Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 1 November 2002 — Page 26

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2002

PAGE C6

^ Minority Vendor Fair

The Counts continues to woo audiences

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November 14,2002 Thursday, 47pm White River Gardens 1200 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222 Reservations are not required. Admission is FREE. the Indianapolis Zoological Society wishes to thank The Indianapolis Foundation of the Central Indiana Community Foundation for underwriting this event. The Minority Vendor Fair is presented in conjunction with: Asian American Alliance, Indianapolis Block Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, State of Indiana Minority and Women's Business Enterprise Division.

this unique to make multiple aolea calls to die decision-makers

not-for-profit cultural institutions

in the Indianapolis area.

S.

American Cabaret Theatre,

Ghikbenfe Muaetan of

Indianapolis, Conner Prairie, Eitetyorg Museum, IRT, Indiana Stme Museum, Indianapolis Children’s Choir, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, ISO, NCAA, and White River State Park.

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Please call (317) 630-2014 for additional information.

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into the R&B category. “We’re strictly rhythm and blues”. Brown said. “Darling Dear,” the Counts’ biggest hit, is the classic Ed Sullivan Show-style ballad that radiates both innocent love and pleading, unashamed emotion. At live shows, audiences usually become quickly invigorated after hearing “Hot Tamales,” ’’Wailin’ Little Mama” and the silly “She Won’t Say Yes.” But it’s the fast rhythm, Brown’s cool delivery and the saxophone of jazz maestro Jimmy Coe (another Indianapolis legend) that makes “Baby I Want You” a clear favorite among collectors of rare records. Native sons One important ingredient of the Counts’ longevity and unity is the fact that the same men who are members of the group today have been together for nearly 50 years. The Counts were formed in 1953 at Crispus Attucks High School, an institution that has spawned an encyclopedia of prominent figures in the local AfricanAmerican community. The 1953 Crispus Attucks yearbook even features a picture of the 16 and 17-year-old Counts at one of the many vaudevilles/

talent shows they competed in. Admirers of groups of the day like the Drifters and the Four Freshmen; the teen-agers at first called themselves the Five Diamonds. But the name was changed after it was discovered that another group already had the same name. All of the young men sung in the high school choir. Bobby Young was also a member of the Boys Octet. The Counts have always been artists who take their craft very seriously. When many teen-agers were doing well just to stay out of trouble, the Counts practiced religiously in order to maintain their signature harmony and polished stage presentation. Even today, their professional and flawless performances serve as testimonies to their commitment to rehearsals. “We still get together and practice twice a week, whether or not we have a scheduled appearance,” Brown said. Big break During a dance at-the Madam Walker Theatre, the Counts’ spirit of excellence and attention to detail caught the eye of someone in the audience who introduced them to Mel Herman, owner of Mel Herman’s Record Distribution Co. In turn, Herman brought them to the attention of Randy Wood, head of the Tennesseebased Dot records. After being signed, the Counts unleashed their first hit, “Darling Dear” in January of 1954. The song charted nationally, hitting the No. 6 position in the R&B category. This was an amazing feat, considering most groups don’t usually enjoy such instant success with their first single. On the strength of ‘Darling Dear,” the Counts began to tour

on the “Chittlin’ Circuit,” appearing for one week concerts at the Apollo, Howard and Royal theaters. In May and July, Dot released a series of additional singles, most notably “Hot Tamales,” “Baby Don’t You Know” and “My Dear My Darling.” Though well produced, none of these songs recaptured the same glory as “Darling Dear.” But the Counts could not be denied. In August, they were booked into the second annual “Rhythm and Blues Show,” formed by the Gale Booking Agency. All over the East, Midwest, South and Southeast, the Counts appeared on the same bill with monster acts such as the Drifters, Lavern Baker, the Spaniels and the Erskine Hawkins orchestra. The tour reached 38 cities in as many days. The Counts eventually performed at New York’s Paramount Theatre, which hosted concerts by legendary individuals like Frank Sinatra. More Counts material appeared throughout the remainder of 1954, 1955, and 1956. In January of that year. Dot issued the Counts final record, “To Our

Love/Heartbreaker. ”

As a result of having no hits reaching the charts for two years. Dot did not renew its contract with the Counts' More attention was focused on nationally known Pat Boone, the artist who was already receiving the lion’s share

of Dot’s attention.

In turn, the Counts terminated their affiliation with Mel Herman after discovering he really didn’t have the group’s best interest at heart. Affected by a common practice facing musicians and singers at the time, the Counts

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received little of the money that came from performances and record sales. The Counts continued to work and perform in the late 1950s and ‘60s. Although “Darling Dear” • and “I Need You Always” were reissued in 1960 and 1965, the Counts decided to abandon recording altogether. The 1970s saw the members settling down with their families and regular 9 to 5 jobs. Don’t count thorn out Not surprisingly, however, they resurfaced a decade later during a surge of nostalgia for ‘50s doo-wop groups. They gave rousing performances at the 1985 and 1986 Indiana Black Expo “Oldies But Goodies” concert. In 1994, they performed at Attucks’ 40th reunion of the Class of ’54 (James Lee’s class). This month, the 67 to 69-year-old singers will provide musical entertainment at shows in North Bergen, New Jersey, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 1. Since 2000, the Counts have served as bookends for the American Cabaret Theatre’s “Street Comer Harmony,” an annual production that highlights hits from the group’s contemporaries. Tragedy struck the Counts in July, however, after Bobby Young died of cancer. He had served as the group’s baritone and sung lead on “Sally Walker,” “Wailin’ Little Mama,” and “Love and Understanding.” But Robert Wesley said there are no plans to replace Young, and that bass vocalist James Lee has “done an excellent job of filling in the spaces” left by Young’s absence. Despite Young’s death and other setbacks, the Counts show no signs of slowing down, and have performances booked up into next year. There has even been talk of a new project featuring fresh material from the Counts and covers of old standards. Their greatest hits CD, “The Best Ever,” features 16 of their greatest songs and is currently available in record stores. When asked what separates the Counts from the Flamingos, Platters, Little Anthony and the Imperials and other groups of the era. Brown and Robert Wesley agree that the answer is versatil-

ity.

“Our music appeals to a broad range of listeners,” Brown said. For more information about the Counts, including bookings and music material available for sale, call (317) 257-0586.

For a Ride to the Polls

Call (317)925-7653

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Cherish the ChiWreD

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An auction of onc-of-a-kind children’s chairs to benefil Prevent Child Abuse Indiana

Saturday, November 9,2002 ^ 7:00 to 10:00 pm Crowne Plaza Hotel/Union Station

Entertainment by Brenda Williams Tickets: $75 each Ocall 634-9282 ^ for reservations Hoosier Hero for Children Award to be presented to Otis “Doc" Bowen preview chairs at Hww.pcain.org