Many people say that THE TEMPTATIONS are the most powerful group in R&B history . While I do love the TEMPTS,I think that they rank as #2 in that category. In my opinion , the MOST POWERFUL , MOST DYNAMIC GROUP IN THE HISTORY OF R&B , BAR NONE , IS JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES !!! IN THE LATE 50'S / EARLY 60'S , THEY CREATED A PATH OF DESTRUCTION across the United States in venues , clubs, theatres and concert halls, that brought audiences to their feet, and left LITERALLY DOZENS OF GROUPS REELING IN THEIR WAKE !!! It's very hard for young people today , who have never actually seen this group , or watch them perform ,to understand what I'm talking about . YOU JUST HAD TO HAVE BEEN THERE !!! JAMES BROWN, THE LATE ,GREAT BOBBY BYRD ,JOHNNY TERRY, BOBBY BENNETT,AND LATER , LLOYD STALLWORTH , were , as their album states, PURE DYNAMITE !!! (Contrary to popular belief, The Famous Flames are a SINGING GROUP, NOT A "BAND") Unfortuntely , most original concert footage of this amazing singing & performing group is unavailable , or held in private collections , and can't be seen by the public at large . Some has recently shown up on YouTube. BUT , thank goodness, one of their MOST POWERFUL, MOST EXCITING PERFORMANCES has been captured on film , and IS available publicly .If you go to the video beat.com ,get the 1964 concert film THE T.A.M.I. SHOW ( Teen Age Music International)on DVD. You will see in that movie one of the GREATEST FILMED PERFORMANCES OF ALL TIME , AS JAMES BROWN AND THE FLAMES totally DESTROYED THE AUDIENCE, AND LEFT THE ROLLING STONES ( the shows de facto headliners ) and the other artists wondering what hit them !!! THE FAMOUS FLAMES ,with BROWN & BYRD leading, had many groundbreaking million- selling hit recordings for Cincinatti's legendary KING RECORDS in the late '50s ... starting with the legendary "PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE" IN '56... and continuing with the million-sellers "TRY ME", "I'LL GO CRAZY", "BEWILDERED", "THINK ". "LOST SOMEONE", "I DON'T MIND" ,"SHOUT AND SHIMMY", and many, many more. although THE FLAMES didn't receive label credit with JAMES , they were also featured on the million- selling album "LIVE AT THE APOLLO " (recognized by ROLLING STONE as one of the "500 GREATEST ALBUMS OF ALL TIME" , the top 10 pop album "PURE DYNAMITE" ,"JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES :LIVE AT THE GARDEN " and numerous other studio and live albums and singles .The Flames also appeared with James in the 1965 Frankie Avalon motion picture "SKI PARTY" and on television on "AMERICAN BANDSTAND" & "WHERE THE ACTION IS" both hosted by DICK CLARK , Britain's "READY STEADY GO", and two episodes of " THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW ". After 13 years ,JAMES left the FLAMES and went solo, with his band. When JAMES BROWN was inducted into the RRHOF in it's first year, 1986 , THE FAMOUS FLAMES , BOBBY BYRD, ( the group's original leader and founder, and the man who actually DISCOVERED JAMES BROWN ),JOHNNY TERRY, BOBBY BENNETT, AND LLOYD STALLWORTH were NOT inducted. THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THEIR EXCITING PERFORMANCES HAVE INFLUENCED LITERALLY SCORES OF ARTISTS AND GROUPS (NOT TO MENTION LOTS OF RAPPERS) OVER THE LAST 50 YEARS . JAMES BROWN died in Dec 2006 ,BOBBY BYRD just 9 months later in Sept.2007. "BABY LLOYD" STALLWORTH IN 2001 . As of early 2008 , according to Wikipedia JOHNNY TERRY IS THE LAST LIVING MEMBER OF THE ORIGINAL FAMOUS FLAMES . THEY'VE INFLUENCED EVERYONE FROM THE STONES,TO TINA TURNER, TO MICHAEL JACKSON. IT'S TIME THIS INCREDIBLE GROUP GOT INDUCTED.IN FACT, IT'S LONG PAST TIME .

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 02.20.08 @ 11:27am

Hey, Bill G.! Are you talking about the time when the Rolling Stones "attempted" to follow them and Mick Jagger came out trying to dance like James Brown? That was hysterical!! Great Rock history!!

Posted by Terry on Wednesday, 02.20.08 @ 18:08pm

Yes, Terry ... that's the one. THE FAMOUS FLAMES have NEVER received their due as one of the GREAT , UNSUNG , singing groups in ROCK & R&B history. Can you believe that their lead singer , JAMES BROWN , is in the RRHOF , AS IS the Rolling Stones.... but THEY'RE NOT ?

Posted by Bill G on Thursday, 02.21.08 @ 18:45pm

When I learned to play funk guitar, one of the first places I looked was Jimmy Nolen, who was followed by Catfish Collins (Bootsy's brother), then into Eddie Hazel, Sugarfoot, Nile Rodgers, Al McKay, etc...Learned to play rhythm in a hurry...lol! it opened up a whole new realm of playing and a great admiration for those players. Its fun to remember those times.

Posted by Terry on Thursday, 02.21.08 @ 19:14pm

Why weren't The Flames inducted with James Brown ? They certainly deserved to be . Anyone that has seen them perform with James in the T.A.M.I. SHOW can attest to that. They were a powerful singing group. And , they sang with James on many of his biggest hits, like PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE,TRY ME, OH BABY DON'T YOU WEEP, I'LL GO CRAZY,THINK, and many more. They sure put a royal whipping on THE STONES in that movie.

Posted by Bill G on Thursday, 11.19.09 @ 00:18am

If The FLAMES don't get in , at least the late great BOBBY BYRD should get in as a sideman. As the man who actually DISCOVERED James Brown, and co- wrote many of James' hits , as well as singing with him on many more (after The Flames disbanded) , like SEX MACHINE , SOUL POWER, MAKE IT FUNKY, GET INVOLVED, and others , as well as playing keyboards in the band ,and recording his own solo hits apart from James,like I KNOW YOU GOT SOUL, Bobby certainly deserves to make it in. But, I'd really rather see THE FAMOUS FLAMES get in as a GROUP. (By the way, The Famous Flames also appeared with Brown in the Frankie Avalon movie "SKI PARTY" in 1965).

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 11.19.09 @ 00:32am

INDUCT THE FAMOUS FLAMES!

Posted by Randy on Sunday, 01.31.10 @ 19:55pm

The situation with The Famous Flames parallel's that of The Miracles. The Hall inducted the group's lead singer, JAMES BROWN , and left his group out . Bobby Bennett, Johnny Terry, Lloyd Stallworth, and the late great Bobby Byrd should be inducted too, I agree...
INDUCT THE FAMOUS FLAMES !!!

P.S. for those of you who have never seen JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES live ...you'll finally get your chance...their incredible performance, and those of THE MIRACLES, THE SUPREMES . THE ROLLING STONES, THE BEACH BOYS, MARVIN GAYE, CHUCK BERRY ,LESLEY GORE and all of the rest will soon be available...THE T.A.M.I. SHOW is FINALLY COMING OUT ON IT'S FIRST-EVER OFFICAL DVD RELEASE OM MARCH 23RD.2010 !!!!

Posted by Bill G. on Sunday, 01.31.10 @ 21:40pm

****FLASH!!****

For those of you who don't know it yet, THE T.A.M.I SHOW, The legendary 1964 concert film , is now available on DVD !!! This film, recorded LIVE at the SANTA MONICA CIVIC AUDITORIUM, featured a virtual WHO'S WHO of Rock and Roll and R&B stars at the time , including :

The Miracles
The Beach Boys
Chuck Berry
James Brown and The Famous Flames
Marvin Gaye
Gerry & The Pacemakers
Lesley Gore
Jan and Dean
Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas
The Rolling Stones
The Supremes
The Barbarians

Dick Clark held the rights to this film for 46 years, finally giving the rights to release it this year, through SHOUT FACTORY. It is considered by many critics THE GREATEST ROCK FILM EVER MADE !!! It has been re= mastered in a new High Definition transfer and has several special features.

For those of you who were too young to have seen the show-stopping performance of THE FAMOUS FLAMES, ( James Brown,Bobby Byrd, Lloyd Stallworth, and Bobby Bennett) , The original Stones ,(with Brian Jones) The
Miracles (Smokey Robinson, Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore , Ronnie White, and Marv Tarplin on guitar)Chuck Berry, or The Beach Boys,(whose deleted performance has been finally restored ),now's your chance. YOU NEED TO GET THIS DVD !!

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 04.3.10 @ 16:11pm

*****JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES*****

"Prisoner of Love - from the legendary 1964 concert film, "THE T.A.M.I. SHOW"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eonEFwD6v_Q

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 11.24.10 @ 08:37am

****JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES*****

"Oh Baby Don't You Weep" - a 1964 hit -reached # 22 on the Billboard Pop Chart. Also appeared in their Billboard Top 10 Pop live album, "PURE DYNAMITE"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kj3IyO-dlA

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 11.24.10 @ 08:43am

*****JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES*****

1964 HIT , "Out Of Sight"- from the legendary 1964 LIVE concert film , "THE T.A.M.I SHOW"...introudectd by JAN and DEAN.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDFp8LSvij8

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 11.24.10 @ 08:47am

*****JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES*****

LIVE at the T.A.M.I.SHOW-1964 4 SONGS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2nybY647F0

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 11.24.10 @ 09:00am

*******JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES *******

1966- LIVE at The OLYMPIA THEATRE in PARIS , FRANCE- 1964

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5UIJvqF9AY

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 11.24.10 @ 09:07am

As the youngest child of the late great Bobby Byrd, you should know what my opinion is. INDUCT BOBBY BYRD AND THE FAMOUS FLAMES

Posted by Keisha Byrd on Tuesday, 02.8.11 @ 12:44pm

I agree 100%, Keisha !!! The Flames should have gone in with James Brown, and your father's one of the unsung pioneers of Funk.A lot of the credit that usually goes to James Brown should have also gone to your Dad , especially since he co-wrote many of the hits, played on most of them, and actually discovered James !!!

Posted by Bill G. on Tuesday, 02.8.11 @ 19:58pm

Please induct the Famous Flames while Bobby Bennett is still alive, they deserve it.

Posted by Randy on Tuesday, 03.29.11 @ 00:11am

The Famous Flames:
Bobby J. Bennett
Loyd Stalworth
the Late Bobby Byrd
should be installed into the Hall of Fame for their music and performance. They were a fantastic attribute to the James Brown Show. Bobby Bennett was more than a great singer and dancer he was a comedian, choreographer for the group, and wrote and help arrange songs for the group. The late Bobby Byrd wrote many songs and arranged them alone, he was also a great singer. Lloyd Stalworth was a great singer and dance and also help arrange the background sounds. Musician such as these should never be left out of histor of music. They desirved to be in the Hall of Fame with the other Great Ones so that their talent should never be forgotten and their legion can live on in the History of Music.

Posted by sandra bennett on Thursday, 04.7.11 @ 17:58pm

Sandra...Bill . here . I've been looking for a relative of Bobby Bennett for some time. I need your help to compile info on The Famous Flames. I pushed for, and got a site for them here on Future Rock Legends, and also created a site for them on Wikipedia.

Any info on the group that you can give would be greatly appreciated. Please let me know if you are a relative. Is Bobby still alive ? How about Johnny Terry? I'm trying to create a separate page on him, Lloyd Stallworth, and Johnny Terry in Wikipedia under the heading : "The Famous Flames members". Wikipedia sites for James Brown, and Bobby Byrd already exist....but I need info on the rest of the Flames ,as well. Please contact me as soon as you can through this site.

