Full Group Name: The Cleftones
Origin: Queens, New York, U.S.
Genres: Doo-wop, Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll
Years Active: 1955–1964 (original run), occasional reunions later
Labels: Gee Records, Roulette Records
Group Members (Classic Lineup)
Herbie Cox (Lead Vocals)
Charlie James (First Tenor)
Berman Patterson (Second Tenor)
William “Buzzy” McClane (Baritone)
Warren Corbin (Bass)
Early Life
The Cleftones formed in 1955 at Jamaica High School in Queens, New York. Originally known as The Silvertones, they changed their name to The Cleftones under the guidance of their manager and producer, George Goldner. The group emerged at a time when doo-wop was sweeping through African-American neighborhoods and rapidly gaining popularity with mainstream audiences.
Career Highlights
The Cleftones’ first single, “You Baby You”, was released in 1955 on Goldner’s Gee Records label and became a local hit, establishing their presence in the doo-wop scene. They followed up with more regional hits, including “Little Girl of Mine” (1956), which broke into the national charts and became one of their signature songs.
By the early 1960s, the group adapted to the changing musical landscape and released their biggest hit:
“Heart and Soul” (1961) — a doo-wop revival of the 1938 Hoagy Carmichael/Frank Loesser standard — which reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple of early rock and roll radio. Its upbeat tempo, vocal harmonies, and catchy piano riff made it an enduring favorite of the era.
Musical Career
The Cleftones were known for their smooth harmonies, uptempo arrangements, and clever blending of rhythm and blues with teen-pop appeal. While many doo-wop groups focused on ballads, The Cleftones specialized in upbeat tracks that got kids dancing.
Their approach helped them stand out in a crowded field, and their sound influenced the development of soul and early rock music. They also became a staple on Alan Freed’s radio programs and rock and roll revues, gaining exposure alongside many of the biggest acts of the 1950s and early ’60s.
Despite their early success, the group struggled to maintain chart momentum as the British Invasion and Motown began to dominate the pop and R&B landscapes. By the mid-1960s, the original group had disbanded.
Later Years and Reunions
Herbie Cox continued to perform with a new version of The Cleftones in later decades, particularly during the oldies revival circuit of the 1970s and 1980s. The group remained a favorite for nostalgia acts and live performances celebrating the golden age of doo-wop.
In 2000, the group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, a testament to their lasting influence on vocal harmony music.
Legacy
The Cleftones may not have had an extensive list of chart-topping hits, but their influence on vocal group harmony and early rock and roll is undeniable. Songs like “Heart and Soul” and “Little Girl of Mine” captured the spirit of their time and continue to be featured in films, commercials, and doo-wop compilations.
They helped lay the groundwork for the teen-pop and soul sounds that followed, and their energetic blend of rhythm and harmony endures as a highlight of the doo-wop era. The Cleftones remain a cherished group among collectors, enthusiasts, and fans of 1950s and early ’60s music.