The Hollywood Saxons

The Hollywood Saxons were a Los Angeles R&B group who recorded under various other names. They were well known on the LA R&B circuit. Their recording history ran from the late 1950s to the late 1960s. Their discography is complex due to the various names they recorded under and labels they recorded on.

The Hollywood Saxons
Also known asThe Capris
The Portraits
The Tuxedos
OriginLos Angeles, California, United States
GenresDoo wop
Years active1958 to 1968,
LabelsElf, Swingin'
Past membersStan Beverly
Bill Brooks
Joe Lewis
Charles Taggart
Maudice Giles
Nathaniel "Buster" Wilson

Background

The group came about as a result of some basketball playing friends who would sing in the showers after a game. As a result of their singing and liking the activity, they formed a group.[1] The group came to formation around midway through 1956. It consisted of Stan Beverly on lead, Bill Brooks on second tenor, Joe Lewis on Baritone, and Charles Taggart on bass. Bill Brooks left the group after nine months and was replaced by Maudice Giles. The group increased to a five-man group with the addition of bass singer, Nathaniel "Buster" Wilson. Charles Taggart then became first tenor. They were first called The Saxons and it was Joe Lewis who came up with the name for the group.[2] They were also known as The Tuxedos when they recorded for the Forte label and The Capris for their recordings on the Tender label.[3]

Career

1950s to 1960s

In 1958, as The Capris, the group had recorded a slow rocka-ballad "Endless Love" which was released on the Tender label. The song was written by K.C. Reath and Robert Hafner. The B side "Beware" was credited to Jesse Belvin & the Capris.[4][5][6] Some years later it was released on the Impact label with "Luau" as the B side.[7][8] This Capris group is sometimes confused with a (white) New York group of the same name.[9]

By December 1962, they had a single "I'm Your Man" bw "It's You" out on Elf label.[10]

At some stage in the 1960s the group broke up. Some of the members, Stan Beverly, Joe Louis and Charles Taggart would later reunite to perform for Doo-Wop Society shows.[11]

1970s to 1980s

As Speed Limit, Stan Beverly and Joe Lewis group recorded "There Goes My Baby" in 1972. Other singers on the recording were Carlton Beck on bass and Richard Botts on baritone.

After the mid-1970s, The Hollywood Saxons performed occasionally with the line up consisting of Stan Beverly, Joe Lewis, Maudice Giles and Bill Brooks. Beverly left at some stage to join one of the Ink Spots lineups. He was replaced by Melvin Ware.[12]

2000s

In 2000, the Hollywood Saxons were still performing with the group featuring original members Stan Beverly and Joe Lewis.[13]

Discography

The Capris
Singles
Title Release info Year Notes
"Endless Love" / "Beware" Tender T 525 1959 B side is Jesse Belvin and The Capris
"Endless Love" / "Luau" Impact 34-IM / 34-IMX 196? [22][23]
Appearances
Artist Title Track Release info Year Notes
Various artists Rare L.A. Tracks
West Coast Style Vintage R&B And Doo-Wop, 1956-1964		 "Endless Love" Bacchus Archives BA1134 1999 CD[24]

References
  1. Encyclopedia of Rhythm & Blues and Doo-Wop Vocal Groups, By Mitch Rosalsky - Page 307 Hollywood Saxons, Notes
  2. AllMusic - Artist Biography by Jason Ankeny
  3. Encyclopedia of Rhythm & Blues and Doo-Wop Vocal Groups, By Mitch Rosalsky - Page 500
  4. Popsike - CAPRIS (w/ Jesse Belvin) Endless Love / Beware 45rpm Tender 1959 WLP
  5. The Billboard, February 23, 1958 - Page 50 Reviews of New Pop Records
  6. Rate Your Music - The Capris
  7. Marv Goldberg's R&B Notebooks - The Hollywood Saxons, By Marv Goldberg, Based on an interview with Joe Lewis
  8. Global Dog Productions - 45 Discography for Impact Records
  9. Way Back Attack - THE CAPRIS, There's a Moon Out Tonight
  10. Billboard Music Week, December 15, 1962 - Page 22 Reviews of New Singles
  11. Wn.com - Saxons - Please Be My Love Tonight - Our label - NO # - 1958
  12. AllMusic - Artist Biography by Jason Ankeny
  13. AllMusic - Artist Biography by Jason Ankeny
  14. Encyclopedia of Rhythm & Blues and Doo-Wop Vocal Groups, By Mitch Rosalsky - Page 307 Hollywood Saxons, Discography
  15. Discogs - Hollywood Saxons* – Everyday Holiday
  16. Encyclopedia of Rhythm & Blues and Doo-Wop Vocal Groups, By Mitch Rosalsky - Page 307 Hollywood Saxons, Discography
  17. Rockin' Records Buyers-Sellers Reference Book and Price Guide 2010 Edition, By Jerry Osborne - Page 490 HOLLYWOOD SAXONS Singles: 7-Inch
  18. 45Cat - Artist: Stan Beverly And The Hollywood Saxon's Catalogue: N.H.P. 2000 / N.H.P. 2022
  19. Roots Vinyl Guide - THE HOLLYWOOD SAXONS MEET THE PARADONS. RED VINYL LP. "Diamonds & Pearls" MINT
  20. Marv Goldberg's R&B Notebooks - The Hollywood Saxons, By Marv Goldberg, Based on an interview with Joe Lewis, CONFUSING DISCOGRAPHY
  21. AllMusic - Hollywood Saxons, Everyday Is a Holiday, Releases
  22. Marv Goldberg's R&B Notebooks - The Hollywood Saxons, By Marv Goldberg, Based on an interview with Joe Lewis
  23. Global Dog Productions - 45 Discography for Impact Records
  24. Isongers.com - Various - Rare L.A. Tracks (West Coast Style Vintage R&B And Doo-Wop, 1956-1964)
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