Search - Various Artists :: Kent Harris' R&B Family

As Boogaloo & His Gallant Crew, Kent Harris cut the original version of Bo Diddley's Cops and Robbers and shot to prominence when it was proved that his version of Shoppin' For Clothes was the original one, purloined by Leiber and Stoller for the Coasters. He was a major mover in black music in LA, appearing as DJ Stumblin' Blue on XERB, Wolfman Jack's station. He also had a string of record shops called Target Records in southern California.His family included three sisters: Marcene ('Dimples'), Beverly and Betty who performed as the Harris Sisters. Dimples was the most prominent and it was on the flip of two of her 45s for the Trend label in 1954 that Kent first sang as Ducky Drake. Then came the Boogaloo 45s. Dimples continued to record under several different names and is featured on Love Came Tumbling Down which she wrote with husband Harold Jackson who is also featured on the stunning Freedom Riders; both are very in-demand 45s for the new R&B dance crowd.Kent Harris concentrated on discovering and managing talent and recording them for different labels until he formed Romark in the early 60s. His protégés included Brenda Holloway and the Mighty Hannibal. He worked with LA recording stalwarts Young Jessie, Ray Agee and Jimmie Preacher Ellis as well as having his own acts: the Francettes, the Philips Sisters, the Lon-Genes and his wife Ty Karim.This CD features a great cross-section of those artists and some previously unissued gems from the vaults. The whole family's remarkable story is told in the extensive notes.