[REMOVE ADS]




Page 1 of 2 1 2 LastLast
Results 1 to 50 of 61
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    194
    Rep Power
    155

    So what's REALLY in a "name"?

    I remember a kinda weird conversation I had with a former manager of mine, while passing the time during a slow winter's day at the garden center many years ago...

    We were discussing the names of groups back in the day, and then he asked me:

    What's a "Drell"? I thought about it for a moment, and wound up clueless...

    So I asked him, "I dunno, what exactly is a "Delphonic"?

    We know what a "Temptation" is, also a "Supreme"..and a "Superlative"....but the rest ain't in the dictionary....

    So what, pray tell is a "Velvelette"? a "Tabulation"?


    How did these names even come about?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Posts
    334
    Rep Power
    93
    I don't know how all of these names came about, but I think it all comes down to knowing the history of the groups.

    The Delfonics were originally called the Orphonics. When Stan Watson signed them to his local Philly Groove label they became the former. Stan had sang with a group called the Dell Vikings, so he combined the front of his group's name with the end of their name.

    Company employees gave The Temptations and The Supremes their names. Janie Bradford and a guy named Bill Mitchell gets the credit for those. The Velvelettes acquired that name due to their exceptional ability to harmonise. They were smooth,like Velvet so thus they took on that identity.

    Hope this helped. I suggest just reading the bios of the group's through Wikipedia or a music oriented website.
    Last edited by Quinn; 10-01-2018 at 06:49 PM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Quote Originally Posted by GrtGzu View Post
    I remember a kinda weird conversation I had with a former manager of mine, while passing the time during a slow winter's day at the garden center many years ago...

    We were discussing the names of groups back in the day, and then he asked me:

    What's a "Drell"? I thought about it for a moment, and wound up clueless...

    So I asked him, "I dunno, what exactly is a "Delphonic"?

    We know what a "Temptation" is, also a "Supreme"..and a "Superlative"....but the rest ain't in the dictionary....

    So what, pray tell is a "Velvelette"? a "Tabulation"?


    How did these names even come about?
    They came about because they sounded good, they sounded cool. Most of the people that came up with those names were just kids at the time.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    10,007
    Rep Power
    305
    Some names either were for marketing, to get the group a "standout name" or they couldn't think of anything so they picked a name that seemed to fit.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    In the Doo Wop Era of the 1950s and early 60s, many groups took the names of a variety of birds, automobiles and cigarettes! It was all about "cool", what sounded cool and hip.
    Last edited by marv2; 10-02-2018 at 01:39 AM.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    1,092
    Rep Power
    199
    The Tabulations got their name from the idea of tabulating a large fortune! As in “we’ll be tabulating so much once we have a hit record”!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    10,007
    Rep Power
    305
    I love the fact the O'Jays became the O'Jays [[forget their original name, probably Mascots?) because their local deejay had the name Eddie O'Jay lol [[apparently it was a marketing decision so they could get their songs on the radio)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Quote Originally Posted by GrtGzu View Post
    I remember a kinda weird conversation I had with a former manager of mine, while passing the time during a slow winter's day at the garden center many years ago...

    We were discussing the names of groups back in the day, and then he asked me:

    What's a "Drell"? I thought about it for a moment, and wound up clueless...

    So I asked him, "I dunno, what exactly is a "Delphonic"?

    We know what a "Temptation" is, also a "Supreme"..and a "Superlative"....but the rest ain't in the dictionary....

    So what, pray tell is a "Velvelette"? a "Tabulation"?


    How did these names even come about?
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 541
Size:  21.1 KB
    Welvel [[pronounced "Velvel"), is the Yiddish for of the diminutive for German "Wilhelm", or Dutch "Willem", or English "William", analogous to "Willy". So "Velvelettes" could be the female sister group of the male "Willies".

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Quote Originally Posted by midnightman View Post
    I love the fact the O'Jays became the O'Jays [[forget their original name, probably Mascots?) because their local deejay had the name Eddie O'Jay lol [[apparently it was a marketing decision so they could get their songs on the radio)
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 539
Size:  21.1 KB
    Yes, The O'Jays were originally The Mascots.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    1,785
    Rep Power
    218
    Hi Robb!

    How are you doing?

    When I did the research for the possible O'Jays story [[which still is pending), I came across also such names as The Levert Brothers [[Eddie, Walter...) -> the Imperials [[this is not confirmed) -> the Triumphs [[Eddie, William, Bobby and Bill) -> the Mascots.

    Best regards
    Heikki

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    194
    Rep Power
    155
    Quote Originally Posted by robb_k View Post
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 539
Size:  21.1 KB
    Yes, The O'Jays were originally The Mascots.

    now THAT, I did NOT know!! and they're from my hometown too....