With the long-awaited DVD release of The T.A.M.I Show last year, EVERYONE is FINALLY REMEMBERING that the FAMOUS FLAMES were NOT JAMES BROWN'S BAND, but a SINGING GROUP...and one of the ALL TIME GREATS...They sure put a royal whipping on THE ROLLING STONES in that movie. Today , everyone talks about JAMES BROWN and THE ROLLING STONES....but they never talk about the FAMOUS FLAMES...but now, that is FINALLY beginning to change ...And you'd BETTER BELIEVE the STONES will NEVER FORGET WHO THEY ARE. Please reply.

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 04.7.11 @ 20:37pm

I still can't believe that they inducted JAMES BROWN ALONE..... and left the Flames out. 45 R&B hits sould have GUARANTEED them a slot . James didn't record all those hits by himself. This is the same display of POLITICS and STUPIDITY that has kept THE MIRACLES out...while Smokey was inducted ALONE !!!

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 04.7.11 @ 20:41pm

My father lived in Harlem before he went into the military. I'm curious to know if this Bobby Bennett from The Famous Flames is my father. Please email at Bobby.Benedict8@gmail.com if you have any information about him. Thank you.

Posted by Bobby Bennett, II on Tuesday, 05.31.11 @ 23:50pm

Nah, James Brown is enough.

Posted by GFW on Saturday, 06.4.11 @ 09:11am

Without The Famous Flames, there wouldn't have ever even BEEN a James Brown.

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 06.4.11 @ 20:51pm

Induct them as sidemen though. But they shouldn't get in at the expense of someone more deserviing COUGHkraftwerkCOUGH

Posted by GFW on Sunday, 06.5.11 @ 08:22am

Get the DVD of the 1964 concert film, The T.A.M.I. Show , then watch the explosive performance of James Brown & The Famous Flames (called by music critics the single greatest Rock and Roll performance EVER captured on film)..then come back and tell me that they're not deserving.http://www.amazon.com/T-M-I-Show-Collectors/dp/B0030ATZIA/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1307281140&sr=1-1

Posted by Bill G. on Sunday, 06.5.11 @ 09:45am

Remove James Brwon from that. Then tell me they deserve in on their own.

Posted by GFW on Sunday, 06.5.11 @ 10:38am

....yep.

Posted by Bill G. on Sunday, 06.5.11 @ 15:16pm

James Brown began his career as a member of THE FAMOUS FLAMES.... not as a solo artist...even as SM0KEY ROBINSON began his career as a member of The MIRACLES.

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 06.22.11 @ 18:25pm

*** TO FUTURE ROCK LEGENDS ***
Please contact Sandra Bennett (a relative of Bobby Bennett) and send her my post of Thursday, 04.7.11 @ 20:37pm. Tell her that I'm trying to compile additional info on Bobby for The Famous Flames site on Wikipedia. Thanks, Bill G.

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 06.23.11 @ 13:47pm

***The FAMOUS FLAMES -from WIKIPEDIA***

"The longest-lasting Famous Flames lineup consisted of Byrd, Bobby Bennett, and "Baby Lloyd" Stallworth. This lineup lasted a full 10 years, from 1958 to 1968, with original member Johnny Terry coming in and out of the group during this period as a substitute and occasional 4th member. When James Brown became one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's first inductees in 1986, The Famous Flames were not inducted. With the deaths of James Brown in 2006 and Bobby Byrd in 2007 (Stallworth died in 2001), Johnny Terry and Bobby Bennett are the last living members of the original Famous Flames.

Posted by Bill G.b on Tuesday, 08.16.11 @ 13:26pm

My YouTube channel is the number one James Brown channel on the entire internet:

http://www.youtube.com/IkeDyson71


Check it out!

Posted by IkeDyson71 on Sunday, 09.18.11 @ 11:23am

http://redkelly2.blogspot.com/2007/09/bobby-byrd-keep-on-doin-what-youre-doin.html

James Brown began his career as a member of THE FAMOUS FLAMES, not as a solo artist. The Flames were actually Bobby Byrd's group, and he recruited Brown as a member.His family actually sponsored Brown's release from prison.The group's name was "The Famous Flames" Brown's name was not put out front until later. Brown later took over leadership of the group. James Brown had 45 R&B hits with The Flames.Without The Famous Flames, the world may have never even HEARD of James Brown.

Posted by Bill G. on Sunday, 01.1.12 @ 15:32pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujwknJYrEm4

****THE TAMI SHOW (1964)****

JAMES BROWN,BOBBY BYRD,BOBBY BENNETT, LLOYD STALLWORTH.

James Brown & The Famous Flames' show-stealing performance at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on "The T.A.M.I. (Teen Age Music International) Show.

Posted by Bill G. on Monday, 01.2.12 @ 05:48am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_xBT_xavzM

*****SKI PARTY (1965)*****

JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES (Bobby Byrd,Bobby Bennett and Lloyd Stallworth) do a cameo on the Frankie Avalon motion picture "SKI PARTY"

Posted by Bill G. on Tuesday, 01.3.12 @ 02:43am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZo954DwLhA


***SKI PARTY***

---The ORIGINAL MOVIE TRAILER (1965)---

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 01.4.12 @ 12:58pm

It is not true that Johnny Terry is the last living Famous Flames. Bobby Bennett in not only the last living Famous Flames, he is the Famous Flames that performed with James Brown the longest. Every Since 1957-1969 and off and on after that. Bobby Bennett was the first tenor of the and main Choreographer. He is still alive and resides in Clinton, Maryland with his wife and three children and two grandchildren. As great as he was a performer he is a family man. All of the Famous Flames should be in the ROCK in ROLL HALL OF FAME. They were a great team those three performer, Bobby Bennett, Bobby Byrd, and Lloyd Stallworth. I can not see how they were passed over it was almost as though they just fall off the face of the earth. Their music and performance was impeccable James Brown would not have it any other way. James Brown with the Famous Flames made the whole show. All of them were famous in the 50s and 60s how can we as music lover forget any part of the performance. It took all four guys to creat such a performance as James Brown and the Famous Flames. Many performers today try their best to reproduce their sound as well as their choreography. James Brown was a great performer, however, the Famous Flames were just as great. No one could top them then and one can top them now. Yes Bobby Bennett still lives.

Posted by sandra bennett on Thursday, 01.19.12 @ 19:45pm

The Midnighters and The Famous Flames were not sidemen either. Both Hank Ballard and James Brown started their careers as members of their respective groups. Neither group started with their lead singer's names in front of the group. Those groups'ORIGINAL names were The Midnighters and The Famous Flames. PERIOD. James Brown and Hank Ballard weren't EVEN the original lead singers of the groups. Bobby Byrd and Henry Booth were.

Posted by Bill G. on Tuesday, 02.7.12 @ 01:08am

****CONGRATS TO THE MIGHTY FAMOUS FLAMES !!!****

FINALLY IN THE HALL ALONGSIDE JAMES BROWN !!!

KEISHA BYRD AND SANDRA BENNETT !!! DID YOU GUYS GET THE NEWS ???

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 02.9.12 @ 16:16pm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicki_Anderson

Will BOBBY BENNETT BE ABLE TO COME TO THE CEREMONY TO ACCEPT ? HOW ABOUT BOBBY BYRD'S WIDOW, VICKI ANDERSON. IS JOHNNY TERRY STILL ALIVE ?

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 02.9.12 @ 16:32pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_xBT_xavzM


****JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES****

BOBBY BYRD, BOBBY BENNETT and LLOYD STALLWORTH in The American International Pictures film "SKI PARTY" (1965)

GETTING INDUCTED MAKES THEM WANT TO DANCE !!! CAN I GET AN " OOOOOWWW!!!"

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 02.9.12 @ 16:38pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujwknJYrEm4

****THE TAMI SHOW (1964)****

JAMES BROWN,BOBBY BYRD,BOBBY BENNETT, LLOYD STALLWORTH.

James Brown & The Famous Flames' show-stealing performance at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on "The T.A.M.I. (Teen Age Music International) Show.

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 02.9.12 @ 16:39pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5UIJvqF9AY


JAN and DEAN:

"WHERE ARE THE FLAMES ?" "THE FLAMES are RIGHT HERE...IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME !!!"

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 02.9.12 @ 16:43pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kj3IyO-dlA

JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES

"OH BABY DON'T YOU WEEP" #23 ON THE BILLBOARD POP CHARTS IN 1964

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 02.9.12 @ 17:07pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh0GQdl82pQ

***PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE (1956)***

The first MILLION-SELLER for JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 02.9.12 @ 17:16pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLgQx5sC5nc

***LIVE AT THE APOLLO,1962***

The MILLION-SELLING LIVE ALBUM that launched the career of JAMES BROWN and THE FAMOUS FLAMES...IN IT'S ENTIRETY ON YouTube !!!

Live at the Apollo is a live album by James Brown and The Famous Flames, recorded at the Apollo Theater in Harlem and released in 1962. In 2003, the album was ranked number 24 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. In 2004, it was one of 50 recordings chosen that year by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry.

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 02.9.12 @ 17:22pm

About The Famous Flames, GFW wrote:

"Remove James Brown from that. Then tell me they deserve in on their own".

Posted by GFW

"....yep".

Posted by Bill G.

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 02.9.12 @ 17:28pm

http://rockhall.com/inductees/the-famous-flames/bio/

This confirms what I've been telling people all along about The Famous Flames...that James Brown started out simply as another member of the group...no matter WHAT he became later.

From The Famous Flames'Rock Hall Induction bio page:


The Famous Flames served as James Brown’s backup singers from their formation in 1953 until they disbanded in 1968. One of the Famous Flames, Bobby Byrd, remained with Brown through1973, essentially serving as Brown’s right-hand man for 20 years. Brown’s years with the Famous Flames represent his greatest period of impact as a driving force in soul music and as a live performer. The Famous Flames not only sang but also were part of the stage choreography that made Brown’s shows so spectacular. Although James Brown was the undisputed leader, the Famous Flames – not to mention all the instrumentalists in Brown’s band – played a significant role in his success. In fact, Brown himself was initially just one of the Flames before he busted out to become the Godfather of Soul.

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 02.9.12 @ 21:30pm

My only issue with the Flames is that they're the backing vocal group, essentially, right? Then why are they credited on so many songs without backing vocals, like I Got You, Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, Cold Sweat, It's A Man's Man's Man's World, etc. Did they also play instruments? Still, since they were the ones helping him shape his sound in the beginning, I'll take 'em.

Posted by Philip on Friday, 02.10.12 @ 23:17pm

Yes, The Flames did play instruments. They were also songwriters.They occasionally played instruments on stage, like Bobby Byrd played keyboards on the million-selling "Lost Someone". The writers on that song are credited as "Brown (James), Stallworth (Lloyd) and Byrd (Bobby). Also, each member of the Flames , Bobby Byrd, Bobby Bennett, and Lloyd Stallworth, also recorded separately, and had solo spots on the live show.Then ,as part of headline act, they came together to sing with James.

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 02.11.12 @ 02:50am

Despite this , THE FLAMES were NOT considered part of THE JAMES BROWN BAND. This has been a common fallacy that has existed for over 50 years.James and The Flames were the HEADLINERS and STARS of their show. The band was just..."the band".(Fred Wesley,Maceo Parker,Clyde Stubblefield, Jabo Starks, Sinclair Pinckney, etc, etc.

THE MOST FAMOUS LIVE ALBUM INTRO IN HISTORY:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLgQx5sC5nc

from WIKIPEDIA:

LIVE AT THE APOLLO is a live album by James Brown and The Famous Flames, recorded at the Apollo Theater in Harlem and released in 1963. In 2003, the album was ranked number 24 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.[1] In 2004, it was one of 50 recordings chosen that year by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry.

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 02.11.12 @ 03:18am

Congratulations to the Famous Flames, this is long overdue.

Bill G. - can you tell me the names of any of the Famous Flames instrumentalists? I was always told that Louis Madison (Hammond B3) and C.A. Carr (Sax) were members of the Famous Flames, but I do not see their names in the induction information I have read so far. I played Bass more than a few times with them at a club in Oakland, CA - Eli's Mile High Club.

After James Brown was released from prison in the late 80's, early 90's, he came to the club. He was looking to get as many original Flames back on tour with him, and he came in on a night I happened to be sitting in on Bass. JB had a front row table and joined the band one 1 song, just for some rap in the middle. The club owner at the time, Troyce Key, was ill and JB gave him much props for trying to keep the blues alive. I still remember playing "I Feel Good" in front of the guy who made the song famous, Louis sung - it was surreal.

It would be great to get any info you or any others have on the Famous Flames instruments.

On March 2nd, there will be a Blues Jam Night at a new venue with a bunch of the Eli's regulars - unless asked, I am not advertising for the venue here. I will make sure to tell those that knew Louis and C.A. and remember that night JB came to Eli's, that the Flames made the Hall. We will be sure to do a few for The Famous Flames.

It is funny there are no instrument credits on the "Live at the Apollo" album. Could it be that Louis and C.A. were on that album?

Thanks for the information on your site - hope to hear from you.

Posted by G. G. on Tuesday, 02.28.12 @ 20:21pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujwknJYrEm4

Hi, G.G. Bill here.

Contrary to popular belief, The Famous Flames are a vocal group.They are not a band. The instrumentalists are The James Brown Band.The SINGERS are The Famous Flames. J.B.Band members, such as FRED WESLEY, MACEO PARKER,CLYDE STUBBLEFIELD,JABO STARKS, ST. CLAIR PINKNEY,LOUIS MADISON,etc. , are members The James Brown Band,not the Famous Flames. The name "The Famous Flames" applies ONLY to James Brown's VOCAL BACKING GROUP. As celebrated as The James Brown Band is, The FAMOUS FLAMES were around long before that band ever existed.
You can see the Flames performing with James at the above link. He dances across the floor, and joins The Famous Flames at center stage.

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 02.29.12 @ 02:07am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZo954DwLhA

Promo trailer for the 1965 American International motion picture SKI PARTY with JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES.

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 02.29.12 @ 02:10am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb5XpM2Tzvg

JAMES BROWN singing with THE FAMOUS FLAMES (1964) "Prisoner Of Love" from The T.A.M.I.Show.

From WIKIPEDIA:

"During the earliest phase of the Flames' career, before they had a recording contract, each member of the group played an instrument; Bobby Byrd played the piano, while Brown himself played drums. However, in later years The Famous Flames consisted specifically of the SINGERS who backed Brown, NOT the instrumentalists in his band".

"Although James Brown was the undisputed leader, the Famous Flames ... played a significant role in his success. In fact, Brown himself was initially just one of the Flames before he busted out to become the Godfather of Soul."

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 02.29.12 @ 02:15am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_xBT_xavzM

The only member of The Famous Flames who also doubled as a band member was the group's original leader and founder -BOBBY BYRD. Bobby formed the Flames, and recruited JAMES BROWN as a member. later, Brown was moved to the position of lead singer. Bobby sang with The Flames, and occasionally played keyboards.The other Flames were Bobby Bennett, Lloyd Stallworth, and occasionally, Johnny Terry. These are the four that are getting inducted.

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 02.29.12 @ 02:26am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY2ShgSJ7LE

***BEWILDERED***

A 1959 MILLION-SELLER by JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 02.29.12 @ 02:31am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kj3IyO-dlA

***OH BABY DON'T YOU WEEP (1964)***

A # 23 Pop Hit by James Brown & The Famous Flames

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 02.29.12 @ 02:34am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGoyy8AcJlA

***TRY ME (1958)***

The second million-seller for JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 02.29.12 @ 02:38am

Thanks for the feedback, Bill G., and for the information about the Famous Flames only being back-up singers. But, you did show Louis Madison as being a part of the JB Band, so I can see why they may have been lumped into a Famous Flames group in conversation. You have clearly explained the difference, but that does beg the question for me. Should the James Brown Band ALSO be inducted into the R&R HOF?

Posted by G.G. on Wednesday, 02.29.12 @ 16:09pm

http://www.amazon.com/Life-James-Brown-Geoff/dp/1846099587/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330551933&sr=1-4

Actually, I stand corrected , G.G. Louis Madison actually DID serve in The Famous Flames for a short while.When the Original Flames broke up after just 2 recording sessions , James was left alone. (the Flames didn't like the fact that the group's manager put his name above the group). Back THEN, believe it or not , the public WOULD NOT ACCEPT James Brown without the Famous Flames, and the group had bookings to fulfill. so, James and his manager, Ben Bart, hastily assembled a second group of Famous Flames to do those gigs. Louis Madison was one of them, as was J.W. Archer and Big Bill Hollings. This group only lasted a short time before original Flames Bobby Byrd and Johnny Terry returned, and new Flames members Lloyd Stallworth and Bobby Bennett were added . This was around 1958. These 4 men comprised the longest lasting Famous Flames lineup, lasting some 10 years, and this is the group that is being inducted.You can get further info on this by getting the book available at the above link.

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 02.29.12 @ 17:05pm

As for James Brown's BAND...Yes..as pioneers of Funk, and due to their long-standing reputation as the hottest, tightest band in Show Business, yes...they do deserve induction. But so do Motown's Funk Brothers...and so far ,the RRHOF has only inducted TWO of them as sidemen: BENNY BENJAMIN and JAMES JAMERSON, instead of inducting the entire band.(STILL waiting for EARL VAN DYKE to get in.) It's possible that some of them could and should ,get in at some point, but, they are going to have to compete with their successors ,Bootsy Collins and The J.B's. Personally ,I like the original band much better. (see LIVE AT THE APOLLO).If the RRHOF doesn't want to induct ALL of them as a GROUP, here are the members of the ORIGINAL band that, to me, have the best shot at induction as sidemen (musical excellence):

MACEO PARKER (of COURSE)

CLYDE STUBBLEFIELD and JABO STARKS (set the standards for drummers for DECADES to come)

ST CLAIR PINCKNEY (one of the longest -serving members...he and James were friends since grade school)
FRED WESLEY (who served as Musical Director for years)
NAT JONES (DITTO-co wrote many big hits with James)
MELVIN PARKER (Maceo's recently-deceased brother...James actually wanted HIM...but taking Maceo was required or Melvin wouldn't go)

JIMMY NOLEN (VERY influential guitarist...one of the all-time greats)

ALFRED ELLIS (another ex-bandleader- co-wrote the ground-breaking "COLD SWEAT")

J.C. DAVIS (the group's ORIGINAL bandleader).

LES BLUIE.

These guys were so great, THE RRHOF would be doing them a dis-service by simply not inducting them ALL.

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 02.29.12 @ 17:32pm

Oh ...and one more:

BOBBY BYRD . The man who started it all...the man who formed THE FAMOUS FLAMES ,discovered JAMES BROWN,and recruited him for HIS group, and doubled as a band member as well.Singer, master songwriter, and keyboardist,with his OWN string of solo hits, BOBBY could become a member of THE CLYDE McPHATTER CLUB and secure a SECOND INDUCTION. He's JUST THAT IMPORTANT.

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 02.29.12 @ 17:38pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLgQx5sC5nc


DESERVING SPECIAL CONSIDERATION:

BERNARD ODUM

NAT KENDRICK

FAT'S GONDER (he should be inducted just for giving the immortal introduction of JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES on the million-selling "LIVE AT THE APOLLO" !!)

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 02.29.12 @ 17:45pm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:James_Brown_Orchestra_members

I hope this clears some of the confusion

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 02.29.12 @ 17:59pm

http://www.flickr.com/pho...lva17-72157623307171424/

***JAMES BROWN and THE FAMOUS FLAMES***

Now HERE'S a RARE SHOT:

Foreground: James Brown & The Famous Flames (L to R)

Lloyd Stallworth,Bobby Byrd, Bobby Bennett,& James Brown with famed Philadelphia Disc Jockey JERRY ("The Geator") BLAVAT.

Background: members of The James Brown Band.

More proof that The Band are NOT The Flames,and The Famous Flames are NOT The Band.

Posted by Bill G. on Monday, 03.5.12 @ 11:47am

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alcue/552815231/

Sorry. bad link. Here it is again:

***JAMES BROWN and THE FAMOUS FLAMES***

Now HERE'S a RARE SHOT:

Foreground: James Brown & The Famous Flames (L to R)

Lloyd Stallworth,Bobby Byrd, Bobby Bennett,& James Brown with famed Philadelphia Disc Jockey JERRY ("The Geator") BLAVAT.

Background: members of The James Brown Band.

More proof that The Band are NOT The Famous Flames,and The Famous Flames are NOT The Band.

Posted by Bill G. on Monday, 03.5.12 @ 11:50am

As far as Famous Flames members NaFLOYD SCOTT, SYLVESTER KEELS , and NASH KNOX, I think that they were snubbed because they were only with the group a short time.They quit after only the second recording session. The Flames that were inducted were the group members who in the group the longest - 10-11 years: original members BOBBY BYRD and JOHNNY TERRY,and long serving members LLOYD STALLWORTH and BOBBY BENNETT. They also sang on the most hit records that featured The Flames.I think that the H of F made the right call with The Famous Flames that were inducted..

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 03.8.12 @ 15:50pm

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alcue/552815231/

Sorry. bad link. Here it is again:

***JAMES BROWN and THE FAMOUS FLAMES***

Now HERE'S a RARE SHOT:

Foreground: James Brown & The Famous Flames (L to R)

Lloyd Stallworth,Bobby Byrd, Bobby Bennett,& James Brown with famed Philadelphia Disc Jockey JERRY ("The Geator") BLAVAT.

Background: members of The James Brown Band.

More proof that The Band are NOT The Famous Flames,and The Famous Flames are NOT The Band.

From Wikipedia:

" During the earliest phase of the Flames' career, before they had a recording contract, each member of the group played an instrument; Bobby Byrd played the piano, while Brown himself played drums. However, in later years (aside from the brief exception of guitarist Nafloyd Scott) The Famous Flames consisted SPECIFICALLY of the SINGERS who backed Brown, NOT the instrumentalists in his band."

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 03.8.12 @ 15:57pm

According to The Famous Flames' Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bio:

"The Famous Flames served as James Brown’s backup singers from their formation in 1953 until they disbanded in 1968. One of the Famous Flames, Bobby Byrd, remained with Brown through 1973, essentially serving as Brown’s right-hand man for 20 years. Brown’s years with the Famous Flames represent his greatest period of impact as a driving force in soul music and as a live performer. The Famous Flames not only sang but also were part of the stage choreography that made Brown’s shows so spectacular. Although James Brown was the undisputed leader, the Famous Flames ... played a significant role in his success. In fact, Brown himself was initially JUST ONE OF THE FLAMES before he busted out to become the Godfather of Soul."

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 03.8.12 @ 16:00pm

***THE FAMOUS FLAMES***

JAMES BROWN became the lead singer of The Famous Flames...because BOBBY BYRD PUT HIM THERE.

Initially, both BYRD and BROWN were BOTH lead singers of the Flames.

From "Bobby Byrd" in Wikipedia:

"Bobby Byrd born Robert Howard Byrd (August 15, 1934 – September 12, 2007) was an American funk/soul/R&B/gospel musician, songwriter and record producer. He was born in Toccoa, Georgia, and is a 1998 winner of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation's prestigious Pioneer Award. He is also noted as the man who founded the famed Rhythm & Blues singing group The FAMOUS FLAMES, the vocal group with whom James Brown first became famous.

In 2012, Bobby will be inducted posthumously and retroactively with the rest of The Famous Flames into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

"Byrd and Brown met in a Georgia youth detention facility, where Brown was an inmate. Byrd's local baseball team played the prison team of which Brown was a member. It was Bobby Byrd's family that sponsored his release and took him in afterwards.

Byrd was leader and founder of a vocal group called The Avons when Brown joined in the mid 1950s. The Avons later became The Flames, then The Famous Flames, before they were repackaged with Brown as the frontman. James Brown and the Famous Flames, with Byrd as a member, recorded many hit singles, including "Please, Please, Please", "Try Me", "Think", "Bewildered", "Oh Baby, Don't You Weep", "I Don't Mind","Shout and Shimmy" ,"This Old Heart","Three Hearts In a Tangle", "I'll Never Never Let You Go.", " I'll Go Crazy", and many more.

