Soul Brothers Six
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Headquarters | Rochester, New York , United States |
| Products | Rhythm and blues music |
The Soul Brothers Six were a U.S. rhythm and blues ensemble originating from Rochester, New York during the mid-1960s. Their most recognized work includes the track "Some Kind of Wonderful," which later gained widespread acclaim through Grand Funk Railroad, as well as "I'll Be Loving You," a significant song within the 1970s Northern soul movement in the United Kingdom.
History
Originally named the Soul Brothers Five, the group consisted of siblings Sam, Charles, Moses, Harry, and Gene Armstrong. Shortly after, vocalist John Ellison became part of the band, leading to a change in their name. This configuration released two singles in 1965: "Stop Hurting Me" and "I Don't Want to Cry." Subsequently, Harry and Gene Armstrong departed and were succeeded by Vonn Elle Benjamin and Lester Peleman.
Following this, the lineup issued the single "Don't Neglect Your Baby." Afterward, Sam Armstrong left and was replaced by Joe Johnson. The band secured a contract with Atlantic Records through an introduction to Jerry Wexler facilitated by a Philadelphia disc jockey. Their release "Some Kind of Wonderful" peaked at number 91 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite this success, later singles failed to chart, resulting in their departure from Atlantic.
Afterward, Charles Armstrong, Harry Armstrong, Vonn Elle Benjamin, and Lester Peleman exited the group. They were replaced by James Swails Jr, Charles Pevy, and Eddie Reno. This ensemble produced four singles under the name John Ellison and the Soul Brothers Six throughout the 1970s before eventually disbanding.
John Ellison pursued a solo career, releasing two albums: Welcome Back in 1993 and Missing You in 2000.
Discography
| Year | Single | US Pop |
|---|---|---|
| 1965 | "Stop Hurting Me" | — |
| "I Don't Want to Cry" | — | |
| 1966 | "Don't Neglect Your Baby" | — |
| 1967 | "You Better Check Yourself" | — |
| "Some Kind of Wonderful" / "I'll Be Loving You" | 91 | |
| "What Can You Do When You Ain't Got Nobody" | 107 | |
| 1968 | "Your Love Is Such a Wonderful Love" | — |
| 1969 | "Drive" | — |
| "Thank You Baby for Loving Me" | — | |
| 1972 | "Funky Funky Way of Makin Love" / "Let Me Be the One" | — |
| 1973 | "You Gotta Come a Little Closer" / "You're My World" | — |
| "Lost the Will to Live" | — | |
| 1976 | "Can You Feel the Vibrations" | — |
| "—" signifies releases that did not chart or were unavailable in that market. | ||