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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 ZFIVE SATINS, TheVocal quintet formed New Haven CN '56. Original lineup: Fred Parris, lead (b 26 March '36); Rich Freeman, tenor (b '40); West Forbes, second tenor (b '37); Lewis Peeples, harmony (b '37); Sy Hopkins, bass (b '38). Parris had led group called the Scarletts c'54; then wrote song which became classic of doo-wop genre, suggested by US Army guard duty: 'In The Still Of The Nite': Satins' '56 disc made top 40 that year, re-entered top 100 in '60 and '61; hit covers by three other acts. Bill Baker (d 10 Aug. '94, New Haven, age 58) sang lead on '57 hit 'To The Aisle'. Had other hits on Ember label; split up early '60s as doo-wop went out of fashion; Parris re-formed group with new members '69 for revivals, re-created hit in movie Let The Good Times Roll, carried on with occasional appearances; had another chart entry '82 as Fred Parris and the Five Satins with medley 'Memories Of Days Gone By' on Elektra, incl. others' hits 'Earth Angel', 'Tears On My Pillow', 'Only You' etc as well as 'In The Still Of The Nite'. His song should have earned him several hundred thousand dollars; the grateful music business paid him less than $800. FIXX UK new wave techno-pop group formed by vocalist Cy Curnin (b 12 Dec. '57) and Adam Woods, who was at school in London with Curnin's sister. With Rupert Greenall (keyboards) and others made single "Hazard In The Home' as the Portraits; then recruited Charlie Barrett, bass and Jamie West-Oram (ex-the Doll, Phil Rambow band), guitars; changed name to the Fix. Made single on 101 label "Lost Planes' '81 and live tracks on 101 Club-- Live Letters compilation. Sent single to prod./singer Rupert Hine, who took them on; for first single on major label (MCA) changed name to the Fixx (label rejected drug connotation, band refused more change); LP Shuttered Room '82 showcased lyricist Curnin's "dry white whine' (as Sounds not-very- originally called it); musicianship (West-Oram quite experienced) and fashionable good looks assured 18-month chart stay in USA in spite of political content, anti-nuke statements etc "Stand Or Fall', "Red Skies' made top 60 UK, "Stand' reached no. 72 USA; but Reach The Beach '83 was USA breakthrough, no. 8 LP incl. hits "Saved By Zero' (no. 17), "One Thing leads To Another' (no. 4) and "The Sign Of Fire' (no. 32), but none in UK. That album remained their best showing, but incessant touring ensured fan loyalty (supported A Flock Of Seagulls, Police, other "name' British bands) while getting heavy MTV play (which ensured no. 2 "airplay' entry for "Deeper And Deeper', track made for film Streets Of Fire not released as single). Barrett left '83, replaced by Alfie Agius (ex-Teardrop Explodes), then by Danny K Brown (regarded as semi-permanent member). Album Phantoms '84 went gold in two weeks; their output was totally directed to USA in face of UK indifference, Beatle-ish harmonies ("Lose Face') alternating with more modern elements. Walkabout '86 was top 30 USA; with Curnin's Bowie-esque mimes and "meaningful' lyrics, they were archetypal new-wave-of-Second-British-Invasion, while UK looked for new thrills. Subsequent albums have been live React '87, Calm Animals '89 on RCA, Ink '91 back on MCA. |