Brown and The Flames were also known for their powerful on stage performances across the United States in venues such as the Apollo Theatre in New York, (where they recorded the million-selling Live At The Apollo album) the Regal in Chicago, and The Royal Theatre in Baltimore (where they recorded the 1964 Top 10 live album, Pure Dynamite! Live at the Royal) and on film in the 1964 concert film, The T.A.M.I. Show, where they upstaged The Rolling Stones. Byrd also appeared with Brown and the Flames in the Frankie Avalon film Ski Party (1965), Dick Clark's American Bandstand, and twice on The Ed Sullivan Show. Byrd was the only member of The Flames to remain with Brown when the group disbanded in 1968."

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 03.8.12 @ 16:07pm

***RE-DIRECTED FROM "THE MIRACLES" SITE:***

Comments directly concerning The Famous Flames:

As far as Famous Flames members NaFLOYD SCOTT, SYLVESTER KEELS , and NASH KNOX, I think that they were snubbed because they were only with the group a short time.They quit after only the second recording session. The Flames that were inducted were the group members who in the group the longest - 10-11 years: original members Bobby Byrd and Johnny Terry,and long serving members LLOYD STALLWORTH and BOBBY BENNETT. They also sang on the most hit records that featured The Flames.I think that the H of F made the right call with The Famous Flames that were inducted..


Speaking of James Brown in general, I actually like that the 6 groups added aren't listed with their frontmen. It leaves some room for the J.B.s to be considered by special committee as well.

Posted by rockstar23 on Thursday, 03.8.12 @ 02:18am

I don't see the J.B.s getting in by special committee...probably in the sidemen/musical excellence category...and only AFTER The original James Brown Band does...if ever. As far as James Brown goes, The Famous Flames are the group first identified and most identified with Brown.They represent the very beginning of his career, and are the group that first introduced James Brown to the world. The James Brown Band didn't come along until years later,and The J.B.s years after that.

Posted by Bill G. on Friday, 03.9.12 @ 03:22am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY2ShgSJ7LE

***BEWILDERED***

a 1959 Million-seller by JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES.

Posted by Bill G. on Tuesday, 03.13.12 @ 23:41pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=gGoyy8AcJlA

****TRY ME****

From 1958. Million Seller # 2

by JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES

Posted by Bill G. on Tuesday, 03.13.12 @ 23:44pm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicki_Anderson

For The Famous Flames...the only surviving members are BOBBY BENNETT and JOHNNY TERRY. James Brown, "Baby Lloyd" Stallworth, and Bobby Byrd have already passed on .Bobby Byrd's widow and former James Brown Revue Featured Vocalist VICKI ANDERSON will probably accept for her husband, the late Bobby Byrd. James Brown does not get a second induction, so no one is needed to accept for him. No word on who will accept for Famous Flame Lloyd Stallworth.

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 03.14.12 @ 17:29pm

***From Digital Dream Door***

**THE FAMOUS FLAMES**

James Brown - 1986

Though for years people believed the Famous Flames were James Brown's backing band, those instrumental giants had no official credit on record and in fact had no recognized name until they were dubbed the J.B.'s in the 70's for lack of anything else to refer to them as. The Flames in fact were the vocal group name Brown joined in the mid-50's and with his presence making them Famous, they continued to use that moniker for a dozen years. They were led by Bobby Byrd, one of the most important side figures in a major star's career, and while they featured fluctuating membership over the years, the most prominent members included Johnny Terry, Bobby Bennett and Eugene "Baby Lloyd" Stallworth. The combination of the gospel-derived harmonies of the Flames and the intense leads of brown made the group the undisputed leaders of the soul movement and the most explosive act in all of rock.

Posted by Bill G. on Friday, 03.23.12 @ 00:51am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoQKk6YYHQA

***OUT OF THE BLUE (1964)***

by JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 03.24.12 @ 04:26am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQeGbo5khK8&list=UUVuPKE-pewTV-eDZF57g3Jw&index=2&feature=plcp


****THREE HEARTS IN A TANGLE****

A Top 20 R&B Hit from 1962


by JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 03.24.12 @ 04:30am

BOBBY BENNETT, AKA FAMOUS FLAME

"This is just a few of his memories as he traveled a long life's path as a phenomenal entertainer."

Bobby Bennett is the son of Robert and Inez Bennett. He was born in Alamance Clunty, Burington, North Carolina. In 1957 Bobby graduated from Jordan Sellers High School located in Burlington, North Carolina, where he received a four year Sports Scholarship to attend A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina. His course of studies was Agriculture Studies.

While in high school his 10th, 11th, and 12th grades he san with the gospel group Harmonizing Five. Bobby traveled with them locally and to many east coast and suthern states fro maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia all the way to Florida.

During the spring of 1958, Bobby left college for summer break to work in New Jersey to earn funds fo the following school year. He then decided to he would go to New York to see his good friend J. C. Davis whose band (Bucket-Heads)was playing for James Brown and the Famous Flames at the Rocklin Place in New York City. Bobby and J. C. Davis grow up in the same neighborhood and they would do shows together while during high school.

While at the performance Bobby found out from J. C. Davis that one of the Famous Flames (Robert Gram) was leaving the show to get married and would not be returning. J. C. Davis insisted that Bobby should try out for the position because he knew that Bobby had the voice and talent to succeed. The auditions were at the Teresa Hotel in New York City. There were approximately twenty people there trying out for the position; however, Bobby got the job he was the best singer, dancer, and the best looking of them all.

When Bobby Bennett joined the Famous Flames, James Brown at that time was still considered a Famous Flame. The Famous Flames at that time were Baby Lloyd, Johnny Terry, Robert Gram; Bobby Bennett took Robert Gram's position. Bobby Byrd was not a Famous Flame at that time he had been gone from the group for many years. Consiquently, that was how James Brown manage to take charge of the hold group. The group became James Brown and the Famous Flames after the recording of "Its' A Man's World."

Bobby Bennett was taught the choreography by Johnny Terry; he already knew all the songs. Bobby Bennett was on the state in Albany, New York peforming the very next day, and then it was Buffalo, New York the next, and Rochester, New York th enext, etc. James and the Flames woarked 365 days out of the year each year, when they weren't working performing they were traveling to another job or in the studio recording. During his tour Bobby was James Brown's barbar, and hair stylist, he was James Brown's righ had man. Bobby was on call for James Brown 24/7; he even traveled with him every day. Bobby remarked, "Tat was because James found me to be an honest man and trust worthy. What was said in his presents (room) stayed there." Bobby remarked, "When they worked one-nighters they would do only one show and when they worked the theaters they would do five shows a day."

In 1960 Bobby Byrd returned to the group as a Famous Flame upon his return Johnny Terry quit the group. "Johnny Terry quit the group because he felt he was being mistreated," said Bobby. The Famous Flames at that point was Bobby Bennett, Baby Lloyd and Bobby Byrd. Bobby Bennett was first tenor, Baby Lloyd was second tenor and Bobby Byrd was baritone. This group of Flames was by far the greatest of all. They wrote songs, they wrote and arranged the Famous Flames own harmony (background material), they were thei rown choreographer and with unparalleled precision. Bobby Bennett wrote "Shout Shimmy" and assist in writing the harmony (background material) for the Flames. They had a routine for every song they performed (including James Brown's singles). With James Brown and the Famous Flames, their creativity was pheonmenal, such as the Base BAll routine which was choreographed by Bobby Bennett. And Bobby with his comedy acts ws such a profound assist tothe whole performance it was beyond belief. They were undoubtedly the best in the business and of all times. Bobby Bennett was also the comedian for Pigmeat Markham on the James Brown Show. Those Famous Flames seemed to never tire in their performances they just went on and on and on singing and dancing without stopping with such precision for two hours straight. Not even stoppin gfor intermission or to even tak a secon breath (I have to say they are great athletes in their own right). There were no flaws in their performances, and their voices were amazingly in tune with one another. You can tel lthat God put them on this earth to be great performers to enhance society with good wholesome and great entertainment for the entire world to enjoy. It is too bad it ended so soon.

James Brown and the Famous Flames received many Keys to many cities and received awards from President Johnson, and V. P. Herbert Humphry for their humanitarianism and great performances. They also performed in Selma, Alabama for Martin L. King (in a corn field) and they broke down many racial barriers across the United States.

Bobby Bennett left the Flames in December of 1968 just before Christmas. Bobby Bennett, he was the longest lasting Famous Flame of the group.
CRT

Posted by Sandra Bennett on Wednesday, 04.4.12 @ 18:07pm

Thank you for sharing this little-known history of The Famous Flames, Sandra. Congratulations to Bobby and your family on his induction into the Hall of Fame with The Famous Flames. I have many questions, as I've been trying to reach you since your last post. It is very important, as I want to add info on The Famous Flames to Wikipedia:

1)How are you related to Bobby? (wife,daughter, sister?)

2) Is Bobby going to attend the inductions next week?

3) Is he the last living inducted member of The Flames, or is Johnny Terry still alive too?

4) Any upcoming articles on The Famous Flames you can point us to? (I know that The Cleveland Plain Dealer Newspaper is interviewing surviving members of the 6 group inductees)...they've already interviewed members of the Midnighters and Miracles...has Bobby been approached for The Flames ? I know that James Brown, Bobby Byrd, and "Baby" Lloyd Stallworth are deceased...has Bobby been approached by reporters yet ?
5) Who is Robert Gram ? Was he an interim Flame ? What happened to him ? How long was he a member of the group ? There is no printed info on him.

Please reply to this site. Any info you give will be helpful, as so far , out of all of the Flames: so far, only James Brown and Bobby Byrd have articles in Wikipedia,and I'd like to write some on Bobby Bennett, Lloyd Stallworth, and Johnny Terry. But, I need more info. Please Reply. Thanks.

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 04.5.12 @ 03:57am

http://www.cleveland.com/rockhall/index.ssf/2012/04/the_famous_flames_james_brown.html

****THE FAMOUS FLAMES-2012 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES****

This is Bill G. Of all of the artists I've ever campaigned for on this site, none have been more hotly debated on, and more misunderstood than THE FAMOUS FLAMES. "Were they a singing group,or were they a "band"?" (They're a SINGING GROUP). "Were Maceo, Fred Wesley,Clyde Stubblefield, and St.Clair Pinckney members of The Famous Flames ?" (NO!!) "Well , if The Famous Flames were NOT "The Band"...and they didn't hold the cape, WHAT GOOD WERE THEY ?" "WHO WERE THEY" and "WHY DO YOU THINK THEY SHOULD BE INDUCTED" One poster even went so far as to say,"NAH...James Brown is enough" and "Remove James Brown from that.Then tell me they deserve in on their own". (I think those were your words, right,GFW ?)
Well....the debate is now over.

The Famous Flames are inducted.

And, I might add, they deserve it.You can be sure of ONE THING...
The Rolling Stones will NEVER forget who The Famous Flames are.

Because,usually, when someone cleans your clock on stage,you don't forget it.
But , it's not The Stones' fault.
Because James Brown & The Famous Flames cleaned EVERYBODYS CLOCK ON STAGE !!!

Digital Dream Door, who's usually questionable at best , correctly said this about The Famous Flames:

"Though for years people believed the Famous Flames were James Brown's BACKING BAND, those instrumental giants had no official credit on record and in fact had no recognized name until they were dubbed the J.B.'s in the 70's for lack of anything else to refer to them as. The Flames in fact were the (name of the) VOCAL GROUP Brown joined in the mid-50's and with his presence making them Famous, they continued to use that moniker for a dozen years. They were led by BOBBY BYRD, one of the most important side figures in a major star's career, and while they featured fluctuating membership over the years, the most prominent members included Johnny Terry, Bobby Bennett and Eugene "Baby Lloyd" Stallworth. The combination of the gospel-derived harmonies of the Flames and the intense leads of Brown made the group the UNDISPUTED LEADERS of the soul movement and the MOST EXPLOSIVE ACT IN ALL OF ROCK."