    How'd I miss this?


  12. #12
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    194
    Rep Power
    155
    Quote Originally Posted by jboy88 View Post
    The Tabulations got their name from the idea of tabulating a large fortune! As in “we’ll be tabulating so much once we have a hit record”!
    LOL!! ​wonder if it was "right on the tip of their tongue"?

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    194
    Rep Power
    155
    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    In the Doo Wop Era of the 1950s and early 60s, many groups took the names of a variety of birds, automobiles and cigarettes! It was all about "cool", what sounded cool and hip.
    ​oh yeah, that much I figured out, lol!! and they had some really cool names too...

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    194
    Rep Power
    155
    [QUOTE=midnightman;483025]Some names either were for marketing, to get the group a "standout name" or they couldn't think of anything so they picked a name that seemed to fit.[/QUOTE

    know what's funny? I can't even remember the name we had for our little "singing group" we had for the talent show back in junior high....

    guess we didn't stand out so much eh?

    yet, we still "killed it" when we sang "Want Ads"....had dance steps too!

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    11,552
    Rep Power
    295
    Quote Originally Posted by GrtGzu View Post
    I remember a kinda weird conversation I had with a former manager of mine, while passing the time during a slow winter's day at the garden center many years ago...

    We were discussing the names of groups back in the day, and then he asked me:

    What's a "Drell"? I thought about it for a moment, and wound up clueless...

    So I asked him, "I dunno, what exactly is a "Delphonic"?

    We know what a "Temptation" is, also a "Supreme"..and a "Superlative"....but the rest ain't in the dictionary....

    So what, pray tell is a "Velvelette"? a "Tabulation"?


    How did these names even come about?
    Sounds like the names people pick for their kids. They look at a car and call their kid "Toyotah", or try to sound "ethnic" and call the kid "Laquindasha". Before one of you get ticked off, yeah, it happens a lot. It probably happened a lot more in the 80s and 90s.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Quote Originally Posted by soulster View Post
    Sounds like the names people pick for their kids. They look at a car and call their kid "Toyotah", or try to sound "ethnic" and call the kid "Laquindasha". Before one of you get ticked off, yeah, it happens a lot. It probably happened a lot more in the 80s and 90s.
    I know it happens. I actually met a young woman who's name was "Noxema". LOL!

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Quote Originally Posted by GrtGzu View Post

    now THAT, I did NOT know!! and they're from my hometown too....

    How'd I miss this?
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 493
Size:  21.1 KB
    They had a few excellent releases out on King before their name change, Here's one:

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Attachment 14686
    Here's another:

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Attachment 14686
    Here's another:

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Attachment 14686
    Here's their first release as The O'Jays, recorded at United Sound Systems in Detroit by Don Davis, of DaCo/Thelma Records. It was ex-Motown songwriter/session guitarist, and later owner of Groovesville, Groove City, Solid Hitbound Productions, and chief A&R man of Stax Records, who suggested to Mascots' manager, Eddie OJay, that the group change their name to The O'Jays.

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Posts
    10,473
    Rep Power
    311
    I'm always fastinated by the history of group names,and some names fit like a glove-the drifters[how many guys have drifted in an out of that group]..the temptations[have been temptin fans since-1961]..the coasters[west coast-originally-the robins].

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Remember the Penguins, the Flamingos, the Falcons and the Larks?

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Posts
    2,385
    Rep Power
    279
    The Trashmen

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Posts
    1,281
    Rep Power
    168
    Robins and Ravens and Wrens oh my!
    Last edited by lockhartgary; 10-02-2018 at 08:52 PM.

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 441
Size:  21.1 KB
    Cadillacs, Ramblers, Edsels, Chryslers, Imperials, Packards, Thunderbirds, V-8s, Stick Shifts, Corvairs, Comets,
    Last edited by robb_k; 10-03-2018 at 12:42 AM.

  26. #26
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    Remember the Penguins, the Flamingos, the Falcons and the Larks?
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 421
Size:  21.1 KB
    The Orioles, Five Bluejays, Bluejays, Bluebirds, Jay-Tones, Warblers, Bobby Byrd & The Birds, The Larktones, The Dixie Hummingbirds, Hawks, Parrots, The Five Owls, Condors, Songbirds, Parakeets, Wings, Five Wings, The Feathers, Flock of Seagulls, Swallows, Wrens, Meadowlarks, Kingfishers, Chickadees, Sparrows, Cardinals,
    Last edited by robb_k; 10-03-2018 at 12:46 AM.

