The
Tymes
Donald Banks,
Albert Berry, Norman Burnett, and George Hilliard were all native
Philadelphians when in 1956 they formed their first group The
Latineers. After several years of struggling on the "chitlin
circuit" they seemed doomed to becoming nothing more than
another "hitless" bar band.
In 1960 they decided that The Latineers, the name, might be holding
them back and changed the formal group name to the catchy "Tymes."
With the name change a decision to bring in a lead vocalist was
made and George Williams won an audition for the less than coveted
spot.
A few more years of "paying their dues" ensued and by
1963 they were a well established local band. Their moderate local
success won them a coveted spot on Philadelphia's WDAS radio talent
show in April 1963. An A&R man from Parkway Records happened
to hear them, tracked them down and quickly signed them to a label
deal. Within one month the group had already recorded several
tracks for the label.
"So Much In Love" was released in May of 1963 and surprisingly
shot to number one on Billboard's Pop chart. There
are those who say "So Much In Love" is the greatest
pop ballad of all time. Many could tell you where they were the
first time they heard that immortal "As we stroll along together"
opening. This was the hit recording that The Tymes created their
first time out – the classic that was the first record to
replace The Beatles in the number one slot on the British charts.
"So Much
In Love" went to Number One on Billboard in June of 1963.
Their other most-requested chart toppers include "Wonderful,
Wonderful," "Somewhere" and "You Little Trustmaker."
This is a
group whose hits spanned the most exciting period in pop music,
the mid-60's through the mid-70's. In addition to having hit records
throughout the world, The Tymes' first two tours of England were
smashing triumphs and a third tour set attendance records. Other
European tours and television appearances took them to Holland,
England, France, Germany and Italy.
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