Truer words were never spoke.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer just released this story this morning, April 6th, 2012, in their continuing series on the 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees:

Debating who belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a pastime that's been around as long as the hall itself.
Who's better than who is in? Who influenced whom? Who did what first?
Yeah, yeah, yeah. We've heard it all before.
Well, there's no debating the Famous Flames.
For years, the singing group was excluded from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame -- not to mention overshadowed by its notorious leader, James Brown.
No more.
The Flames are being inducted this year. Yes, because they were talented and influential, but also to correct an oversight made in 1986.
That's when Brown was inducted as a member of the Rock Hall's inaugural class. Per inauguration rules, an act or performer is eligible 25 years after the release of its debut record.
One problem.
The 25-year rule in Brown's case leads back to his recordings with the Famous Flames.
"He was eligible, but as a member of the Famous Flames," says Terry Stewart, president and chief executive officer of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. "There was no legislative intent why they weren't included; somehow they just got overlooked."
The other Famous Flames -- Bobby Byrd, Bobby Bennett, Lloyd Stallworth and Johnny Terry -- are being inducted along with five other backup bands -- groups such as the Miracles, who backed Smokey Robinson, and Crickets, who backed Buddy Holly.
"We formed a special committee of people in New York and Cleveland to look into cases like the Famous Flames," says Stewart. "They were a group of singers, performers and dancers that created the complementary elements of one of the greatest stage shows of all time."
The Flames also recorded a string of stellar singles, beginning with "Please Please Please."
Recorded in Cincinnati, the song sold more than 1 million copies. It also became an R&B classic, thanks to Brown's passionate growl and the smooth vocal harmonies provided by the rest of the Flames.
"We were one unit, and we had a great chemistry," says Bennett, the sole surviving member of the Famous Flames, via phone from his home in Maryland. "Each of us did specific things on each song, and James Brown did his thing as a member of a band."
The band was founded in Georgia by Byrd in 1953.
Byrd played for a baseball team that would play the reform-school team Brown pitched for while serving a term for armed robbery. Byrd's family offered to sponsor Brown, earning him an early release -- and a spot in the earliest incarnation of the band, called the Gospel Starlighters.
"We might have been the band that discovered this thing called rock 'n' roll," says Bennett, 74. "But we all started out in gospel."
The group played the South under various names -- the Avons, the Five Royals, the Flames and, ultimately, the Famous Flames.
Then came the name change that would lead to a change in the fortunes of the band -- for better and for worse -- in the case of its longtime omission from the Rock Hall.
James Brown and the Famous Flames appeared on the label for "Please Please Please." The elevation of Brown and the relegation of the rest of the Famous Flames to backup status created dissension within the group.
"We toured all over the country, every night, 365 days a year," says Bennett. "In the beginning, we all rode around in a station wagon, with each of us taking turns doing the driving."
The mode of transportation changed as the group got bigger. So did the status. So did the dissension.
"We were drawing crowds everywhere we went," says Bennett. "Not just in America. We'd go to London or Paris and we couldn't even leave the hotel to go sightseeing because we were getting mobbed by people."
No more station wagons; the group traveled by bus. Except for Brown, that is.
"He went by Cadillac or jet," says Bennett. "It was the beginning of the separation between James Brown and the Famous Flames."
The group disbanded altogether in 1968, though Byrd continued to perform as Brown's sideman until 1973.
"James didn't want to pay us what we were due," says Bennett. "But we all remained friends and stayed in contact with one another throughout the years."
Bennett sees the induction of the rest of the Famous Flames as more than the correction of a mistake. It's a reunion.
"For years, I felt like we were all separated," says Bennett. "I feel like we're whole again."
Bennett will represent the group at the induction ceremony.
"I wish we could all be here as one group," he says. "Yes, James Brown was the most famous of the Flames, but we were all Famous Flames."

Posted by Bill G. on Friday, 04.6.12 @ 09:50am

As James Brown's ego got bigger and bigger , he separated himself from his group. Traveling separately from them, dressing differently from them , having his name put "out front." Finally , the other Flames just got tired of it , and left him . Can you blame them ?

I am a big fan of James Brown & The Famous Flames. Have been all my life (never quite liked his post Famous Flames "funk" era...my son was a big fan of THAT)

But, I am not in denial. James could be a real prima donna. Made himself look good at the expense of his group. Made sure HIS picture was on the album covers,while theirs weren't. Claimed that they couldn't sing that good , when they really could. One listen to the records proved THAT.

And, he was just fine getting inducted alone. When everybody knows he didn't get there all alone.

Finally, there is closure, and The Famous Flames are getting inducted as a GROUP.

It's just too bad that BOBBY BYRD,JOHNNY TERRY, and "BABY LLOYD" STALLWORTH won't be there to see it .

Congrats to you , Bobby Bennett, and to the families of the other inducted members.

As Bobby Byrd would say,in the song Sex Machine: "GET ON UP" to that stage , and accept on behalf of your group !!

Posted by Bill G. on Friday, 04.6.12 @ 12:25pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ajzpd-ONOdo&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PLAAE8537863E4A9C2

The last two Famous Flames, Bobby Byrd and James Brown

Posted by Bill G. on Friday, 04.6.12 @ 12:29pm

Bill G. If you would email me at the above email address I will answer you questions. I need your e-mail address to do that. I will tell you how you can get in touch with Bobby Bennett.
I think there is enough personel information about him on this site already.

Sandra

Posted by sandra bennett on Tuesday, 04.10.12 @ 18:54pm

http://rockhall.com/story-of-rock/video-series/video/7617/


****BOBBY BENNETT****

The last surviving member of the Famous Flames talks to the Rock Hall. Click on the above link:

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 04.21.12 @ 14:19pm

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/post/marylands-bobby-bennett-james-brown-backup-singer-inducted-into-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame/2012/04/16/gIQABQTHMT_blog.html?wprss=rss_entertainment

The Famous Flames-2012 Inductees

The Washington Post, 4/14/12

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 04.25.12 @ 03:37am

Please induct the Famous Flames while Bobby Bennett is still alive, they deserve it.

Posted by Randy on Tuesday, 03.29.11 @ 00:11am

Don't worry , Randy . The Famous Flames MADE IT IN !!

Posted by Bill G. on Friday, 04.27.12 @ 16:44pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujwknJYrEm4

***JAMES BROWN and THE FAMOUS FLAMES***

The 1964 show-stealing performance from

the Teen Age Music International Show

T.A.M.I.

Posted by Bill G. on Tuesday, 05.1.12 @ 01:03am

http://rockhall.com/story-of-rock/video-series/video/7617/


****BOBBY BENNETT****

The last surviving member of the Famous Flames talks to the Rock Hall. Click on the above link:

Posted by Bill G. on Tuesday, 05.8.12 @ 02:42am

Dear Bill G.

Just a note to inform you that Gorgeous George did not creat the act of the Cape for the James Brown Show it was Bobby Bennett's creation and it was created in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at a night club. They wanted to enhance the Please Please set so Bobby Bennett introduced the cape. You will have to get the name of the club from Bobby B. The first time the cape was used they used James Brown's bathrobe. It was such a big hit they started getting fancy with the robes. To answer your question about the Famous Flames they were never apart of the JBs which was the band itself. They are and will alway be seperate from the band. You must remember James Brown himself was a Famous Flame and he would never be his band.

Sandra B.

Posted by Sandra Bennett on Thursday, 05.10.12 @ 17:21pm

"
Dear Bill G.

Just a note to inform you that Gorgeous George did not create the act of the Cape for the James Brown Show it was Bobby Bennett's creation and it was created in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at a night club. They wanted to enhance the Please Please set so Bobby Bennett introduced the cape. You will have to get the name of the club from Bobby B. The first time the cape was used they used James Brown's bathrobe. It was such a big hit they started getting fancy with the robes. To answer your question about the Famous Flames they were never apart of the JBs which was the band itself. They are and will alway be seperate from the band. You must remember James Brown himself was a Famous Flame and he would never be his band.

Sandra B.

Posted by Sandra Bennett


Thank You, Sandra . You simply DON'T KNOW just how long I've trying to kill that "The Famous Flames are a BAND" lie !! Over 30 years!!

Yet, there still MORONS out there still trying to spread this lie: That MACEO, FRED WESLEY, ST. CLAIR PINCKNEY,BOOTSY COLLINS , JIMMY NOLEN,JABO STARKS,CLYDE STUBBLEFIELD, etc.etc.etc. are the Famous Flames....

NO, THEY'RE NOT !!!

Here's where we get into the "singing group" vs. "band" issue again

... And why we should STOP calling VOCAL GROUPS "BANDS"

The Famous Flames were a VOCAL GROUP or, if you will , a SINGING GROUP. and your husband, BOBBY BENNETT, was a member. so was JAMES BROWN. so was BOBBY BYRD, JOHNNY TERRY, and LLOYD STALLWORTH.

...and THEY are the ones who just got inducted into the R&R Hall Of Fame.James Brown, despite his supposed "separate status", was a member of THE FAMOUS FLAMES....just like the rest.

Those other guys I mentioned, MACEO, FRED WESLEY, ETC ...THOSE guys were "the BAND".

They were called THE JAMES BROWN BAND.... or THE J.B.'s

This is the reason that we should STOP calling the great R&B and Doo-Wop Vocal Groups "BANDS". "Bands" are people who play instruments. "Vocal Groups" as a rule , do not. calling Vocal Groups "Bands" is not accurate, and confuses the public.

Exceptions:

In some cases some members of Vocal Groups may play an instrument, such as MARV TARPLIN of THE MIRACLES...and ALONZO TUCKER of THE MIDNIGHTERS.

Thanks again, Sandra, for writing in to give us THE TRUTH about James Brown's famous "cape routine"...It's high time that credit goes where it is due...and Bobby and the other Flames deserve a LOT of it !!

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 05.10.12 @ 20:19pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoQKk6YYHQA&feature=endscreen&NR=1

"OUT OF THE BLUE" (1964)

by JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES

Posted by Bill G. on Friday, 05.11.12 @ 12:26pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=xQeGbo5khK8

***THREE HEARTS IN A TANGLE***

***(1962-Top 20 R&B)***

JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES

Posted by Bill G. on Friday, 05.11.12 @ 12:31pm

More than any other singing group, The Famous Flames have suffered from the "band" label. Since James Brown already had a "band" ,and the Flames stopped recording on records in 1964 (obviously because James wanted it that way,not because of any supposed "lack of talent" on THEIR part), people started to assume that The Flames WERE the band. Thus began a miscommunicated lie that has persisted for almost 50 years. Who knows how much sooner The Famous Flames might have been inducted had that lie not persisted ? They might have gone in with James Brown in 1986. How could The Famous Flames be a "Band" and the James Brown Orchestra be a "band" too ? NO. THE FLAMES ARE A VOCAL GROUP .(I hope I'm making my point clear here....because I don't wan't to hear this "Famous Flames are a BAND" nonsense on this site anymore).

Posted by Bill G. on Friday, 05.11.12 @ 16:25pm

http://www.cleveland.com/rockhall/index.ssf/2012/04/the_famous_flames_james_brown.html


NOT "BANDS"...and NOT "BACKING" .

When you consider the fact that James Brown actually began his career as a member of The Famous Flames (not as a solo artist), the idea of simply referring to them as "back-up singers" is ludicrous.

It makes no more sense than saying that The Miracles were "back-up singers" to Smokey Robinson.

Famous Flame Bobby Bennett, in talking to the Rock Hall in a taped interview said:

"JAMES (BROWN) was a Flame.

BOBBY BYRD was a Flame.

LLOYD STALLWORTH was a Flame.

and BOBBY BENNETT, who's STILL HERE, was a Famous Flame also".

