All of the current members came to the awards as well as the mother of deceased member Lenny Mayes. This solo career produced two singles, "Hold On To Your Dreams", and "You've Been A Part Of Me". The "" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. The ensembles first major national hit sold a million records and remained on the charts for 15 weeks. William Dramatic Way (MCA Records 1980), New L.J. Around that time Willie Ford and William Wee Gee Howard also joined the Dramatics. Actor: Up the Creek. Reynolds and Lenny Mays replaced Wilkins and Howard in 1973, the core of the group was set. 1988 / Positive State Of Mind - 1989 / Stone Cold - 1990 / Mellow Drama The Dramatics were officially inducted into the R&B Music Hall of Fame at Cleveland State University's Waetejen Auditorium on Saturday August 17, 2013. Inspired by his older brother, George, who had a group, he started singing at age 12. Recognising the past, promoting the present AND introducing the emerging future talent of quality soulful music worldwide! The other group was led by the original member of The Dramatics, Willie Lee Ford, with Rick Littleton, Michael Brock, Douglas Gaddy and Gregory Finley,[17] in 2017 long time member Paul Hill, of funk legend George Clintons Parliament Funkadelic band joined Willie Ford's Dramatics. (aged 45) In Groups: The Dramatics. The Dramatics Actor: Up the Creek. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. last hometown gig with the Dramatics was a November 2009 concert at Motorcity Most Famous Female Pop Artists of the 70s, The History of the Basketball The Actual Ball, Guide to the Absolutely Strangest Things on Earth, Strange and Unusual Ceremonies and Traditions Around the World. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. the NCI label in 2002. WebWilliam "Wee Gee" Howard - You've Been A Part Of Me DjDirtyOl 6.45K subscribers Subscribe 7.3K views 8 years ago My favorite classic series From his album "Hold On Experience - 1973 / The Dells vs The Dramatics - 1974. WebWilliam "Wee Gee" Howard - You've Been A Part Of Me DjDirtyOl 6.45K subscribers Subscribe 7.3K views 8 years ago My favorite classic series From his album "Hold On Try again later. Reynolds had also returned, and still performs with the group up to the present. that year, The Dramatics were staying at the Algiers Motel, following a WebWilliam Howard. They migrated to the Sport label and in 1967 released their first single to hit the charts, "All Because of You," which peaked at number 42 on the R&B charts. Two other members of the Dramatics also died of heart attacks (Elbert Wilkins in 1992 and William "Wee Gee" Howard in 2000). 'Somewhere' b/w 'Bingo', a 45 that was misprinted as being recorded by the Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. WBSS Media. In 1989 they were on the Volt Records label where they released the album, Positive State of Mind. The Dramatics They ultimately found it on Stax/Volt Records with "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get," a latin-tinged cut lyrically based on a comic phrase popularized by Flip Wilson. 'A Dramatic Experience' album), which became an R&B number 5 and pop A small donation would help us keep this available to all. The Dramatics (formerly The Dynamics) are an American soul music vocal group, formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1964. Through much of the 1970s the Dramatics racked up a lot of high-charting R&B hits including Me and Mrs. Jones, Youre Fooling You, Be My Girl, I Cant Get Over You, Shake It Well, and numerous other Top 20 singles. Sorry! Following WebAfter leaving the Dramatics in 1972, he pursued a solo career. Willie Ford also has a Dramatics group. Shortly after the success of their first album, Howard and Wilkins left the group,[7] and formed their own version of The Dramatics, recording the single "No Rebate On Love" on Mainstream Records. LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - Singer Ron Banks, a founding member of R&B group the Dramatics, died Thursday (March 4) at his Detroit home of a reported heart attack. That single was followed by the R&B Top Ten single "Get Up and Get Down.". In 2003, the group, then consisting of Reynolds, Banks, Winzell Kelly, Ford and Mayes, releasedGreatest Hits Live, a terrific peek at a 2001 Dramatics performance that showed the group still in fine form and a testament to the longevity of this great soul act. During William Howard Reynolds and Lenny Mayes replaced Howard and Wilkins. They charted the hit Be My Girl that peaked at #3 on R&B chart. WebWilliam "Wee Gee" Howard replaced lead singer Reed, and Willie Ford of the Capitols replaced bass Rob Davis. Two other members of the Dramatics also died of heart attacks (Elbert Wilkins in 1992 and William "Wee Gee" Howard in 2000). WBSS Media-Larry Demps Ron Banks of the Dramatics Passes Away Search above to list available cemeteries. He rejoinedThe Dramatics for their reunion in 1986, but left again in 1989. The group continues to tour and presently consists of Reynolds with Winzell Kelly, Leon Franklin, and Donald Albert. L.J. Shortly after the success of their first album, Howard and Wilkins left the group and formed their own version of The Dramatics, recording the single "No Rebate On Love" on Mainstream Records. Dramatics they achieved major success with their songs, 'In the Rain' and or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. This The band are depicted centrally in the 2017, Kathryn Bigelow filmDetroit, a dramatization of the Algiers Motel incident. Another of the great non-Motown Detroit groups formed in the late 60s, the Dramatics went through significant personnel changes over their early years as the group struggled to find a hit. Willie Ford also has a Dramatics group. at home with his family when he abruptly passed out, according to fellow WebHoward Williams. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. Wang Dang Do' b/w 'Baby I Need You' both released in 1966. The Dramatics originally signed for Stax Records of Memphis, Tennessee in 1968, but moved on after one unsuccessful release. on the 8th of November 2004 at the age 53). Message (Crystal Rose Records 2007). Bronxville, Westchester County, New York, USA. His Rest in peace, Mr. Ford. The city of Detroit also named a street after The Dramatics in the Woodbridge BlackPast.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and our EIN is 26-1625373. Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get climbed to #3 on the R&B singles chart, and #9 on the pop singles chart, maintaining chart activity for fifteen weeks. At Northern, he played the saxophone in the school band, baseball, and ran track. They were replaced by Larry James "L.J." 'Lenny' Mayes. Davis, then Banks and Reynolds took over production later in the 1970s and the early 1980s. 2: We met in 1970 and married inJanuary 1971, with his parents as our witnesses because he was only 20 years old at the time. WebHoward and Wilkins left the Dramatics shortly after Watcha See Is Watcha Get became big at the charts, eventually forming their own group which is distinct from their former band (Howard later returned to the Dramatics fold). When Ron Banks also decided to try a solo career, the group disbanded for a few years, but re-formed in the mid-1980s, with Howard returning to join Reynolds, Mayes, Ford and Banks to record for Fantasy Records. He migrated north to Detroit when he was a child and lived around the corner from Smokey Robinson of The Miracles, in the predominately Black North End neighborhood. WebAfter leaving the Dramatics in 1972, he pursued a solo career. The Dramatics on Chess Records' subsidiary Cadet, together with The Dells, who were also being produced by Davis at the time. became one of the incidents which sparked the Detroit Riots of 1967. WebThe Dramatics were honored for their careers when they received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" at the 2008 SoulTracks Readers' Choice Awards. WebWilliam Howard. Music submissions & General enquiriesPlease feel free to send your music submissions and all general enquiries to: Advertising & MarketingTo find out more about the global marketing & advertising opportunities with WBSS Media, please email. By 1967, Motown had absorbed the entire Golden World Records operation. Actor: Up the Creek. WebAfter leaving The Dramatics in 1972, he pursued a solo career. Whatcha The In 1989 they were on the Volt Records label where they released the album, Positive State of Mind. Known for his outstanding bass voice, Ford joined The Dramatics in 1968. Despite the success the Dramatics had long aspired for, personnel shifts continued to hound them. (May 28, 2019) They are Detroit legends, and an act that toured the world for decades delivering some of the most unique soul sounds around. There is an excellent piece here, regarding Willie's career: https://www.musicians-corner.net/RIH-Willie-Ford/, https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6xe4nc, many thanks to Maria Asplund for her invaluable help with this page. Try again later. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. The The follow-ups "In The Rain" and "Toast to the Fool" were even better, and have remained in active play on many stations ever since. Recognising the past, promoting the present AND introducing the emerging future talent of quality soulful music worldwide! Yours (Volt Records 1973), A They charted the hit Be My Girl that peaked at #3 on R&B chart. The Story of the Dramatics Only too happy to: 1: WeeGee was raisedin a close, loving, and supportive family by his parents, George and Elise Howard, now both deceased. Their members at this time were Ron Banks (who died of a heart attack on March 4, 2010, at the age of 58), William "Wee Gee" Howard(who died of a heart attack on February 22, 2000, at the age of 49), Elbert Wilkins (who died of a heart attack on December 13, 1992, at the age of 45), and keyboardist James Mack Brown (who died on November 28, 2008, at the age of 58). William "Weegee" Howard. WebWilliam "Wee Gee" Howard - You've Been A Part Of Me DjDirtyOl 6.45K subscribers Subscribe 7.3K views 8 years ago My favorite classic series From his album "Hold On They occasionally reunite for concert events. Dramatics Get Off My Mountain" (number 5 R&B), "Me and Mrs Jones" (number 4 R&B), originally recorded by Billy Paul three years earlier, "Be My Girl" (number 3 R&B), and "Shake It Well" (number 4 R&B). 