Jimmy Ricks
An American vocalist and co founder of "The Ravens".
A tenor, bass voice. Ricks started his career in 1946.
The Ravens were one of the first 'Doo Wop' groups during World War II
and also one of the first to join the rock and roll ranks.
The group disbanded in the fifties.
Early on 1951 National Records files suit in court against The Ravens for breach of contract because they signed with Columbia records and recorded for that label before the terms of their contract with National was over.
Columbia releases the Midnight Blues" and "You Don't Have To Drop A Heart To Break It" on Columbia # 39112. Jimmy Ricks takes the lead on the up tempo blues tune while high tenor Maithe Marshall does the honors on the ballad side.
The group does a one nighter at Middlebury College in vermont and then leave on a tour of Southern states. Infebruary National Records brings out a side from on the shelf by The Ravens - "Lilacs In The Rain" and "Time Is Marching On" on # 9148.
In March Columbia releases "You're Always In My Dreams" with lead vocal by Maithe Marshall and Louis Hayward and "Gotta Find My baby" with Jimmy Ricks. In May Columbia Records announces the return of the Okeh label which will concentrate on Rhythm & Blues, and among the artists slated for the change are The Ravens.
Ricks went solo in the sixties but his career had moderate
success.
He also joined 'The Count Basie Orchestra' were he stayed up until his death in 1974.
Alll information may be obtained at the web address above.
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