(DITTO for JOHNNY TERRY- Bill G.)

Bobby went on to say," A lot of people didn't realize that James Brown was the SAME AS I WAS....A FLAME."

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should be commended for finally inducting The Famous Flames as a GROUP. It has been a long time coming.

But,since they have taken on the task of being entrusted with perpetuating Rock History....They have the serious responsibility of being VERY CAREFUL not to REWRITE HISTORY.

Terry Stewart, President and CEO of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum , in speaking to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, stated this about The Famous Flames:

"He (James Brown on his 1986 Induction) was eligible, but as a member of the Famous Flames," says Terry Stewart, president and chief executive officer of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. "There was no legislative intent why they weren't included; somehow they just got overlooked."

He also stated : "We formed a special committee of people in New York and Cleveland to look into cases like the Famous Flames," says Stewart. "They were a group of singers, performers and dancers that created the complementary elements of one of the greatest stage shows of all time."

Congratulations to Bobby Bennett, his wife Sandra, to singer Vicki Anderson,widow of Famous Flames founder BOBBY BYRD (RIP) and their family, and to the families of JOHNNY TERRY (RIP) and "BABY LLOYD" STALLWORTH.

The Famous Flames'contribution to Rock and R&B History will not be forgotten.

...And we'll always have their show-stopping performance on the motion picture The T.A.M.I. Show, their fun and funny segment on the Frankie Avalon motion picture "SKI PARTY" (both on DVD), and numerous European performances on YouTube , thanks to my good friend Ike Dyson, over in England, to remember them by.

Posted by Bill G. on Monday, 05.14.12 @ 14:47pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GzMQxxFICc

James Brown & The Famous Flames (Bobby Byrd, Bobby Bennett, and Lloyd Stallworth), in "SKI PARTY" (1965)

Posted by Bill G. on Monday, 05.14.12 @ 14:52pm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Famous_Flames

The Famous Flames' Wikipedia site.

Posted by Bill G. on Monday, 05.14.12 @ 19:58pm

http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/james-brown-died-today-whats-happening-w-the-biopic-spike-lee-was-attached-to-direct

5/03/2012:

SPIKE LEE has been planning a James Brown biopic for several years. He said the he has been having difficulty putting the project together. No word if THE FAMOUS FLAMES will be depicted in the film, and if so, who would play them . James Brown's family has been active participants in the project, but NO ONE has approached BOBBY BENNETT, the last surviving member of the Famous Flames, to be a consultant , or to give his input on the film. You would think that, with the group's recent RRHOF induction, Spike Lee's people would JUMP at the chance to get Bobby Bennett on board.

To leave The Famous Flames out of the movie would be an attempt to RE-WRITE HISTORY...Since James Brown himself was a member of The Famous Flames.Let's HOPE that isn't the case.

We'll just have to wait and see what happens.

Posted by Bill G. on Tuesday, 05.15.12 @ 15:18pm

http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/james-brown-died-today-whats-happening-w-the-biopic-spike-lee-was-attached-to-direct

5/03/2012:

SPIKE LEE has been planning a James Brown biopic for several years. He said the he has been having difficulty putting the project together. No word if THE FAMOUS FLAMES will be depicted in the film, and if so, who would play them . James Brown's family has been active participants in the project, but NO ONE has approached BOBBY BENNETT, the last surviving member of the Famous Flames, to be a consultant , or to give his input on the film. You would think that, with the group's recent RRHOF induction, Spike Lee's people would JUMP at the chance to get Bobby Bennett on board.

To leave The Famous Flames out of the movie would be an attempt to RE-WRITE HISTORY...Since James Brown himself was a member of The Famous Flames.Let's HOPE that isn't the case.

We'll just have to wait and see what happens.

Posted by Bill G. on Tuesday, 05.15.12 @ 15:19pm

To leave The Famous Flames out of the James Brown Bio movie would be an attempt to RE-WRITE HISTORY and , after the Smokey/Miracles fiasco, we've certainly had enough of THAT.

Besides, there are too many copies of THE T.A.M.I SHOW showing JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES in circulation for anyone to attempt something as foolish as THAT.

Posted by Bill G. on Tuesday, 05.15.12 @ 15:31pm

Bill, let me ask you this.... if they had inducted them as "James Brown And The Famous Flames" back in '86, would you support a second induction of James Brown for all his post-Flames work (and even the stuff credited to the Flames that you don't hear them on)?

Posted by Philip on Tuesday, 05.15.12 @ 16:18pm

yes.

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 05.16.12 @ 04:16am

I wish that you could have a long , honest talk with Bobby Bennett, as I recently had with his wife Sandra. If you did, you'd feel a LOT different about The Famous Flames, and their actual contribution.You'd also learn THE REAL TRUTH as to why they weren't heard on record after 1964.

Posted by Bill G on Wednesday, 05.16.12 @ 04:25am

Another thing that you may not realize, Philip, is that while King Records (and it was THEIR fault, don't blame The Flames),may have credited the group on singles that didn't feature them, The Famous Flames got TOTALLY STIFFED on albums that DID feature them. They recorded the albums just like James, but , when it came time to RELEASE those albums...only JAMES BROWN'S face graced the album covers instead of the ENTIRE GROUP ! I can cite you NUMEROUS examples of this.

Do you think THAT was right ?

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 05.16.12 @ 05:09am

Google these Album Images:

1) JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES-"Please Please Please"

2) JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES- "Try Me"

3) JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES- "Think"

4) THE UNBEATABLE JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES (16 HITS)

5) JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES Tour The USA

6) THE AMAZING JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES

7) "LIVE AT THE APOLLO" (no album photo here, but no album cover credit for The Famous Flames, either)
8) "JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES sing Christmas Songs"

9) "SHOUT and SHIMMY" JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES

10) PRISONER OF LOVE-JAMES BROWN (The Flames are on several of this album's tracks-but they got NO LABEL CREDIT...OR PHOTO.

11) EXCITEMENT- MR.DYNAMITE (AGAIN , NO COVER PHOTO OR COVER CREDIT only on the actual record label are The Flames credited.

If you see ANY of The Flames' faces on the covers..other than Brown's...let me know. (you WON'T).

....Do you think THAT'S right ?

How would YOU like to be a part of a GROUP that records an album...no make that MANY ALBUMS...and have your record label only put your group's LEAD SINGER on cover after cover...while leaving the REST of you off ??

THIS is the reason why, for YEARS ...PEOPLE THOUGHT THE FLAMES was the name of JAMES BROWN'S BAND !!! NO ONE EVER SAW THEIR FACES ON AN ALBUM COVER !!

The Famous Flames deserve EVERY bit of credit that The Rock Hall gives them....'cause they SURE WEREN'T gonna get it form ANYWHERE ELSE !!!

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 05.16.12 @ 05:39am

http://ourrockandrollhalloffame71305.yuku.com/topic/1691?page=6

****THE FAMOUS FLAMES****

Recent info on The Famous Flames from Charles Crossley's "Top Of The Charts" forum...and my reasons why I think that the last surviving Famous Flame, BOBBY BENNETT, should serve as a CONSULTANT to SPIKE LEE'S upcoming JAMES BROWN bio film.

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 05.16.12 @ 16:46pm

Hello Bill G.

You forgot Bewildered; Maybe the Last Time; You Got the Power; Night Train; Prison of Love; This Ole Heart Can't Stand No More and so so many other. If James was a fair man there is no telling what an icon they would have been. They are great but they would have been more than a supper star there are no words to express. As you see with the Famous Flames left James struggled and I do mean struggled and after Bobby Byrd it was down hill all the way even in his personel life. His music, his performance even his band he could not even hold on too was not the same as when the Famous Flames were their. He shot his self in the foot. The feeling in his music was gone and his Funk song were just so, so.

Posted by SBENNETT on Wednesday, 05.16.12 @ 18:58pm

JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES are the greatest act in the history of showbusiness!

No perfromers have ever matched the supreme abilities of James Brown and the Flames!

See for yourself! Copy and paste this weblink into your browser:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E0cpMdx1VE


See James Brown and the Flames AT THEIR VERY BEST!

Posted by IkeDyson on Thursday, 05.17.12 @ 02:56am

JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPQyI1Y61j0

MAGNIFICENT!

Posted by IkeDyson on Thursday, 05.17.12 @ 03:02am

...And another thing. The RRHOF'S decision to induct The Famous Flames as MAIN PERFORMERS was definitely THE RIGHT CALL. If things had been done CORRECTLY, they would have gone in with Brown in 1986.

Let the musicians in The James Brown Band /The JB's go in as "sidemen"...because no matter how good, that is essentially what they are....not "main performers" .

Posted by Bill G. on Sunday, 05.20.12 @ 22:43pm

Hi, Sandra.

I totally agree with you !! JAMES BROWN alone with his band was not even a TENTH as exciting on stage as JAMES BROWN and THE FAMOUS FLAMES with the band was. SINGING GROUPS are ALWAYS MORE EXCITING to watch onstage that just ONE INDIVIDUAL...even when that individual is "MR DYNAMITE".Your husband Bobby Bennett and the other Famous Flames (Bobby Byrd, Lloyd Stallworth,and Johnny Terry) deserve EVERY BIT OF CREDIT that they get...not to mention a lot of unpaid royalties !!!!

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 05.26.12 @ 08:56am

By the way, HAROLD MELVIN did the same exact thing to the other members of THE BLUE NOTES...which is why THAT group broke up...and Teddy Pendergrass went solo. I once read an article where Teddy said that he LOVED singing with the Blue Notes...and would never have left them...until HAROLD started taking all of the other members' royalties.That is the kind of thing that breaks groups up !! If you want to sing solo...then SING SOLO...but don't sing with a group...and then mess with people's money...especially your singing partners... that struggle with and perform with you night after night, year after year !!)

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 05.26.12 @ 08:56am

Hi, Sandra.

I totally agree with you !! JAMES BROWN alone with his band was not even a TENTH as exciting on stage as JAMES BROWN and THE FAMOUS FLAMES with the band was. SINGING GROUPS are ALWAYS MORE EXCITING to watch onstage that just ONE INDIVIDUAL...even when that individual is "MR DYNAMITE".Your husband Bobby Bennett and the other Famous Flames (Bobby Byrd, Lloyd Stallworth,and Johnny Terry) deserve EVERY BIT OF CREDIT that they get...not to mention a lot of unpaid royalties !!!!
(By the way, HAROLD MELVIN did the same exact thing to the other members of THE BLUE NOTES...which is why THAT group broke up...and Teddy Pendergrass went solo. I once read an article where Teddy said that he LOVED singing with the Blue Notes...and would never have left them...until HAROLD started taking all of the other members' royalties.That is the kind of thing that breaks groups up !! If you want to sing solo...then SING SOLO...but don't sing with a group...and then mess with people's money...especially your singing partners... that struggle with and perform with you night after night, year after year !!)

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 05.26.12 @ 08:57am

http://ourrockandrollhalloffame71305.yuku.com/topic/1721/THE-GREAT-VOCAL-GROUP-VS-BAND-DEBATE-WHICH-IS-WHICH

***THE GREAT "VOCAL GROUP" VS. "BAND" DEBATE....WHICH IS WHICH ??***

STOP CALLING VOCAL GROUPS "BANDS" !!!

There has been a very unfortunate trend brewing over the last 20 years or so, on the part of reporters, writers, and so-called music historians. This trend has caused much confusion on the part of the public at large, and , in some cases , has even prevented some artists from getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame !!

And , it needs to be STOPPED !!!

This is the confusing trend of calling the great R&B and Doo-Wop vocal groups "BANDS", just because their rock-oriented cousins are !! To use the term "band" to describe a vocal group confuses the public , and paints an inaccurate picture of just what the group is !! Is it a "band" ? Is it a "vocal group" ? Just WHAT IS IT ? For the casual fan or the novice , it tends to paint an inaccurate picture of just "what" the group is . And a confused person is a poorly informed one.

