John Peel Wiki

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UPDATE: As the change is now in force for some users, I have switched the navigation to the simplified one for the new system. Please check Navigation in the Help section if you can't find things. I also initially made small adjustments to the front page layout, but have now reverted to the old look until all users are on the new system.

COUNTDOWN: Just a reminder for people still using Monaco that the final switch to the new skin is due on Nov. 3. After that, it will no longer be offered as an option. Sorry. Nothing to do with me.

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John Peel Wiki
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Beltones

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(This page is about the doo-wop band. For the reggae band of the same name, see Beltones(2)).
Beltones

The Beltones were a doo-wop band from Jamaica, Queens, New York City founded in 1954 by lead singer Andrew Pope, first tenor Clayton "Dickie" Williams, baritone Herb Rooney, and bass Robert Brown - the latter also moonlighted in rival vocal group the Love Larks, and when their career began taking off, Brown exited to join their ranks full-time.

With new bass Alva Martin, the Beltones eventually signed to Hull Records, recording their debut single, "I Talk to My Echo," in the summer of 1956. For reasons unknown Hull did not issue the disc until the following spring, and when it predictably failed to generate much excitement, the label parted ways with the group. By that time, the Love Larks were no more, so Brown returned to the Beltones, prompting Martin's exit. Brown brought with him fellow Love Larks alum/second tenor Wilbur "Buzzy" Brown (no relation). Soon after, Rooney resigned, and with new baritone George "Buster" Cottman, the Beltones signed to the legendary Old Town label to cut a four-song session in the spring of 1958.

While the group mulled a name change to the Symbols, Hull got wind of the session and threatened a breach of contract suit, effectively rendering any moves moot. Old Town shelved the tapes, and although the Beltones continued touring the Queens live circuit for more than a year, in 1960 Pope was called to military duty, and "Buzzy" Brown quit soon after. The remaining trio convinced Rooney to return, adding lead David Banks and changing their name to the Masters. This lineup recorded the 1961 End Records effort "A Man Is Not Supposed to Cry," followed a year later by "Crying My Heart Out," originally written by Pope for the Old Town session. In 1962 the Masters dissolved and Rooney joined their sister group, the Masterettes, which as the Exciters later recorded the classic smash "Tell Him."

Between 1993 and 1994, the session tracks recorded in 1958 were finally released under the Symbols name via various Doo-Wop compilation albums through the Ace Records label.

Links to Peel[]

Peel first started playing the group's music on his show in the early 90's, when Ace Records released various doo wop compilation albums that featured the band's music under their Symbols name. He would play more of their music under the Symbols name in the 90's and early 00's on his shows and included their 'Last Rose Of Summer' track, which was recorded in 1958 as his Peelenium 1958, despite the song never being released on any record until 1993. Interestingly the band's Beltones and Masters names according to available playlists on this site never seemed to have been played on his shows.

Shows Played[]

Beltones
  • None, according to available playlists
The_Symbols_-_Last_Rose_Of_Summer

The Symbols - Last Rose Of Summer

Symbols
Masters
  • None, according to available playlists

See Also[]

External Links[]

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