The roots of this white group can be found in Lubbock, TX in the early 50's when Homer Tankersley, and Charles Speed were part of the spiritual singing group, the Imperial Quartet, they were very popular participating in numerous concerts and having appearances on television.
In the summer of 1954 two members eft the group and the remaining members recruited Floyd Gray and Eddie Seals, this introduced them to Artie Glenn (he wrote the classic "Crying In The Chapel"), Mr. Seals became in his manager and convinced the group in a change of musical style and name of the group, in this way The Commodores were born.
After a few weeks of rehearsal their manager got them a recording session for Dot records where many songs were recorded "Riding On A Train / Uranium" was published by Dot in 1955 and was very popular locally, three more 45 rpm were released by the label record...
-Cream Puff / Close To My Heart (1955).
-Speedo / Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On (1955).
-Two Loves Have I / Who Said I Said That (1956).
1957 produced two more recordings by the group this time on Challenge records...
-Sweet Angel / Not A Day Goes By.
-I'll Be There (When You Get Lonely) / Faith.
In California, The Commodores backed Darrell Glenn on "Hello Baby (Glad To Have You Home)" / "Zinga Zingo" released by RPM this same year of 1957.
The group will record a last record for Brunswick records in 1959 "Who Dat? / Laughing With Tears".
Finally Homer Tankersley tried his hand at solo as Ken James on Petty's Nor-Va-Jak label in 1958 and as Ken Pepper for Roulette in 1961.
LISTEN...
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