In the world of Rock Music, Bands have always been the norm, particularily since the time of The Beatles and other British Invasion Groups. But before that, in the late '50's to the early 1960's, White Doo-Wop vocal groups were just as plentiful as Black ones, with artists such as The Tokens, The Duprees, Jay and The Americans, The Skyliners, Dion and The Belmonts and The Dovells all finding success.
After The Beatles and their peers came, things changed , and White vocal groups slowly began to disappear in favor of self-contained Rock Bands, as American groups began to follow the lead of their British idols.

This trend,of calling vocal groups "bands" as far as I remember, started around 1975 to 1980 or so. At that time , R&B vocal groups, long a staple of the music industry, began to fall out of favor with the record-buying public, in favor of Funk-oriented Bands, Disco Bands , and other self-contained groups that played their own instruments, as opposed to vocalists having backing musicians who were not a part of the core unit , such as The Commodores, Earth, Wind, and Fire, The Ohio Players, Con Funk Shun, The Average White Band, Chic, etc. Also , The Parliaments, who actually started as a 5-man R&B Vocal Group, were later merged by their leader, George Clinton, with their backing band , Funkadelic, into one group, further confusing the public at large.

The old -school R&B music lovers, such as myself, continued to simply call them "The Parliaments", as that was the name by which they first found success. But, the younger Funk-oriented fans called them Funkedelic, or Parliament / Funkadelic, which is basically what they're known by today.

Then one day,somewhere around this time, some bonehead got the dumb idea of calling ALL groups "bands" , whether they played instruments or NOT. To me, if you don't play instruments, then YOU'RE NOT A "BAND". You're a "VOCAL GROUP", PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

Even if only ONE member of your group played an instrument, then you're STILL not a band....YOU'RE a VOCAL GROUP with one instrumental member.

The recently- inducted Famous Flames are a perfect example of a VOCAL GROUP that has been inaccurately branded as a "band" for several decades !! And , this confusion was to cost them their fame , their place in Rock and Roll History, and , for a long time , even their well- deserved spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ...an error that is only now being corrected.

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 06.2.12 @ 03:50am

WHO ARE THE FAMOUS FLAMES ??

Several years ago, on the pages of Amazon.com I placed reviews on the pages of James Brown albums. These were NOT albums recorded by James Brown as a solo artist, but rather, albums recorded by The Famous Flames as a GROUP, with Brown singing lead. In the interest of removing confusion, and restoring historical accuracy, here is the gist of what I wrote back then:

James Brown and the Famous Flames are PURE DYNAMITE and this is the GREATEST LIVE ALBUM EVER RECORDED...But I wonder ...just how many people reviewing this CD really KNOW just WHO The FAMOUS FLAMES really were? If you ,like so many other music writers and Rock historians think that the FLAMES were the name of JAMES BROWN'S BAND ...you are INCORRECT !!! Please go back and read or re- read James' autobiography...then go on the internet and obtain the movies SKI PARTY and the TAMI SHOW.Then read the liner notes on the LIVE AT THE APOLLO CD...and ALL of the POLYDOR CD re-issues of James and the Flames early albums... such as the "PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE" album,the "THINK" album and the TRY ME album...They all say the SAME THING..."THE FAMOUS FLAMES ARE NOT THE BACKUP BAND ...THEY ARE THE VOCAL GROUP" !!! ANYONE who says otherwise DOESNT KNOW THE HISTORY OF JAMES BROWN!! JAMES himself even explained this on the DAVID LETTERMAN SHOW...but many so- called rock music historians still dont get the MESSAGE !! THE FAMOUS FLAMES were: BOBBY BYRD-the group's founder, and the man who actually discovered James Brown,BOBBY BENNETT,and the late LLOYD STALLWORTH..who replaced departing original member JOHNNY TERRY...JAMES BROWNS BAND was called ...believe it or not... THE JAMES BROWN BAND !! This means that stellar players such as FRED WESLEY, MACEO PARKER,ALFRED "PEE WEE " ELLIS AND OTHERS were BAND MEMBERS...NOT FAMOUS FLAMES !!THE FAMOUS FLAMES AND THE BAND WERE TWO SEPARATE ENTITES !!the ROLLING STONE HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL was one of the few printed publications that actually GOT IT RIGHT! In showing a picture of the JB troupe on stage back in the sixties..it clearly stated that JAMES was..."with the Famous Flames AND the James Brown Band!!Why the confusion? Part of the reason centered around a very strange practice of KING RECORDS (JAMES'record label back then) of showing ONLY THE LEAD SINGER on many of their vocal groups' classic fifties and sixties albums.They did this- not only with JAMES BROWN AND THE FLAMES'albums...but with HANK BALLARD AND THE MIDNIGHTERS'albums as well. People only know what they see...And what they saw was only JAMES BROWN'S AND HANK BALLARD'S faces on the album covers...AND NOT THEIR RESPECTIVE GROUPS.The result ? THE FLAMES' faces never graced a single album cover.Another problem is the unfortunate practice on the part of music writers over the last 15 years or so of calling the great r&b vocal groups "bands" because their rock- oriented counterparts were. (example..artists such as THE MIRACLES,THE TEMPTATIONS,AND THE FOUR TOPS ARE NOT "BANDS",BUT RATHER VOCAL GROUPS OR SINGING GROUPS...While artists such as THE BEATLES , THE ROLLING STONES,AND THE BEACH BOYS are bands..They actually play instruments on stage).These two factors have combined to cause a confusion toward THE FAMOUS FLAMES in the eyes of the music buying public that has persisted to this day... and has cost them a possible spot in the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME along with JAMES,which they so richly deserve.(ANYONE WHO HAS SEEN THE MOTION PICTURE "THE TAMI SHOW" will have to admit-JAMES BROWN AND THE FAMOUS FLAMES STOLE THE SHOW - BLOWING AWAY THE STONES , THE SUPREMES , AND EVERYONE ELSE}.the FLAMES also appeared with James in the Frankie Avalon movie "SKI PARTY" in a non- singing, non-speaking role,and on the ED SULLIVAN SHOW twice,dressed differently than the band, and unfortunately uncredited .THE FAMOUS FLAMES are one of the great UNSUNG GROUPS of rock and R&B history. In 1964,James stopped recording with the FLAMES in the studio,But they still continued to perform with him on stage for another 4-5 years...and their name still appeared on the records,so most people thought the name applied to the band.After the FLAMES disbanded , BOBBY BYRD remained with James, and that's his voice you hear echoing James on hits such as "SEX MACHINE","SOUL POWER", "MAKE IT FUNKY",AND "GET ON UP, GET INTO IT,GET INVOLVED" . So,the next time you listen to "live at the apollo", or early hits such as PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE , TRY ME,THINK, BEWILDERED,OH BABY DONT YOU WEEP,or other great songs... remember..the guys you hear SINGING ...NOT PLAYING INSTRUMENTS in the background...are indeed the mighty FAMOUS FLAMES..BOBBY BYRD, BOBBY BENNETT,JOHNNY TERRY, AND LLOYD STALLWORTH. read JAMES' AUTOBIOGRAPHY...IT'S ALL THERE..THE FAMOUS FLAMES ARE A SINGING GROUP.. NOT A BAND!!

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 06.2.12 @ 03:53am

Some people got it....most didn't. They still continued to call The Famous Flames the name of James Brown's BAND .

They still insisted that musicians , such as MACEO PARKER, FRED WESLEY, SINCLAIR PINCKNEY, JABO STARKS, AND CLYDE STUBBLEFIELD were The Famous Flames. They were NOT.

The ONLY member of The Famous Flames (the singing group) that occasionally doubled as a band member, was the group's founder, the late great BOBBY BYRD.

It wasn't until the 2009 release of the 1964 concert film, The T.A.M.I. Show, that Baby Boomers finally started to remember..." Yeah, James Brown actually DID begin his career as a member of a SINGING GROUP....and that THEY, NOT HIS BAND, were called The Famous Flames.

This happened just in time for the group to be considered for induction this year...with the Great Retroactive Group Induction of 2012....and they deservedly got in !

There was just one problem.

The reporters and publicists referred to all 6 groups as "BACKING BANDS" !!

This term only rightly applied to 3 out of the 6 groups inducted: the Comets, The Crickets, and The Blue Caps.

But the other 3 groups , The Miracles, The Midnighters, and The Famous Flames , were NOT "BACKING BANDS" at all. They didn't play instruments, (except for some exceptions within the groups, I.E. Marv Tarplin, Cal Green, Alonzo Tucker (who was inexplicably snubbed), ETC. The proper term to refer to them as , is SINGING GROUPS or, if you will, VOCAL GROUPS.

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 06.2.12 @ 03:55am

NOT "BANDS"...AND NOT "BACKING".

The term was also inaccurate for these three, because Smokey Robinson, Hank Ballard, and James Brown , respectively, all began their careers as members of their respective groups ...thus these lead singers were a part of their groups, meaning those groups weren't "back-ups" AT ALL !!!

In the case of The Flames and The Midnighters, James Brown and Hank Ballard WEREN'T EVEN THE ORIGINAL LEAD SINGERS of their respective groups. Bobby Byrd and Henry Booth were.

This statement also actually also applies to THE CRICKETS, because, although a "band" , they, too, started out under their collective name`...not as "Buddy Holly & The Crickets".

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 06.2.12 @ 03:56am

SO NOW..BACK TO THE ISSUE AT HAND:

BAND...OR VOCAL GROUP...WHICH IS WHICH ??

Although some groups, such as the original FOUR SEASONS (Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Nick Massi, and Tommy De Vito) qualify as BOTH, for most groups, the issue is pretty clear cut:


EXAMPLES OF VOCAL GROUPS: (may have one or two instrumentalists) also known as SINGING GROUPS:

The Miracles (with Marv Tarplin )

The Four Tops

The Midnighters (with Alonzo Tucker, Cal Green and others)

The Famous Flames (featuring James Brown)

The Dells

The Temptations

The Marvelettes

The O'Jays

The Spinners

The Imperials (Featuring Little Anthony)

Ruby and The Romantics

The Drifters

The Supremes

Martha & The Vandellas

The Contours (with guitarist Huey Davis)

The Flamingos

The Chi-Lites

The Manhattans

The Dramatics

The Dominoes

Dion and The Belmonts

The Skyliners

The Duprees


EXAMPLES OF BANDS (usually includes vocalists as well)

The Beatles

The Rolling Stones

Chic

Guns and Roses

The Commodores

The Who

The Zombies

The Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Animals

KISS

Rush

Chicago

ELO

The Doobie Brothers

Steely Dan

Def Leppard

Iron Maiden

Cliff Richard and The Shadows

The Ohio Players

Earth, Wind, & Fire

A word to Reporters, Dee-Jay's and Music Writers and Historians:

STOP USING THE TERM "BAND" TO DESCRIBE EVERY MUSIC GROUP IN THE INDUSTRY. In the case of Doo-Wop and R&B Vocal Groups, it is INACCURATE. BAND'S PAY INSTRUMENTS.VOCAL GROUPS GENERALLY DO NOT.

To see more , click on the above link to Charles Crossley's "Top Of The Charts" forum.

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 06.2.12 @ 04:03am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGoxlirCcdU

*** STOP USING THE TERM "BAND" AS A GENERIC TERM TO DESCRIBE EVERY MUSIC GROUP IN THE INDUSTRY.****

In the case of Doo-Wop and R&B Vocal Groups, it is INACCURATE. BANDS PLAY INSTRUMENTS.VOCAL GROUPS GENERALLY DO NOT.****

THE MIRACLES (to state an example) AREN'T A "BAND" !!! THEY'RE A SINGING GROUP, or VOCAL GROUP !!!

(Miracles member , and 2012 RRHOF Inductee CLAUDETTE ROBINSON actually corrects her interviewers on this issue in the above YouTube video)

(Scroll over to what she says at 44:25)

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 06.2.12 @ 04:12am

How much sooner would THE FAMOUS FLAMES have been inducted...had people known or remembered that they were a SINGING GROUP.... instead of James Brown's BAND.

