what happened to william howard of the dramatics

Reynolds and Lenny Mayes replaced Howard and Wilkins. The group continues to tour and presently consists of Reynolds with Winzell Kelly, Leon Franklin, and Donald Albert. Banks, whose sweet falsetto helped give the Dramatics its signature sound, was a Detroit native who was born May 10, 1951. Because Of You' b/w 'If You Haven't Got Love' - 1967 / Inky Dinky Wang Dang He rejoinedThe Dramatics for their reunion in 1986, but left again in 1989. Is About To Start (Volt Records 2000), Through BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. After a minor hit with Get Up and Get Down, the Dramatics made it big again by way of the following single In The Rain. Entering the charts in early 1972, In the Rain netted them their first and only #1 R&B spot. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. Before assuming the name the Dramatics, the vocal sextet comprised of Rob Davis, Ron Banks, Larry Reed, Robert Ellington, Larry "Squirrel" Demps, and Elbert Wilkens initially released two singles as the Dynamics on the Wingate imprint that saw no chart action. In 2003, the group, then consisting of Reynolds, Banks, Winzell Kelly, Willie Ford and Lenny Mayes, released Greatest Hits Live, a terrific peek at a 2001 Dramatics performance that showed the group still in fine form and a testament to the longevity of this great soul act. In 2006, the Dramatics had a street named after them in Detroits Woodbridge Estates area. This is a carousel with slides. https://staxrecords.com/artist/the-dramatics, "Ron Banks states what year The Dramatics were formed at 3:30 in this interview", "Willie Ford states what year The Dramatics were formed at 5:05 in this interview", "Dramatics - Unsung TV One 30 July 2017, stating who the founding members were", "Willie Lee Ford Jr., a founder of The Dramatics, dies at 68", "The Dells - The Dells Vs. the Dramatics Album Review", "A presentation of The Dramatics featuring Willie Ford in a newspaper article in New Pittsburgh Courier 2016-05-19", "WE REMEMBER: Soulful Bass Singer/Co Founder of The Dramatics Willie Ford Dies At 68", "L.J. Larry Squirrel Demps. Home going services for Ford are set for Wednesday, June 12 at the Detroit World Outreach (23800 West Chicago) at 11 a.m. The ensemble became a quintet in 1967, signing with the Sports label and renaming themselves the Dramatics. Between 1967 and 1971, the Dramatics made very little noise on the national scene. Reynolds' Dramatics featured the singing-talents of Reynolds and also included music from Reynolds' solo career at their shows. They were replaced by Larry James "L.J." After leaving the The Dramatics in 1972, he pursued a solo career. Larry was so affected by the incident, he never recorded again with the group, leaving to work and sing in the local church. In 1989 they were on the Volt Records label where they released the album, Positive State of Mind. LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - Singer Ron Banks, a founding member of R&B group the Dramatics, died Thursday (March 4) at his Detroit home of a reported heart attack. He rejoined the Dramatics for their reunion in 1986, but left again in 1989. Resend Activation Email. Davis, then Banks and Reynolds took over production later in the 1970s and the early 1980s. The Dramatics originally signed for Stax Records of Memphis, Tennessee in 1968, but moved on after one unsuccessful release. The Dramatics were an R&B/soul/pop vocal group originating from Detroit, Michigan in the USA. At the urging of Don Davis and Stax Records, the original group changed its billing to "Ron Banks and the Dramatics". The Dramatics then moved to another local Detroit label, Sport Records, where they garnered their first minor hit single, "All Because of You." This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. He then left the group again. Dimension - 1982 / Somewhere All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Dramatic Way - 1980 / 10 1/2 - 1980. (b. While the group had various compositions, once L.J. They needed to have a major overhaul in their roster in hopes of making it big. Reynolds and Lenny Mayes replaced Howard and Wilkins. The Dramatics were inducted into National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2013. The One group was led by L.J. Get Off My Mountain" (#5 R&B), "Me and Mrs Jones" (#4 R&B), originally recorded by Billy Paul three years earlier, "Be My Girl" (#3 R&B), and "Shake It Well" (#4 R&B). [15] They also features on The Dells vs. He sang with a group called the Sir Primes whilst at high school. When Ron Banks also decided to try a solo career, the group disbanded for a few years, but re-formed in the mid-1980s, with Howard returning to join Reynolds, Mayes, Ford and Banks to record for Fantasy Records. L.J. that year, The Dramatics were staying at the Algiers Motel, following a That single was followed by the R&B Top Ten single "Get Up and Get Down.". In 2006, local Detroit developer Herb Strather honored the Dramatics (along with Freda Payne, the Four Tops and others), with a street named after the group in one of the newest neighborhoods being built in the city. - 1994 / A Dramatic Christmas - 1997 / Look Inside - 2002. While never reaching "supergroup" status in the public's eyes, the Dramatics have been one of the most prolific, consistently entertaining groups of the last half century. The group recorded for Don Davis' Groovesville and later Great Lakes music production companies during the 1970s, although the recordings appeared on several labels. Dramatics singer L.J. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. Reynolds and Leonard "Lenny" Mayes (who died of lung cancer on November 8, 2004, at the age of 53). BIRTH: 1 May 1947 Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, USA. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Please try again later. Oops, we were unable to send the email. He migrated north to Detroit when he was a child and lived around the corner from Smokey Robinson of The Miracles, in the predominately Black North End neighborhood. They received national attention for their professionalism in 2001 when they performed a save for "Fly Jock" Tom Joyner, singing two sets during his show's appearance in Detroit on less than 12 hours notice after a cancellation by DeBarge. The other group was led by the original member of The Dramatics, Willie Lee Ford, with Rick Littleton, Michael Brock, Douglas Gaddy and Gregory Finley,[17] in 2017 long time member Paul Hill, of funk legend George Clintons Parliament Funkadelic band joined Willie Ford's Dramatics. They migrated to the Sport label and in 1967 released their first single to hit the charts, "All Because of You," which peaked at number 42 on the R&B charts. He was 58. I thought you might like to see a memorial for William Franklin Wee Gee Howard II I found on Findagrave.com. It wasn't The Dramatics on Chess Records' subsidiary Cadet, together with The Dells, who were also being produced by Davis at the time. 'All You can always change this later in your Account settings. The original members included countertenor Ron Banks born on May 10, 1951, tenor Cleveland Larry Reed, born on October 17, 1948; and baritone Robert Ellington, born on May 15, 1964. Dimensions (Capitol Records 1982), Somewhere You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. By 1967, Motown had absorbed the entire Golden World Records operation. The African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African American Scientists and Technicians of the Manhattan Project, Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, https://michiganchronicle.com/2019/06/05/dramatics-singer-willie-sugar-bear-ford-dead-at-68/#/?playlistId=0&videoId=0.Rob, https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/ourrockandrollhalloffame71305/the-dynamic-dramatics-t3165.html, https://www.delafont.com/music_acts_extra/E/dramatics.htm, Foundation, Organization, and Corporate Supporters. 23rd February 1949, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.) - 1962 to 1981, Leonard Cornell Mayes (b. The group lineup continued to change, but once L.J. same year, the group released the album 'The Dramatic Way', which contained L.J. My Girl'. The Dramatics, founded by Ron Banks, Willie Ford and Larry Reed, originally formed in 1964, recording as the Dynamics in 1965. Hits like "Be My Girl," "Shake It Well" and "Fell For You" (later remade by Snoop Doggy Dogg) carried the group into the early 80s, when their popularity began to wane. Reynolds went solo in 1981, and the group disbanded in 1983 when Banks went solo. Their records on Wingate didnt chart, so they moved to Sport Records imprint where The Dramatics scored their first single All Because Of You. After Sport Records, the group joined the Stax-Volt Records in 1968. He sang second tenor and baritone, influenced by David Ruffin. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. - 1975 / Drama V - 1975 / Joy Ride - 1976 / Shake It Well - 1977. When they were signed to Wingate record label (and after Ellingtons departure), they changed their name to Dramatics. Variations: Viewing All | Elbert Wilkins. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Willie Ford was not as well known to casual fans as some of the other members of his iconic group, but listen to any Dramatics song, and youll hear the anchor that he provided, making each song a uniquely Dramatics song. He helped deliver a half century of joy to music fans around the world, and a discography that will live on. based on information from your browser. Relocating Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Willie Ford also has a Dramatics group. LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - Singer Ron Banks, a founding member of R&B group the Dramatics, died Thursday (March 4) at his Detroit home of a reported heart attack. The Dramatics'. William Wee Gee Howard replaced Reed, and Willie Ford (formerly of the Capitols) took Davis place. WebHoward Williams. According to his son, Prince William, King Charles is 'obsessed' with red squirrels Charles became patron of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust in 2008. 'Welcome Back Home' (R&B number 9, 1980). Rest in peace, Mr. Ford. They broke through with their first release recorded with Hester, "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get", which Hester offered them after seeing the group perform in a Detroit nightclub. Dramatic Way (MCA Records 1980), New The band are depicted centrally in the 2017, Kathryn Bigelow filmDetroit, a dramatization of the Algiers Motel incident. Variations: Viewing All | Elbert Wilkins. 'Somewhere' b/w 'Bingo', a 45 that was misprinted as being recorded by the What are Dirty Thunderstorms and When Do They Appear? Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? WebThe Dramatics were honored for their careers when they received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the 2008 SoulTracks Readers' Choice Awards. were replaced by L.J. In 1967, Shortly after the success of their first album, Howard and Wilkins left the group and formed their own version of The Dramatics, recording the single "No Rebate On Love" on Mainstream Records. DEATH: 13 Dec 1992 Marshall, Calhoun County, Michigan, USA, heart attack. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). 10th July 1950, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. d. 28th May 2019, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. - formerly of the Capitols) - 1968 - 2019, Larry 'Squirrel' Demps (b. All of the current members came to the awards as well as the mother of deceased member Lenny Mayes. Todays Dramatics consists of the surviving active members Reynolds and Ford, together with newer members Winzell Kelly and Michael Brook. After leaving the The Dramatics in 1972, he pursued a solo career. James Mack Brown (who died on the 28th of November 2008 at the age of 58). The Dramatics Live - 1988 / Positive State Of Mind - 1989 / Stone Cold - 1990 / Mellow Drama - 1994 / A Dramatic Christmas - 1997 / Look Inside - 2002 Whatcha Also during this time, the Dramatics had signed with producer Don Davis' production company. In 1982, the Dramatics disbanded but reunited in 1985. After becoming a victim in the July 1967 Algiers Motel incident, Reed left the group. 2023 COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WBSS MEDIA LTD, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dramatics. Roderick Davis was in the hotel at the time, and was singled out by the Police Officers. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. He was a member of The Dramatics from 1968 to 1973, after which he pursued a solo career that produced two singles, "Hold On To Your Dreams", and "You've Been A Part Of Me". They are best known for their 1970s hit songs "In the Rain" and "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get", both of which were Top 10 Pop hits, as well as their later 1993 collaboration "Doggy Dogg World" with Snoop Dogg, a top 20 hit on theBillboardRhythmic Top 40. The group underwent several changes until the present lineup consists of Ford and Reynolds with new members Winzell Kelly and Michael Brock. Reynolds left to go solo in 1981 and Larry Demps decided to go into teaching and spend more time with his family, after having joined the group's original line-up in 1964 with Banks. The Dramatics were honored for their careers when they received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the 2008 SoulTracks Readers' Choice Awards. Ron The group was depicted in the 2017 film Detroit. Former member Larry Reed was caught up in the events of the riot, taking refuge at the former Algiers Motel off Woodward Avenue. WebWilliam "Wee Gee" Howard - You've Been A Part Of Me DjDirtyOl 6.45K subscribers Subscribe 7.3K views 8 years ago My favorite classic series From his album "Hold On To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Reynolds and Lenny Mayes replaced Howard and Wilkins in 1973. BIRTH: 1 May 1947 Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, USA. (Born on 13.07.1950. Only Banks, Ford and Mayes remained in the group. group were awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. No further details of Ron Banks' death were available at press time. The Dramatics were officially inducted into the R&B Music Hall of Fame at Cleveland State University's Waetejen Auditorium on Saturday August 17, 2013. Add to your scrapbook. Reynolds left to establish a solo career, and in 1981 Craig Your donation is fully tax-deductible. His replacement was Steve Boyd-Barnett. left the group. This was also a time when interracial marriage was not accepted by the majority. 'Wee Gee' Howard's ex wife, Sharon Howard asked me if I would post some It was an instant hit on both the pop and soul charts, and began a string of great cuts for the group penned by Tony Hester. 