The Falcons

The Falcons were an American rhythm and blues vocal group, some of whose members went on to be influential in soul music.

The Falcons formed in 1955 in Detroit, Michigan on the Mercury Records imprint. After personnel changes in 1956, The Falcons had hits for the Lupine Records label with the million selling "You're So Fine" (1959),^[1] and "I Found a Love" (1962). The group were recording under the production wing of Robert West, who gave the group a gospel music sound and recorded the singers on his own Flick label. ("You're So Fine" was a national hit on United Artists' Unart label after it was picked up from Flick.)

Joe Stubbs was lead singer on the hits "Just for Your Love" (1959) and "The Teacher" (1960) before Wilson Pickett replaced him in 1960. After 1963, the Fabulous Playboys took over the Falcons name. The later group comprised Carlis 'Sonny' Munro, James Gibson, Johnny Alvin, and Alton Hollowell. This group made the R&B chart in 1966, with "Standing On Guard". In 2005 Munro briefly reformed the group with Frank Garcia, Calvin Stephenson and Charnissa Stephenson.

Some members were replaced over time:

• Joe Stubbs (1957-1960)
• Eddie Floyd (1957-1963)
• Wilson Pickett (1960-1963)
• Mack Rice (1957-1963)
• Lance Finney (1957-1963)
• Robert Ward (1957-1963)
• Carlis (Sonny) Munro (1963-2008)
• Francisco (Frank) Garcia II (2005–2008)
• Calvin "Dhaak" Stephenson (2005-2008)
• Charnissa Stephenson (2006-2008)

Discography

• "You're So Fine" (Lu Pine, 1959) (#17 US Hot 100) (the hit was after United Artists picked it up and issued it on their Unart label)
• "I Found a Love" (Lu Pine, 1962) (the hit was after Atlantic picked up Lu Pine for distribution)
• "Has It Happened To You Yet"/"Lonely Nights" (Lu Pine, 1964)
• "Standing On Guard" (Big Wheel, 1966)
• "I Can't Help It" (Big Wheel, 1966)
• "In Time for the Blues" (Big Wheel, Late 1967)
• "The Falcons: Then and Now" (Independent Label, April 1995)
• "Buy Now, Pay Later" (recorded by The Falcons under the name of The Firestones for Ollie McLaughlin's Moira Records label in 1969, released on "The Detroit Gold Volume One" LP distributed by Rhino Records)
• "I Just Can't Wait" (recorded by The Falcons under the name of The Firestones for Ollie McLaughlin's Moira Records label in 1969, released on "The Detroit Gold Volume One" LP distributed by Rhino Records)
• "Gotta Make a Move" (Atkins All-Stars Records 1983)

References

1. Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins Ltd. p. 113. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.

External links

• The Falcons via soulwalking.com
• Eddie Floyd interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' July 2011