SONNY BIVINS MANHATTANS CRAZY

YOUTUBE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bymJTrMhwlw

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. With Edward “Sonny” Bivins at baritone, , Keni Jackson at lead vocal and Kirk Hill Jr ,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.