Bobby Phillips, R. I. P.

Cadillacs: "Bobby Phillips, original founding member of the legendary R&B group, the Cadillacs, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2011.

Bobby Phillips began singing in Harlem in 1953 with the Carnations (Earl Carroll, Bobby Phillips, Lavern Drake and Gus Willingham). Upon signing with manager Ester Navarro, James 'Pappa' Clark was added to the group and their name was changed to the Cadillacs. The Cadillacs first record, 'Gloria,' was issued by Josie Records in 1954. The song was a reworking of a tune the Cadillacs remembered the Mills Brothers doing, but their interpretation ended up quite different. The Cadillacs' 'Gloria' became a model for street corner quartets all over the country. The Cadillacs became known not only for their outstanding harmony, but for their stage presence and choreography. With personnel changes, numerous hits followed, including 'Zoom' and 'Speedo,' a song that quickly gave Earl Carroll his nickname."