Manhattans
Legend has it that George "Smitty" Smith, Edward "Sonny"
Bivins, Winfred "Blue" Lovett, Kenneth Kelly and Richard
Taylor came to call 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 is not true. In fact,
the quintet took its name from a cocktail known as the Manhattan
that's 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. The Manhattans
continue to be one of the most sought after live R&B units
of the day.
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