'This Love Is For Real'). Davis, then Banks and Reynolds took over production later in the 1970s and the early 1980s. William "Weegee" Howard, Weegee Howard. Reynolds and Lenny Mayes replaced Howard and Wilkins. DEATH: 13 Dec 1992 Marshall, Calhoun County, Michigan, USA, heart attack. Soul - funk singer (Born on 13.07.1950 in Detroit, Michigan - Died on 22.02.2000 in New York, U.S.A.) a.k.a. William "Weegee" Howard. He was 58. Music submissions & General enquiriesPlease feel free to send your music submissions and all general enquiries to: Advertising & MarketingTo find out more about the global marketing & advertising opportunities with WBSS Media, please email. WebWilliam Howard later rejoined the original group for the albums 'Somewhere in Time: A Dramatic Reunion' in 1986, and 'Positive State Of Mind' in 1989. There was an error deleting this problem. Even though the group managed to stay together, the ensuing years were unproductive for chart action and sales. Drama (Groovesville Records 1994), Gimme Some Good Soul Music (Fantasy Records 1995), A The following year the Dramatics released "In the Rain," which was also penned by Hester. Reynolds, with Winzell Kelly, Leon Franklin, Donald Albert and Levell Thompson. Thanks for your help! Following the home going services, a repast for Ford will be held at Berts Warehouse (2727 Russell). hits at ABC included the ballad 'Me And Mrs. Jones' (R&B number 4 and L.J. WebWilliam "Wee Gee" Howard replaced lead singer Reed, and Willie Ford of the Capitols replaced bass Rob Davis. During WebAfter leaving the Dramatics in 1972, he pursued a solo career. Ford and Davis were reared in Detroit. Please reset your password. Soul - funk singer (Born on 13.07.1950 in Detroit, Michigan - Died on 22.02.2000 in New York, U.S.A.) a.k.a. His replacement was Steve Boyd-Barnett. the Dramatics. He rejoined The Dramatics for their reunion in 1986, but left again in 1989, replaced by Steve Boyd-Barnett. [7] They broke through with their first release recorded with Hester, "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get",[7] which Hester offered them after seeing the group perform in a Detroit nightclub. Shortly after the success of their first album, Howard and Wilkins left the group and formed their own version of The Dramatics, recording the single "No Rebate On Love" on Mainstream Records. 'All Because Of You' b/w 'If You Haven't Got Love' by the Dramatics, released Sorry! Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? They occasionally reunite for concert events. It was in Detroit, Michigan where the vocal group Dramatics was formed. Dells vs. In 1973, afterwards L.J. Sadly, group member Lenny Mayes died on November 7, 2004, after a long illness. And while Reynolds was replacing Howard, Lenny Mayes was replacing Wilkens, which spelled out identity problems for the remainder of the group. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Over the ensuing years, the Dramatics underwent several personnel changes, the most notable occurring in 1973 when L.J. 5th April 1951, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. d. 7th November 2004, Southfield, Michigan, U.S.A.) - 1973 to 2004, L. J. Reynolds (b. Larry James Reynolds, 27th January 1952, Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.A.) - 1973 to 1981 then 1986 to today, Winzell Kelly (b. WebWillie Ford was not as well known to casual fans as some of the other members of his iconic group, but listen to any Dramatics song, and youll hear the anchor that he provided, making each song a uniquely Dramatics song. He helped deliver a half century of joy to music fans around the world, and a discography that will live on. Even though the group managed to stay together, the ensuing years were unproductive for chart action and sales. By the end of 1971, Davis summoned the group to the studio to record producer/songwriter Tony Hester's "Watcha See Is Watcha Get." WebHoward Williams. After leavingThe Dramaticsin 1972, he pursued a solo career. The Dynamics signed to Wingate label, where they released records which saw very little chart action. The album, Stone Cold followed in 1990 and then the album, If You Come Back to Me in 2000. The follow-ups "In The Rain" and "Toast to the Fool" were even better, and have remained in active play on many stations ever since. (aged 45) In Groups: The Dramatics. They charted the hit Be My Girl that peaked at #3 on R&B chart. WebHoward and Wilkins left the Dramatics shortly after Watcha See Is Watcha Get became big at the charts, eventually forming their own group which is distinct from their former band (Howard later returned to the Dramatics fold). WebWilliam "Wee Gee" Howard - You've Been A Part Of Me DjDirtyOl 6.45K subscribers Subscribe 7.3K views 8 years ago My favorite classic series From his album "Hold On RIP, Wee Gee! Only Banks, Ford and Mayes remained in the group. They broke through with their first release recorded with Hester, "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get", which Hester offered them after seeing the group perform in a Detroit nightclub. Failed to delete memorial. The Vocalist who came to prominence as a member of American soul group, The Dramatics. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. while still recording in Detroit with Davis and Hestor. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. There is an excellent piece here, regarding Willie's career: https://www.musicians-corner.net/RIH-Willie-Ford/, https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6xe4nc, many thanks to Maria Asplund for her invaluable help with this page. Learn more about managing a memorial . Detroit-based R&B vocal group was formed in 1967, and rose to stardom in 1971 with Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get. All Rights Reserved. Reynolds replaced William "Wee Gee" Howard in 1973, the core of the group was set for several decades. (aged 45) In Groups: The Dramatics. Only too happy to: 1: WeeGee was raisedin a close, loving, and supportive family by his parents, George and Elise Howard, now both deceased. Originally formed in 1962, the Dramatics (at various times) consisted of: The Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? Most Famous Female Pop Artists of the 70s, The History of the Basketball The Actual Ball, Guide to the Absolutely Strangest Things on Earth, Strange and Unusual Ceremonies and Traditions Around the World. A small donation would help us keep this available to all. Due to a misprint, Wingate changed the name of the group from The Dynamics to The Dramatics in 1966 for the group's second release, "Inky Dinky Wang Dang Doo". performance at Detroit's Fox Theatre, during an alleged murder by members Ellington quit, and the Dynamics changed their name into the Dramatics. During this time and pending legal procedures, the name of the group was changed to Ron Banks & the Dramatics. The Dramatics (Cadet Records 1974), The The Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. With the permanent inclusion of Reynolds, Wilkens also left and was replaced by Lenny Mayes. Ford was born July 10, 1950 in LaGrange, Georgia. The group then signed for ABC in 1975 and transferred five years later to MCA, after ABC closed following its buy-out by MCA. Message (Crystal Rose Records 2007). Reynolds, who had spoken to Ron just minutes earlier. Drag images here or select from your computer for William Franklin Wee Gee Howard II memorial. on the small Detroit label, Sport Records (Sport 101). He was 58. Actor: Up the Creek. [1] "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" was awarded gold disc status by the R.I.A.A. They ultimately found it on Stax/Volt Records with "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get," a latin-tinged cut lyrically based on a comic phrase popularized by Flip Wilson. in December 1971. current line-up consisted of Ron Banks, L.J. Before assuming that name, the group once performed under the name of the Dynamics. With Reynolds' gruff baritone and Ron Banks' soaring falsetto, Willie Ford's bass sound, the smooth Lenny Mayes and singer and group choreographer Larry Demps, a unique group harmony and stage show was created and that kept The Dramatics among the A-list of R&B acts for years to come. Do you find this information helpful? Their first release in 1965 entitled "Bingo" was recorded for the late Ed Wingate's Wingate record label, a division of Golden World Records in Detroit, Michigan. WebWilliam "Wee Gee" Howard replaced lead singer Reed, and Willie Ford of the Capitols replaced bass Rob Davis. The Storm (Da Pit Bull Kat Records 2007), The The Dramatics experienced what could be the first of their countless lineup changes. Willie Sugar Bear Ford Jr., one of the earliest members of The Dramatics, passed away May 28 in Detroit at the age of 68. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. The following years proved to be fruitless for the Dramatics, until in 1971 they finally broke through via their single Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get. It was written by Tony Hester, who also produced the majority of the groups material. Try again. Reynolds claiming full ownership of the trademark The Dramatics September 24 2018 on his official Dramatics page", Recording Industry Association of America, A feature on Lavel Jackson at Soul Express in March 2016, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Dramatics&oldid=1152058542, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Soul singer. Failed to report flower. and continue to tour. They were replaced by Larry James "L.J." Two years later in 2008, the group received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Soul Tracks Readers Choice Awards. 1977). WebWillie Ford was not as well known to casual fans as some of the other members of his iconic group, but listen to any Dramatics song, and youll hear the anchor that he provided, making each song a uniquely Dramatics song. He helped deliver a half century of joy to music fans around the world, and a discography that will live on.