The Counts

The Counts were a doo-wop group from Indianapolis, Indiana, formed in the 1950s.[1][2] The group included Chester Brown, James Lee, Robert Penick, Robert Wesley, and Robert Young.[3][4] The Counts were also known as the Original Counts, as they performed with their original lineup until the death of Robert Young, in 2001.[5] They were thought to be the longest-running doo wop group made up entirely of their original membership.[6][7]

For the funk group later called simply The Counts, see The Fabulous Counts.

Young wrote most of the Counts' songs, including "Hot Tamale" and "Darling Dear". "Darling Dear" (Dot 44-1188, b/w "I Need You Always") made it to No. 6 on the R&B singles chart.[8][6]

All of the members attended Crispus Attucks High School, in Indianapolis, where they originally formed as the Five Diamonds.[6][3] They changed their name in 1954 when they signed with Dot Records. The Counts recorded at Wilkins Studio, possibly with Jimmy Coe (or, perhaps, with a Jimmy Cole), and were at times backed live by Wes Montgomery.[9][10]

References
  1. "Indianapolis Doo-Wop History". WFYI Public Media.
  2. Kittrels, Alonzo (19 Aug 2007). "Do you recall doo-wop days?". The Philadelphia Tribune. No. 40. D. pp. 1, 2.
  3. Rosalsky, Mitch (January 24, 2002). "Encyclopedia of Rhythm & Blues and Doo-Wop Vocal Groups". Scarecrow Press – via Google Books.
  4. Kohn, Rita (August 1, 2007). "THE COUNTS". NUVO. Arts.
  5. Garmel, Marion (13 Nov 2001). "Doo-wop harmonies just as good the second time around". The Indianapolis Star. p. E4.
  6. "Street Corner Harmony: From Doo-Wop to Motown". Indianapolis Monthly. 25 (6): 49. Jan 2002.
  7. Lindquist, David (24 Dec 2000). "Eve will rock, swing, hip-hop and doo-wop". The Indianapolis Star. p. I1.
  8. Miller, Marissa (September 1, 2016). "'The Counts' played a musical part in Indiana's Bicentennial history".
  9. "Jimmy Cole Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.
  10. "Jimmy Coe Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic.


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