Rochell & the Candles
Rochell & the Candles were a one hit wonder group from Los Angeles California. They had a hit in 1961 with "Once Upon A Time".
Rochell & the Candles | |
|---|---|
| Genres | R&B |
| Years active | Late 1950s to circa 1964 |
| Labels | Swingin', Challenge |
| Past members | Rochell Henderson Johnny Wyatt Melvin Sasso T.C. Henderson |
Background
The group came together in 1958 in Los Angeles. The line up of all males then was Rochell Henderson who sang lead and tenor, Johnny Wyatt who was lead and first tenor, Melvin Sasso who was tenor, and T.C. Henderson who sang bass. The two Hendersons who both came from Louisiana were not related. Rochell Henderson was once in a group called The Chosen Gospel singers which included Lou Rawls.[1]
Their hit "Once Upon a Time" made it to number 20 in the R&B charts and number 26 in the pop charts.[2] It spent a total of three weeks in the pop charts.[3]
In July, 1962, they released "Each Night" bw "Turn Her Down" on Challenge 9158. The A side was composed by Willie Morris and the B side by K. C. Reeth and Robt. J. Hafner.[4][5]
Their hit appears on the 16 All Time Great Rare Original Oldies various artists compilation issued on Del-Fi Records.[6]
Later years
Between 1966 and 1967, Johnny Wyatt had some solo singles released on the Bronco label.[7] He died in 1983.[8]
Discography (USA)
| Act | Title | Catalogue | Year | Notes # |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochell and the Candles with Johnny Wyatt | "Once Upon a Time" / "When My Baby is Gone" | Swingin' 45-623 | 1960 | |
| Rochell and the Candles featuring Johnny Wyatt | "So Far Away" / "Hey Pretty Baby" | Swingin' 45-634 | 1961 | |
| Rochell & the Candles with Johnny Wyatt | "Each Night" / "Turn Her Down" | Challenge 9158 | 1962 | |
| Rochell and the Candles with Johnny Wyatt | "Beg Of My Heart" / "Squat With Me, Baby" | Swingin' 45-640 | 1962 | |
| Rochell & the Candles With Johnny Wyatt | "Let's Run Away And Get Married" / "Annie's Not An Orphan Anymore" | Challenge 9191 | 1963 | |
| Rochell and the Candles Featuring Johnny Wyatt | "A Long Time Ago" / "Big Boy Pete" | Swingin' 45-652 | 1964 | |
| The Quin-Tones Rochell & the Candles |
"Down The Aisle Of Love" / "Once Upon A Time" | Goldisc G 3091 | 1979 | Rochell & the Candles = Side B |
| Kathy Young Rochelle & the Candles |
"A Thousand Stars" / "Once Upon A Time" | Collectables COL 3039 | Rochell & the Candles = Side B | |
| Rochell & the Candles Patti LaBelle & the Bluebells |
"Once Upon A Time" / "Impossible" | Trip TR-173 | Also issued on Trip Oldies TR-173 | |
| Rochelle and the Candles The Royaltones |
"Once Upon A Time" / "Flamingo Express" | Collectables COL 3978 | [9][10][11] | |
| Act | Title | Catalogue | Year | Notes # |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochell & the Candles | The Best Of Rochell And The Candles | Swingin' SW-1000 | [12] | |
References
- American Singing Groups: A History from 1940s to Today, By Jay Warner - Page 439 The 1960s, Rochell and the Candles
- AllMusic - Rochell & the Candles, Biography
- Chicago Top 40 Charts 1960-1969, edited by Ronald Smith - Page 189
- 45Cat - Rochell And The Candles - Discography
- American Singing Groups: A History from 1940s to Today, By Jay Warner - Page 439 The 1960s, Rochell and the Candles
- Billboard, February 23, 1963 - Page 37 Simply Stated-The dynamic new Del-Fi records explode with excitement!
- AllMusic - Rochell & the Candles , Biography
- Encyclopedia of Rhythm & Blues and Doo-Wop Vocal Groups, By Mitch Rosalsky - Page 49 Candles, Rochell & (Los Angeles)
- Discogs - Rochell & The Candles, Discography, Singles & EPs
- 45Cat - Rochell And The Candles - Discography, USA
- Rocky Productions - ROCHELL & THE CANDLES, DISCOGRAPHY
- Discogs - Rochell & The Candles, Discography, Albums