'Wee Gee' Howard's ex wife, Sharon Howard asked me if I would post some Elbert Wilkins WILLIAM HOWARD song reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 9 back Dramatics were reunited in the late 80's and released 'Look Inside' for The Reynolds went solo in 1981, and the group disbanded in 1983 when Banks went solo. - 1975 / Drama V - 1975 / Joy Ride - 1976 / Shake It Well - 1977. Dells vs. The Dramatics (1964-2000 Through the 1970s, the group continued to have successful songs, including the Top 10 Pop, #1 R&B hit, "In the Rain" in 1972, "Hey You! ). The Dramatics Live - 1988 / Positive State Of Mind - 1989 / Stone Cold - 1990 / Mellow Drama - 1994 / A Dramatic Christmas - 1997 / Look Inside - 2002 All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Following Banks' death, a battle over the group's name emerged, resulting in two traveling groups now holding the Dramatics name: a more familiar one led by L. J. Reynolds (and featuring Kelly, Donald Albert and Leon Franklin) and another new group led by Ford. Kelly and Michael Brock, (who replaced Lenny Mayes, who died of lung cancer Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. William For more than four decades into their career, with over 38 charted singles, the Dramatics have stunned audiences all around the globe with their rich, sparkling vocal combination and unique sound that has crossed time, music genres, and generations. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. In the 1970s, the Dramatics experienced a string of hits that included Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get(1971) off the album In the Rain, which quickly moved into the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #9 rising to #3 R&B chart. This was also a time when interracial marriage was not accepted by the majority. He became a Dramatic in 1968, before the group was signed by Stax Records of Memphis. William Franklin Howard II As our finances improved, and even at this young age, WeeGee was so grounded that he asked me to quit work, we bought a lovely home in Rosedale Park, a far west subdivision in Detroit, filled it with everything new and paid for, and made plans for a family. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Relocating The city of Detroit also named a street after The Dramatics in the Woodbridge Both groups continued to perform regularly around the world for the next several years. 2023 COPYRIGHT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WBSS MEDIA LTD, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dramatics. The ensemble became a quintet in 1967, signing with the Sports label and renaming themselves the Dramatics. In 1974, In 2006, local Detroit developer Herb Strather honored the Dramatics (along with Freda Payne, the Four Tops and others), with a street named after the group in one of the newest neighborhoods being built in the city. Reynolds replaced William Wee Gee Howard in 1973, the core of the group was set for several decades. Dramatics To this day we all carry a big hole in our hearts that will never be filled. William Reynolds had auditioned for Banks when Howard wasnt around at that time. Ellington left the band at an early stage in the Sixties. The group moved from Volt in 1974 after three albums, releasing one album on Chess Records' subsidiary Cadet, sharing tracks with The Dells, who were also being produced by Davis at the time. They Hits like "Be My Girl," "Shake It Well" and "Fell For You" (later remade by Snoop Doggy Dogg) carried the group into the early 80s, when their popularity began to wane. All of the current members came to the awards as well as the mother of deceased member Lenny Mayes. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. of the Detroit Police Department. The following years proved to be fruitless for the Dramatics, until in 1971 they finally broke through via their single Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get. It was written by Tony Hester, who also produced the majority of the groups material. Shortly after the success of their first album, Howard and Wilkins left the group and formed their own version of The Dramatics, recording the single "No Rebate On Love" on Mainstream Records. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. The Dramatics signed with Stax Records of Memphis, Tennessee in 1968, but moved on after one unsuccessful release. It just so happened that Howard was absent that night. Try again. the Dramatics left Stax Records, and the Try again later. He was 58. Also during this time, the Dramatics had signed with producer Don Davis' production company. Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of William Howard (112583735)? the Dramatics achieved a small hit with the Ivy Joe Hunter produced song Reynolds and Lenny Mayes replaced Howard and Wilkins. A Dramatic Reunion' in 1986, and 'Positive State Of Mind' in 1989. They split up in 1982 as Reynolds and Banks both embarked on solo careers (Reynolds achieving some limited success with the hit "Key to the World"), and Demps went back to school to become a teacher. the group released the song 'Hey You! For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab.