Legend has it that George "Smitty" Smith, Edward "Sonny"
Bivins, Winfred "Blue" Lovett, Kenneth Kelly and Richard Taylor called themselves "The Manhattans"
because, as teenage singers in Jersey City, New Jersey, they'd dream about the big time while gazing
across the Hudson River at the Manhattan skyline.
It's a nice story, but unfortunately it isn't
true. In fact, the quintet took its name from a cocktail known as the
Manhattan that is made from whiskey, vermouth, and bitters. Still, the name
suggested class, something the Manhattans have epitomized throughout their
long career. First tenor Bivins, who characterizes the group's elegant
style as "progressive doo wop," first got together with baritone
singer Taylor while they were serving with the Air Force in Germany during
the late 1950's. After being discharged, Bivins, Lovett and Smith formed
the Dulcets in 1960. In 1961, The Dulcets recorded "Pork Chops"
on the Sue Label. In 1963, with the addition of Kelly and Taylor, they
formed The Manhattans.
Although they began making records in 1963, the Manhattans didn't
strike it big until the mid 1970's, when they successfully bucked the
disco trend with a series of romantic ballads for Columbia Records. They
had eight songs in the R&B Top 10 between 1973 and 1978, with the
composition "Kiss And Say Good Bye" going to Number One on both
the R&B and Pop Charts in 1976 and placing in the top five in England
and Australia. "Shining Star" made it to number five on the Pop
Charts, staying on the charts for 14 straight weeks..
The Manhattans continue to bring their smooth, classy live sound to
their fans, with over 100 shows worldwide last year alone.
With Edward
"Sonny" Bivins at baritone, Al Pazant at bass, Lee "The
Reverend" Williams at lead vocal and Charles "Charming
Charlie" Hardy and Harsey "The Candyman" Hemphill sharing
1st and 2nd tenor, The Manhattans continue to be one of the most sought
after live R&B units of the day.
