Library Rock's Backpages

The Flamingos

Pete Grendysa, MCA Records, 1997

THEY DIDN'T ROCK; they didn't roll. Their singing had nothing of the street corner or local school yard about it. With roots in a little-known religious denomination, The Church of God and Saints of Christ (called 'Black Jews'), their musical style had none of the usual spiritual and gospel nuances found in rhythm & blues songs. The original members of the Flamingos sang their solemn minor-key devotional songs in the church choir and, when they made their move into the popular entertainment arena, they translated this music into ballads and love songs of unsurpassed beauty and musicality.

Total word count of piece: 1881

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