Russell Thompkins, Jr. and The Manhattans

The Manhattans were formed in 1962 with members George "Smitty" Smith, Edward "Sonny" Bivins, Winfred "Blue" Lovett, Kenny "Wally" Kelley, and Richard "Ricky" Taylor. In 1964 the group released their first single entitled “For the Very First Time,” by Carnival Records. By 1968 the group received “Most Promising Group” award by NATRA and the following year they signed with De Luxe Record Label. Unfortunately George Smith became unable to perform forcing the group to look for a new lead vocalist, eventually settling on Gerald Alston. Throughout the 1970s the group continued to record and release new music. Their song “Kiss and Say Goodbye” became their second single to go platinum in 1976. Shortly after, Taylor left the group and they continued on as a quintet.

The group celebrated their 20th anniversary making music together in 1985 and released “Too Hot To Stop It,” and was dedicated to George Smith. During the early 90s the group had some disagreements resulting in two separate groups named The Manhattans. One version features Original Founding Member Bivins, Hardy, Hemphill, Pazant & Williams, and the other version included Original member Blue Lovett and Gerald Alston,Troy May and David Tyson. If you spot them on tour, be sure to grab a ticket.