The Cordells

Along with the original <a href="spotify:artist:438JBZR1AR0l04AzcYW9gy">Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes</a>, the Dreamlovers, and others, the Cordells were one of Philadelphia's pioneering R&B groups. The members were Jimmy Ellis, (lead), <a href="spotify:artist:7sep305Li0p5iZycRJPZri">Earl Young</a> (bass), Val Walker, and Russell Boston, all from the Broad & Lehigh area of North Philly. They recorded "Please Don't Go"/"Believe in Me," for Bullseye Records in 1958 and didn't get the opportunity again until 1961 when "The Best of My Heart"/"Laid Off," fell on Bargain Records. Neither side was more than a local play and while the group kept busy doing local gigs and built a little reputation around town, nothing really happened for them. Later in 1961, <a href="spotify:artist:6U1sYqnRLJhTvQ3JkhH0WZ">Ellis</a>, Young, Walker, and <a href="spotify:artist:29kkCKKGXheHuoO829FxWK">Boston</a> became the Whirlwinds and had releases on Guyden and Phillips Records. <a href="spotify:artist:6U1sYqnRLJhTvQ3JkhH0WZ">Ellis</a> and Young later, after many attempts, found a modicum of success with the Trammps, noted for the quintessential disco hit "Disco Inferno." In addition, Young became a sought after session musician and recorded with Ron Baker and <a href="spotify:artist:0s9IdQ3tTE1kaRkesHpjWl">Norman Harris</a> as Baker, Harris, & Young. ~ Andrew Hamilton, Rovi