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The Four Larks (Philadelphia group)

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The Four Larks
GenresDoo wop, Soul
Years active1958 to 1969
LabelsSheryl Records Inc., Tower Records
Past membersCleopatra McDougal
Vivian McDougal
Weldon McDougal
Jackie Marshall
Calvin Nichols
Bill Oxendine
Joe Shamwell

The Four Larks were an R&B group that recorded from the 1960s through to the 1970s on various record labels. Their singles have been released on at least ten different record labels. They had a hit on the pop charts with "It's Unbelievable".

Background

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The Larks were originally started by Weldon McDougal.[1] In 1954, with himself singing bass, and along Calvin Nichols, Mary Archer and brothers Clarence and Bill Blalock, he formed a group called The Victors. Mary Archer was soon replaced by Herman Green. By the end of the year McDougal joined the marines and had a group with the same name while in still in the marines. Having left the service in 1958, he went about reforming The Victors. The only member he could get was Calvin Nichols. He managed to bring in Jackie Marshall, a high tenor. News got out which attracted the attention of Baritone Bill Oxendine who joined up. McDougal's wife Cleopatra also joined up and the group's membership became five. He also changed the name of the group to The Larks after seeing a brand of nails called Lark.[2]

Career

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In 1961, "It's Unbelievable" was released on the Sheryl label.[3] The Sheryl released came about as a result of Weldon running into Atlantic Records promo man Jerry Ross. After the auditioning for Ross, the Larks recorded around six tracks. The backing band was called The Manhattans and was made up of keyboardist Ruben Wright, guitarist Johnny Stiles, sax player Harrison Scott and drummer Norman Conners.[4] Wright was formerly with Philadelphia group The Capris and had written their hit God Only Knows.[5][6] In 1961, it entered the charts at no 78 for the Week Ending 1 January.[7] It eventually rose to no 69 on the Billboard pop charts.[8]

Their last released was on the Uptown label with "Keep Climbing Brothers" bw "It's Unbelievable" in 1969.[9]

Later years

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Weldon McDougal would later become a producer and work for Motown.[10] He also has a place in history by paving the way for the Philly Sound.[11]

Discography

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Singles
Credited act Title Release info Year Notes
The Larks "It's Unbelievable" / "I Can't Believe" Sheryl Records Inc. 334 1961
Cleopatra "Heaven Only Knows" / "My Darling" Sheryl Records Inc. 335 1961 Recording by The Larks but
credited to Cleopatra McDougal
the then wife of Weldon McDougal.
The Larks "Let's Drink A Toast" / "There Is A Girl" Sheryl Records Inc. 338 1961
Joe Hunter Charles & The Larks "Freight Train Home" (Part 1) / "Freight Train Home" (Part 2) Vegas 625 1962
Irma and the Larks "Don't Cry" / "Without You Baby" Priority 322 1963
Irma and The Larks "Don't Cry" / "Without You Baby" Fairmount 1003 1963
The Larks "Fabulous Cars And Diamond Rings" / "Life Is Sweeter Now" Cross Fire 74-50 / 74-59 1964
The Larks "Life Is Sweeter Now" / "Fabulous Cars And Diamond Rings" Guyden 2103 1964
The Larks "Another Sleepless Night" / "For The Love Of Money" Arock 1010 1964
Barbara Mason, Vocal Accomp.: The Tiffanys
Barbara Mason, Vocal Accomp.: The Larks 		"Trouble Child"
"Dedicated To You" 		Charger CRG-111 1964
Barbara Mason, Vocal Accomp: The Tiffanys
Barbara Mason, Vocal Accomp: The Larks 		"Trouble Child"
"Dedicated To You" 		Crusader C-111 1964 Re-issued on Crusader CRU-114 in 1965 *
The Larks "Love Me True" / "Love You So" Jett 3001 1965
Irma & the Fascinators aka
Irma & the Fascinations 		"Just A Feeling" / "Lost Love" Scepter 12100 1965 Larks uncredited. From previously recorded
Irma and the Larks masters
The Four Larks "That's All That Counts" / "You And Me" Uptown 748 1967
The Four Larks "Rain" / "Another Chance" Tower 364 1968
The Four Larks "I Still Love You (From The Bottom Of My Heart)" / "Groovin' At The Go-Go" Tower 402 1968
The Four Larks "Can I Have Another Helping Please (Of Your Love)" / "I've Got Plenty" Tower 450 1968
Four Larks "Keep Climbing Brothers" / "It's Unbelievable" Uptown 761 1968 [12]
The Larks "It's Unbelievable" / "There Is A Girl" Eric Records 102 1968 [13]
The Larks "It's Unbelievable" / "I Can't Believe It" Collectables C1080 [14]

References

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  1. ^ A House on Fire: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia Soul, By John A. Jackson - "I'll Get By" (1942-1962)
  2. ^ Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal
  3. ^ Billboard Magazine, March 20, 1961 - Page 3 R&B RESURGANCE(sic) AN OMEN Long Vigil Is Forecast for Faithful Harbingers of 'Good Music' Return By REN GREVATT
  4. ^ Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal
  5. ^ Discogs - Ruben Wright Discography, Writing & Arrangement
  6. ^ American Singing Groups: A History from 1940s to Today, By Jay Warner - Page 92 The Capris (PHILADELPHIA)
  7. ^ Weekly Top 40 - 1961: All Charts, US Hot 40 Singles for the Week Ending 1st January, 1961, NEW THIS WEEK
  8. ^ Motown: The Golden Years, By Bill Dahl - Page 8 Motown '59-72
  9. ^ Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal
  10. ^ The Lost Supreme: The Life of Dreamgirl Florence Ballard, By Peter Benjaminson - Page 97 Trouble at the Top
  11. ^ Cleveland Scene, Friday, Jan 22, 2010 - Black History Month at the Rock Hall By Michael Gallucci
  12. ^ Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal
  13. ^ Billboard, May 11, 1968 - Page 16 ALSO AVAILABLE FROM ERIC
  14. ^ 45Cat - The Larks (Philadelphia) - Discography
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