Tag Archives: The Pearls

Derek Martin was created in Detroit in 1938, and like many early R&B and spirit performers, he got his begin in gospel. His professional break arrived early when he was employed at age 17 to sing with Duke Ellington. In the first ’50s Martin became a member of the performing …

Though hardly a soulful, bluesy professional like Jimmy Smith or dashing experimentalist like Larry Teen, organist Dave “Baby” Cortez made his tag within the ’50s,’60s, and ’70s as an able, often smart soloist and pop instrumentalist. His flair for catchy melodies, riffs, and hooks led to lots one pop and …

Led by Howard “Howie” Guyton, the Pearls bloomed on Detroit’s music scene around once because the Royals (later on the Midnighters). Without as renowned because the Royals, the Pearls had been arguably nearly as good. Aesthetically, they were girls’ males and players: conked/prepared locks, bow ties, and immaculate coordinating threads …