If you look up “perfection” in the Doo-Wop Dictionary, you’ll find a picture of our feature song, “Mind Over Matter” by Nolan Strong. Nolan was born in 1934 in Alabama, but is claimed by Detroit, where he grew up and developed his singing career. In 1950, Nolan and Bob “Chico” Edwards formed the doo-wop vocal group The Diablos, and became one of the most successful groups for a Detroit pre-Motown era label, Fortune Records. Some of The Diablos’ notable recordings include “The Wind” “Daddy Rockin’ Strong” Since You’re Gone” and “The Way You Dog Me Around.” But for me, their absolute best recording (though only Strong is credited on the label) is “Mind Over Matter.” Strong’s mellow tenor and soaring falsetto will have you inching towards Replay before it’s even over. The link below will give you the complete liner notes on a CD of hits by Nolan Strong and The Diablos. It goes into a lot of detail, so if you want the full meal deal, by all means have a read. But even if you don’t want to read the whole thing, do not miss scrolling all the way to the bottom where you can listen to the entire “Mind Over Matter” with excellent sound. And get your mouse ready.
http://www.lexjansen.com/fortune/diablos.htm
There now, wasn’t that just the very definition of doo-wop
perfection?!
In case you can't access it with that link, here it is on YouTube. The sound isn't great, but at least you'll be able to check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5-grS-PjGg
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2 comments:
A great group Nolan Strong and the Diablos. I bought the LP back around 1966 the little record shop in Kileen Texas did not have it in stock but ordered it direct for the label they told me. I had to wait two weeks for it but it was a great LP. The picture of the group you show on your blog was on the front cover.
I had an interview with Smokey Robinson a few years ago and he told me that Nolan Strong and the Diablos were in his top 5 favorite artists. At any rate good blog and if you like the old harmony tune in to my radio show on www.wnhu.net every Tuesday from 6pm til 8pm east coast time.
Take care,
Rockin' Richard (Phillips)
bestdjservice@aol.com
Thanks for your comments and the extra bit of history. If you still have that LP, you've got a collector's item for sure. And thanks for the info on your show. We always like to hear of more place to hear those oldies.
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