  27. #27
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 430
Size:  21.1 KB
    The Five Keys, High Keys, Clefs, G-Clefs, Four Tunes, Five Notes, Notes, Tones, Tonettes, Blendtones, Five Blends, Keynotes, Andantes, Top Notes, Five Scales, Scaletones, The Harmonicats, Mello-Tones, Melody Kings, Melodeers, Magictones, Five Blue Notes, Blue Notes, Happy-Tones, Aquatones, Lovetones, Love-Tones, Keytones, Master Keys, Keymasters, Acapellas, Jivetones, anthems, Goldentones, Ivy-Tones, Five Plaid Throats, Honeytones, Ocapellos, Castinettes, Glowtones, Serenades, Serenaders, Sounds, Five Sounds, Love Notes, Chords, Five Chords, Rip Chords, Five Bars, Four Bars,
    Last edited by robb_k; 10-03-2018 at 03:08 AM.

  28. #28
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 433
Size:  21.1 KB
    Kings, Four Kings, Five Kings, Dukes, Earls, Counts, The Dukays, The Dukes of Dixiland, The Marquis, The Markees, The Sultans, The Five Emperors, The Emperors, The Presidents, The Premiers, The Viceroys, Leaders, Royals, Royal Jokers, Royal Jesters, Princesses, Contessas, Five Royales, Superiors, Royaltones, Glowtones, Four Queens, Maharajahs, Emperors, Five Imperials, Imperial Wonders, Executives, Primes, Primettes, Regals, Regents, Paramounts, Supremes, Superlatives, Five Crowns, Crowns, Arthur Lee Maye & Crowns,
    Last edited by robb_k; 10-03-2018 at 01:16 AM.

  29. #29
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Quote Originally Posted by lockhartgary View Post
    robins and ravens and wrens oh my!
    yep! Lol!!!!!

  30. #30
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Quote Originally Posted by robb_k View Post
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 441
Size:  21.1 KB
    Cadillacs, Ramblers, Edsels, Chryslers, Imperials, Packards,
    Robb! Remember the Impalas' and "Sorry I Ran All the Home"? LOL!

  31. #31
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Quote Originally Posted by robb_k View Post
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 421
Size:  21.1 KB
    The Orioles, Five Bluejays, Bluebirds, Jay-Tones, Warblers, Bobby Byrd & The Birds, The Larktones, The Dixie Hummingbirds, Hawks, Parrots, The Five Owls, Condors,
    What was it about the bird names? The Eagles [[the Band) even chose a bird name.

  32. #32
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Quote Originally Posted by robb_k View Post
    Attachment 14689
    Kings, Four Kings, Five Kings, Dukes, Earls, Counts, The Dukays, The Dukes of Dixiland, The Marquis, The Markees, The Sultans, The Five Emperors, The Emperors, The Presidents, The Premiers, The Viceroys,
    I forgot about this grouping. I would call them "The Royals" LOL!!!!

  33. #33
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Quote Originally Posted by robb_k View Post
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 441
Size:  21.1 KB
    Cadillacs, Ramblers, Edsels, Chryslers, Imperials, Packards,
    There was also The Corvettes, The Corsairs, The El Dorados, The Firebirds, The Fleetwoods,

  34. #34
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 430
Size:  21.1 KB
    Moonglows, Starglows, Sunny & Sunglows, Glows, Gleams, Five Stars, Silvers, Sylvers, Diamonds, Emeralds, Opals, Gems, Pearls, Sapphires, Rubies, Jewels, Five Emeralds, Luther Bond & The Emeralds,
    Last edited by robb_k; 10-03-2018 at 03:19 AM.

  35. #35
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Quote Originally Posted by robb_k View Post
    Attachment 14689
    Moonglows, Starglows, Sunny & Sunglows, Glows, Gleams, Five Stars, Silvers, Sylvers, Diamonds, Emeralds, Opals, Gems, Pearls, Sapphires, Rubies,
    This is pretty comprehensive. I'm going to have to really think of who I could add to this list.

  36. #36
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 428
Size:  21.1 KB
    Jive Bombers, Bombers, Explosions, Volcanos, Exciters, Excitements,
    Last edited by robb_k; 10-03-2018 at 01:15 AM.

  37. #37
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 431
Size:  21.1 KB
    Temptations, Notations, Invitations, Imaginations, Ronny & Relations, Ovations, Conditions, Missions, Rotations, Hesitations, Cremations [[Punk), Creations, Innovations, Equations, Lovations, Admirations, Vareeations, Foundations, Citations, Exceptions, Devotions, Emotions, Potions,
    Last edited by robb_k; 10-03-2018 at 01:13 AM.

