Earl Lewis & The Channels were known just as the Channels at the start back in 1956. They were from a combination of two vocal groups, the Channels and the Lotharios. When two member of the Channels left, bass singer Clifton Wright and Earl Michael Lewis of the Lotharios were recruited by the remaining Channels. The following became the Classic Channel lineup: Earl Lewis, Clifton Wright, Edward Doulphin, Billy Morris and Larry Hampden.
This New York City group from Harlem had a unique style all to themselves; Edward, Billy and Larry would sing the verse in three part harmony while Clifton rounded out the bottom. Earl’s lead and falsetto would take over the bridge.
The Channels recorded their signature song “The Closer You Are” in 1956, which was penned by Earl Lewis. They would later record the “Gleam In Your Eye” which Earl wrote when he was working on his newspaper route. The Channels would record a string of hits such as “My Love Will Never Die”, “Altar Of Love”, “My Heart Is Sad”, “Gloria” and Frankie Laine’s “That’s My Desire”. |
