" is yet another excellent song by Rose Marie McCoy and Charlies Singleton. This songwriting credit is always a reason to pick up an unfamiliar record and they never disappoint. Willie Winfield's vocal performance is backed by the energy of his groupmates on this bluesy bopper that approaches the vibe of another major vocal group, The "5" Royales (best of them all in this reporter's book).
A scorching sax solo by Sam "The Man" Taylor adds to the appeal of this perfect mover and shaker. Buried on the B-side, this might have gotten the group once again on the r&b charts. In 1956, this might have crossed over the pop as well. It's one of the group's least-known sides, but I rate it as perhaps their best uptempo side. See what you think!
Hey! A Cash Box review! It's been a minute. "Packed with drive" and "three delightful minutes" are high praise for a record that deserves all accolades.
"What is Your Decision," penned by Ben Raleigh and Ben Weisman, two veteran New York cleffers (Weisman wrote or co-wrote 57 songs recorded by Elvis Presley!), sounds like something The Platters might have recorded. It's a formula song made so much better by The Harptones' harmonies; their acapella vocalizing of the song's title is a thing of beauty.
The song is better than average for its type, but sounds like 1,000 other 1950s pop ballads. Performance boosts material here to ideal outcome. Man, Willie Winfield is one great vocalist! It can be easy to take such great work for granted but his pitch is perfect, his tone is just right and he's in utter control of his instrument; his instincts are solid. Here's an example of how to deliver a ballad. Listen, vocalists of 2026, and learn.
We've featured The Harptones several times in the past. If you're interested in more, search the old home page on Facebook for more. They show up on several of our 107 podcasts as well. Have at 'em!
Tomorrow: The Originals (not the most original of group names) deliver a pair of socko pleasers via a 1960 Diamond Records platter. Feel-good music for a year when it's needed!
Love that jump sound of "Gimmie Some." "What Is Your Decision" is superior doo-wop. You're right— I hear a song just a good as 1955's "Only You" with Tony Williams and the Platters. Mr. Winfield's voice is perfect. The Harptones are no slouches either.
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