THE CADILLACS ZOOM (1956)

The group came together as The Carnations in 1953, with the members Earl Carroll (lead vocalist), Bobby Phillips, Lavern Drake (bass vocalist), and Gus Willingham. As the group moved into the recording studios, James Poppa Clark was added as a fifth member, and the name The Cadillacs was given to them. The group s first recording came in July 1954, with Josie Records, 765, featuring Gloria and Wonder Why. In 1955, Willingham and Clark left the group and were replaced by Earl Wade and Charles Brooks. At this time, the group first began to experiment with choreography, suggested by manager Esther Navarro. Later that year came the group s biggest hit, Speedoo, Carroll s nickname. Lavern Drake left the group in 1956 and was replaced by J. R. Bailey. In 1957, differences in opinion caused the group to split. One group was initially known as The Four Cadillacs, with current bass J. R. Bailey, former bass Lavern Drake, and new members Roland Martinez and