Velours

Artist Biography by Bryan Thomas The Velours were originally from the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn and although they never scored any major chart hits, they are fondly remembered for their variety of vocal group romantic ballads, novelty numbers, and up-tempo jump and rockin' songs. Original members tenor Jerome "Speedo" Ramos," John Cheetom (first tenor), Donald Heywood (second tenor), Kenneth Walker (baritone), and Marvin Holland (bass) came together in the mid-'50s and began recording for the newly formed Onyx label in June of 1956. Their first single, "My Love Come Back," (1956) failed to hit. In the spring of 1957, the group issued their biggest record, a ballad called "Can I Come Over Tonight." Other singles included during the late '50s included "Blue Velvet," "This Could Be the Night," "Romeo," "Remember," and "Crazy Love." In 1957, Holland and Walker left; they were replaced by Charles Moffitt and baritone John Pearson. This new lineup carried the Velours through their Onyx days. From 1958 on to 1961, the group moved over to Cub and added either Troy Keyes or Keith Williams as an additional tenor, making them a sextet. One album was issued by the group: Remember With the Velours (Onyx 201). The Velours recorded into 1961 before disbanding, only to reform as the R&B-flavored Fantastics in 1968. This act continued into the early '70s before calling it quits.