The Jarmels
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Headquarters | Richmond, Virginia , United States |
Key people | Jim Gribble (manager) |
| Products | Music singles |
The Jarmels were a rhythm and blues and doo-wop ensemble originating from Richmond, Virginia, established in 1959. They gained recognition primarily for their 1961 single, "A Little Bit of Soap".
Career
The group’s significant opportunity arose in 1960 when they encountered Ben E. King at a venue in Richmond. King extended an invitation to New York City to introduce them to several record labels, including Laurie Records. After performing an audition featuring King's well-known track "Stand By Me", they earned the distinction of becoming Laurie’s first African-American signing. The band adopted the name the Jarmels, inspired by a street located in Harlem.
Managed by Jim Gribble, who had previous experience with The Mystics and The Passions, the Jarmels released their debut single "Little Lonely One" in 1961, which achieved modest attention. Their next release, "A Little Bit of Soap", however, climbed to number 12 on the Billboard charts by June of that year. The single’s B-side included "The Way You Look Tonight", a song that had won an Academy Award and was originally introduced by Fred Astaire. Despite this success, later releases such as "Just the Way You Look Tonight" and a cover of "Red Sails in the Sunset" did not manage to chart.
Throughout the 1960s, the group remained active, including recording a version of "Come On, Girl" in 1963. Changes in membership occurred during this period, notably with the addition of Major Harris, who eventually became part of the Delfonics. The Jarmels ultimately disbanded in 1969.
Members
- Nathaniel Ruff (July 7, 1940 – April 15, 1997)
- Jesse "Paul" Burnett (July 28, 1943 – March 23, 2001)
- Ray Smith (born 1941)
- Earl Christian (February 27, 1942 – April 21, 1968)
- Thomas Eldridge (October 23, 1940 – June 19, 2000)
Singles
| Year | Song | Peak chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Pop | US R&B | ||
| 1961 | "Little Lonely One" | — | ― |
| "A Little Bit Of Soap" | 12 | 7 | |
| "I'll Follow You" | — | ― | |
| "She Loves to Dance" | — | ― | |
| 1962 | "Red Sails in the Sunset" | — | ― |
| "Little Bug" | — | ― | |
| 1963 | "Come On, Girl" | — | ― |