  38. #38
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 429
Size:  21.1 KB
    Spiders, Bees, Lions, Spaniels, Greyhounds, Honey Bees, Hornets, Ladybugs, Colts, Bull & Matadors, The Black Sheep, Bullmoose Jackson & His Buffalo Bearcats, Jaguars, Rams, Bumble Bees, B. Bumble & Stingers, Crickets [[R&B group), Fireflies,
    Last edited by robb_k; 10-03-2018 at 01:09 AM.

  39. #39
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Quote Originally Posted by robb_k View Post
    Attachment 14689
    Moonglows, Starglows, Sunny & Sunglows, Glows, Gleams, Five Stars, Silvers, Sylvers, Diamonds, Emeralds, Opals, Gems, Pearls, Sapphires, Rubies,
    Ok, here's one. The Jewelettes!

  40. #40
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Quote Originally Posted by robb_k View Post
    Attachment 14689
    Temptations, Notations, Invitations, Imaginations, Ronny & Relations, Ovations, Conditions, Missions, Rotations, Hesitations, Cremations [[Punk), Creations,
    Vito and the Salutations!

  41. #41
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 421
Size:  21.1 KB
    The Pirates, The Corsairs, Otis & Barbarians, Raiders [[ATCO), Paul Revere & Raiders, Camel Drivers, Messengers, Cap-Tans, Captains,
    Last edited by robb_k; 10-02-2018 at 11:50 PM.

  42. #42
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Quote Originally Posted by robb_k View Post
    Attachment 14689
    Spiders, Lions,
    The Monkees!

  43. #43
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Quote Originally Posted by robb_k View Post
    Attachment 14689
    The Pirates, The Corsairs, Otis & Barbarians, Raiders [[ATCO), Paul Revere & Raiders,
    The Gypsy Kings!

  44. #44
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 420
Size:  21.1 KB
    Drifters, Wanderers, Wayward Wanderers, New Wanderers, Rover Boys, Five Rovers, Rovers, Salem Travelers, Pilgrim Travelers, Travelers,
    Last edited by robb_k; 10-03-2018 at 01:14 AM.

  45. #45
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 444
Size:  21.1 KB
    Fabulous Counts, Fabulous Apollos, Fabulous Playboys, Famous Flames, Fabulous Flames, Fantastic Baggys, Magnificents, Fantastics, Fabulettes, Fabulons,
    Last edited by robb_k; 10-03-2018 at 12:35 AM.

  46. #46
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 568
Size:  21.1 KB
    Hollywood Flames, Hollywood Saxons, Hollywood Persuasions, Hollywood Argyles, Village People, Village Callers, Townsmen, Californians, Detroit Executives, Detroit Land Apples, Chi-Lites, Watts 103rd Street Band, Bay Bops, D.C. Playboys, D.C. Blossoms, Philadelphians, New Yorkers, Chicago, Buffalo Bearcats, Ohio Untouchables, Ohio Players, Basin Street Boys, Deep River Boys, Delta Rhythm Boys, Marylanders,
    Last edited by robb_k; 10-03-2018 at 01:08 AM.

  47. #47
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    The Gypsy Kings!
    Name:  av-5.jpg
Views: 420
Size:  21.1 KB
    They could be in the Royalty Section, too!
    Last edited by robb_k; 10-03-2018 at 12:35 AM.

  48. #48
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Quote Originally Posted by robb_k View Post
    Attachment 14689
    Moonglows, Starglows, Sunny & Sunglows, Glows, Gleams, Five Stars, Silvers, Sylvers, Diamonds, Emeralds, Opals, Gems, Pearls, Sapphires, Rubies, Jewels,
    I got another one! The Bangles! LOL!

  49. #49
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    43,221
    Rep Power
    600
    Quote Originally Posted by robb_k View Post
    Attachment 14689
    Moonglows, Starglows, Sunny & Sunglows, Glows, Gleams, Five Stars, Silvers, Sylvers, Diamonds, Emeralds, Opals, Gems, Pearls, Sapphires, Rubies, Jewels,
    Pearl Jam.

  50. #50
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    14,979
    Rep Power
    402
    Attachment 14702
    Aces, Four Aces, Deuces, Four Aces, Jacks, Four Queens, Four Deuces, Jolly Jacks, Five Jacks, Four Jacks, Kings, Four Kings,

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

[REMOVE ADS]

Ralph Terrana
MODERATOR

Welcome to Soulful Detroit! Kindly Consider Turning Off Your Ad BlockingX
Soulful Detroit is a free service that relies on revenue from ad display [regrettably] and donations. We notice that you are using an ad-blocking program that prevents us from earning revenue during your visit.
Ads are REMOVED for Members who donate to Soulful Detroit. [You must be logged in for ads to disappear]
DONATE HERE »
And have Ads removed.