The Dramatics
Biography
Before assuming the name the Dramatics, the vocal sextet comprised of Rob Davis, Ron Banks, Larry Reed, Robert Ellington, Larry "Squirrel" Demps, and Elbert Wilkens initially released two singles as the Dynamics on the Wingate imprint that saw no chart action. The group became a quintet upon Ellington's exit, and also changed their name to the Dramatics. They migrated to the Sport label and in 1967 released their first single to hit the charts, "All Because of You," which peaked at number 42 on the R&B charts. However, in spite of the exposure and limited record sales, some groupmembers became discouraged, which facilitated a major personnel change. William "Wee Gee" Howard replaced lead singer Reed, and Willie Ford of the Capitols replaced bass Rob Davis. Also during this time, the Dramatics had signed with producer Don Davis' production company.
Even though the group managed to stay together, the ensuing years were unproductive for chart action and sales. Between 1967 and 1971, the Dramatics made very little noise on the national scene. By the end of 1971, Davis summoned the group to the studio to record producer/songwriter Tony Hester's "Watcha See Is Watcha Get. " The single was the Dramatics' first major national hit, peaking at number three on the R&B charts, and sustaining chart action for 15 weeks. That single was followed by the R&B Top Ten single "Get Up and Get Down."
The following year the Dramatics released "In the Rain," which was also penned by Hester. The single torpedoed its way to the number one spot on the R&B charts, maintaining that position for four consecutive weeks; the single also peaked at number five on the pop charts. Ironically, in spite of the national attention the group was receiving, another personnel shuffle was simmering.
Larry "L.J." Reynolds, who had been a member of Chocolate Syrup and was pursuing a solo career during this time, met Dramatics member Banks at the Apollo following a performance by the group. It just so happened that Howard was absent that night. Reynolds auditioned for Banks backstage; it was not too long afterwards that Reynolds, who was also signed to Don Davis' production company, began to occasionally sit in with the Dramatics during Howard's absences.
In 1973, Howard's decision to leave the group opened the door for Reynolds' entrance; Reynolds' vocal presence and permanent entry into the group was manifested with the release of the R&B Top Ten single "Hey You! Get Off My Mountain." And while Reynolds was replacing Howard, Lenny Mayes was replacing Wilkens, which spelled out identity problems for the remainder of the group. Wilkens formed his own version of the Dramatics and began touring. During this time and pending legal procedures, the name of the group was changed to Ron Banks & the Dramatics.
The Dramatics' success continued with mainly R&B Top 20 hits during the heyday of disco, cracking the R&B Top Ten just once more with "Welcome Back Home" in 1980. In 1981, Reynolds went solo; the group disband after Banks went solo in 1983. The group managed to stay active, reuniting to record new material every three or four years since the early '80s. They occasionally reunite for concert events. ~ Craig Lytle, All Music Guide
Selected Discography
I learned how to sing doing many of this fine groups music! Harmony like no other! Thanks You for your music I love you brothers!
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great group.i grew up with mike brock in benton harbor mi.wish they would come to madison wi.
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We need the Dramatics to come back to Oakland California in 2010, Thank you from Olee
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Wherever they play in Detroit I'm there. The keyboard player is friend of my boyfriend they grow up together. L.J. Is the MAN........
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One of my all time favorite groups, a great harmony sound...I'm waiting on the movie the Dramatics... M a n these cats were on fire when they did their thang...Love you guys and your music made me feel good about myself. Thanks
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I believe that the Dramatics were one of the greatest groups ever, even though I feel that they weren't appreciated as they should have been over the years. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to come up listening to their great music at an early age, and I know for myself that there were groups that may have been as good as them, but none better.
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I am looking for a song LJReynolds song in buffalo from an album that was produced. keys to the world.
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"THIS IS ONE OF THE TOP FIVE BEST GROUP'S" SOOOOOOOOOOO O O O GOOD!!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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The Dramatics are in my Top 5 all time favorite groups. I love everything that they have put out. WOW!!!!!!
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The Dramatics have a soul and sophistiatio n sorely lacking in todays vocal groups. Take a lesson all you boy banders
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to-my;;;baby ' ' ' ' ' b o w i e w d e r r i c k @ y a h o o . c o m
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wonder when they will get their due! Hate to say it but they were great but drugs took away from them they have so many hits during 70's! |
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I had no idea the Dramatics went thru so many changes. Its a wonder their sound still carries on. I know I have always personally appreciated their unique brand of love songs. Thanks for the memories
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I am truly a Dramatics fan, I love this particular cut as it takes me back to a time in my life when I was sooo in love with at particular fellow in Pensacola, Florida
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THE DRAMATICS IS ONE OF THE MOST SMOOTHEST GROUPS THAT HAS EVER PERFORMED THEIR SOUND AND STYLE CAN NEVER BE DUPLICATED.. . . .
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