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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZFAMOUS FLAMES, TheOriginally the Gospel Starlighters, led by singer/pianist Bobby Byrd (b 15 August 1934, Toccoa GA). They turned to R&B group after recruiting James Brown in mid-1953, who soon became main lead singer and motivating force. They first recorded in February 1956; the lineup behind Brown was Byrd, vocal/piano; Johnny Terry, Sylvester Keels and Nashpendle Knox, vocals; Nafloyd Scott, guitar; Baroy Scott, bass. After they disbanded '57 Brown recruited most of The Dominions: Louis Madison, vocals/ keyboards; Bill Hollings and J.W. Archer, vocals. In '59 this group also disbanded and became a trio: Byrd and Terry (who had returned late '58) with Willie Johnson. A year later Terry and Johnson were replaced by Bobby Bennett and "Baby' Lloyd Stallworth; this best-known edition recorded with Brown until '64, continued on stage with him until '66-7. Byrd had many releases of his own, remaining an important co-writer, backing singer and keyboardist with Brown until the early '70s. |