Think about it.

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 06.2.12 @ 04:15am

Okay, Bill, we get it.

Posted by DarinRG on Saturday, 06.2.12 @ 04:52am

As Sandra Bullock would say;

"Well....alright then".

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 06.2.12 @ 10:48am

I do like you, Bill. But there's more out there.

Posted by DarinRG on Saturday, 06.2.12 @ 10:55am

...That's what I've been telling N.A.S.A.about FLYING SAUCERS for YEARS. (LOL)

Posted by Bill G. on Sunday, 06.3.12 @ 03:35am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfay_-zHrCE
There IS more out there.I've got yer PROOF RIGHT HERE !!

Posted by Bill G. on Sunday, 06.3.12 @ 03:39am

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Bennett_(The_Famous_Flames)
I've just finished writing Bobby Bennett's article in Wikipedia.

That means there are now 3 of The Famous Flames that have bios there: James Brown, Bobby Byrd, and now Bobby Bennett.
2 more to go: "Baby Lloyd" Stallworth and Johnny Terry.
It's a good thing that the Flames just got inducted. More info on them is showing up on the internet than ever before...which gives me a pool of info to work with.

No word yet on who's going to play The Famous Flames in Spike Lee's upcoming James Brown bio flick.In the interests of historical accuracy, Lee needs to get BOBBY BENNETT on board as a consultant to this film...so that the REAL TRUTH ...not the slanted Hollywood version, will come out.

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 06.6.12 @ 11:18am

Hello Bill,

Now that is the real truth.

Sandi Many Smiles

Posted by Sandi on Monday, 06.11.12 @ 18:18pm

A Word to Disc Jockeys, Music Writers and Reporters and Music Historians:


*** STOP USING THE TERM "BAND" AS A GENERIC TERM TO DESCRIBE EVERY MUSIC GROUP IN THE INDUSTRY.****

In the case of Doo-Wop and R&B Vocal Groups, it is INACCURATE. BANDS PLAY INSTRUMENTS.VOCAL GROUPS GENERALLY DO NOT.****

Posted by Bill G. on Friday, 07.27.12 @ 03:27am

Doesn't it strike you as interesting that NO ONE in James Brown's camp has made a SINGLE official statement about THE FAMOUS FLAMES' R&RHOF Induction since it happened ? No congratulations. Not even an acknowledgement .
Not a single word.

Hmmm....

Posted by Bill G. on Wednesday, 08.1.12 @ 02:30am

http://www.goldminemag.com/blogs/bobby-bennett-the-last-of-the-famous-flames-speaks-of-james-brown-more

Check out my Goldmine Magazine interview with 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Famer BOBBY BENNETT, the last surviving member of The Famous Flames, at the above link. He discusses:

* Why did the Famous Flames break up in 1968 ?

* Why was only JAMES BROWN'S face used on album covers...instead of the ENTIRE GROUP ?

* Why were The Famous Flames not used on records after 1964, although they still received label credit ?

* What happened during the filming of The T.A.M.I. Show in 1964 and SKI PARTY in 1965...and why did James Brown use the success of those films to push his solo career, instead of that of the ENTIRE GROUP ?

* How was JAMES BROWN able to take literal and financial control of The Famous Flames away from group founder BOBBY BYRD ?

* How does Bobby feel about misinformed music writers and historians who mistakenly claimed for DECADES that The Famous Flames were James Brown's BAND...instead of the VOCAL GROUP they actually were ?

* Why was BROWN solely credited (twice) for the GROUP'S two appearances on The ED SULLIVAN SHOW ?

* How does Bobby feel about The FAMOUS FLAMES' ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME induction...some 27 years AFTER the induction of lead singer JAMES BROWN ?

Read his answers at the above link.

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 08.9.12 @ 10:54am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uays72rEVR0

***JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES***

JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES' (Bobby Byrd, Bobby Bennett, and Lloyd Stallworth) EXPLOSIVE PERFORMANCE from the 1964 American International Pictures Concert film , "The T.A.M.I. Show....now available on DVD .

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 08.9.12 @ 11:04am

It doesn't surprise me that James' family didn't send anything in response to their induction. James never really respected the Famous Flames in all they accomplished to help HIM become the "Godfather of Soul" or "Soul Brother #1". Also, if JB was "soul brother #1" then Bobby Byrd, Bobby Bennett and Lloyd Stallworth were soul brothers #2, 3 and 4 respectively.

Posted by Tim on Thursday, 10.4.12 @ 00:41am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMizXttN-Uo


****LIVE AT THE APOLLO (1962)****

James Brown and The Famous Flames

The Million-Selling 1963 Classic Album- in it's entirety.

THE FAMOUS FLAMES:

JAMES BROWN*BOBBY BYRD*BOBBY BENNETT*LLOYD STALLWORTH*

Backed by The James Brown Band

Live at the Apollo is a live album by James Brown and The Famous Flames, recorded at the Apollo Theater in Harlem and released in 1963. In 2003, the album was ranked number 24 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.[1] In 2004, it was one of 50 recordings chosen that year by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry.

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 11.3.12 @ 11:10am

****The FAMOUS FLAMES****

"If James Brown was the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, The Famous Flames were the hardest-working GROUP"- Smokey Robinson

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 11.3.12 @ 11:16am

Legacy

In their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame page, the Famous Flames were described as representing Brown's "greatest period of impact as a driving force in soul music and as a live performer", stating the group "not only sang but also were part of the stage choreography that made Brown's shows so spectacular" and that "although [Brown] was the undisputed leader", the group "played a significant role in his success" further stating that before "he busted out to become the Godfather of Soul", Brown was "initially just one of the Flames".
Although the passing of time, and attempts made by certain groups and individuals to re-write history, (not to mention many uninformed DeeJays nationwide) who have in recent years unfairly tended to credit James Brown as the sole artist on their songs, it should be made clear that they were recorded and made hits by the entire group, "James Brown and The Famous Flames",[19]. These were the songs that established Brown's career, and they were recorded by all of them ...not just him. The Famous Flames were a "GROUP", and Brown was initially just one of the members...just like all of the rest. In addition, claims made by uninformed individuals that the Famous Flames were a "band" or were backup musicians are also incorrect . The Famous Flames were a singing group . The "band" was the James Brown Orchestra...a totally separate entity from The Famous Flames.

In an interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Bennett said the group was "one unit, and we had great chemistry", stating the group "did specific things on each song, and James Brown did his thing as a member of the (group)."
The Digital Dream Door website had this to say about James Brown & The Famous Flames:
"James Brown - 1986 Though for years people believed the Famous Flames were James Brown's backing band, those instrumental giants had no official credit on record and in fact had no recognized name until they were dubbed the J.B.'s in the 70's for lack of anything else to refer to them as. The Flames in fact were the (name of the) VOCAL GROUP Brown joined in the mid-50's and with his presence making them Famous, they continued to use that moniker for a dozen years. They were led by Bobby Byrd, one of the most important side figures in a major star's career, and while they featured fluctuating membership over the years, the most prominent members included Johnny Terry, Bobby Bennett and Eugene "Baby Lloyd" Stallworth. The combination of the gospel-derived harmonies of the Flames and the intense leads of Brown made the group the undisputed leaders of the soul movement and the most explosive act in all of rock."

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 11.3.12 @ 11:48am

http://ourrockandrollhalloffame71305.yuku.com/topic/1691/members---FAMOUS-FLAMES--MIDNIGHTERS---MIRACLES-SNUBBED?page=19

More with the Famous Flames at this link. Check out my 23 page blog site.

Posted by Bill G. on Sunday, 11.4.12 @ 14:07pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMizXttN-Uo

*******LIVE AT THE APOLLO******

THE COMPLETE 1963 MILLION-SELLING ALBUM by

JAMES BROWN & THE FAMOUS FLAMES !!!!

INTRO: (From Wikipedia):

So now ladies and gentlemen it is star time, are you ready for star time? Thank you and thank you very kindly. It is indeed a great pleasure to present to you at this particular time, national and international[ly] known as the hardest working man in show business, the men that sing "I'll Go Crazy" ... "Try Me" ... "You've Got the Power" ... "Think" ... "If You Want Me" ... "I Don't Mind" ... "Bewildered" ...the million dollar seller, "Lost Someone" ... the very latest release, "Night Train" ... let's everybody "Shout and Shimmy" ... Mr. Dynamite, the amazing Mr. Please Please himself, the star of the show, James Brown and The Famous Flames!!!

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 01.12.13 @ 11:59am

****BOBBY BENNETT of THE FAMOUS FLAMES :1938-2013****

It is my sad duty to inform you that BOBBY BENNETT, the last surviving member of ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME inducted group THE FAMOUS FLAMES, has passed away at his home in Maryland, on January 18th, 2013 of compilations of diabetes. With his death,the last of the Famous Flames is now gone,and an era has indeed come to an end. R.I.P., Bobby....you were the Greatest !!!

Condolences to his wife Sandi and the Kids, the rest of the Bennett Family, and Famous Flames fans everywhere.

http://ourrockandrollhalloffame71305.yuku .com/topic/1924/BOBBY-BENNETT-of-THE-FAMO US-FLAMES-19382013

Posted by Bill G. on Monday, 01.21.13 @ 19:21pm

https://www.google.com/search?q=bobby+bennett+rock+hall+fame&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

*****ROCK HALL of FAME TRIBUTE to BOBBY BENNETT of THE FAMOUS FLAMES-(1938-2013)*****

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 01.31.13 @ 20:49pm

Share This

2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Bennett of the Famous Flames passed away on January 18, 2013, at age 74. For 15 years, the Famous Flames provided impassioned vocals and frenetic choreography alongside James Brown, helping to create among "the greatest stage shows of all time," according to former Rock Hall president and CEO Terry Stewart. Bennett – previously Brown's valet – joined the group in 1959, and along with Bobby Byrd, Johnny Terry and "Baby" Lloyd Stallworth, helped form the definitive lineup of the Famous Flames.

The Famous Flames were a vital element in Brown's success, as their electric stage presence made Brown's performances legendary. Before being dubbed the "Godfather of Soul," Brown was a Famous Flame, and it was his years with that group that made him a driving force in the world of soul music. "A lot of people didn't know that James Brown was the same as I was: a Flame," said Bennett in an April 2012 interview with the Rock Hall.

The group is audible on the 1963 classic album Live at the Apollo. Bennett and the other Famous Flames can been seen in footage from The T.A.M.I. Show, the 1964 performance film where Brown was a definite showstopper, proving an impossible act to follow for the Rolling Stones.

On the eve of his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2012, Bennett, then the last surviving member of the Famous Flames, spoke with the Rock Hall during a party at the Museum in Cleveland. "James (Brown) was a Flame. Bobby Byrd was a Flame. Lloyd Stallworth was a Flame. And Bobby Bennett, who's still here, was a Famous Flame also," he said. "We performed all over the world. We performed everywhere. We were the best out there: best dancers, best singers – we were good."

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 01.31.13 @ 20:51pm

With Bobby's death,The last of the Famous Flames is gone... and an era has indeed come to an end. James Brown died in 2006, Bobby Byrd in 2007, "Baby Lloyd" Stallworth in 2002, and Johnny Terry in 2005. At least Bobby Bennett lived to see the group finally inducted ...many years after James Brown's controversial solo induction in 1986. At least we'll have his music....those unforgettable songs to remember The Famous Flames by: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, TRY ME, THINK. BEWILDERED, I'LL GO CRAZY. OH BABY DON'T YOU WEEP. I DON'T MIND .GOOD GOOD LOVIN'. LOST SOMEONE, SHOUT AND SHIMMY, THIS OLD HEART, THREE HEARTS IN A TANGLE, MAY BE THE LAST TIME, and on and on...

I'm also glad that people FINALLY came to realize that The Famous Flames were a SINGING GROUP....NOT JAMES BROWN'S BAND.

People need to remember that all those great hit tunes were recorded by ALL of the Famous Flames...NOT JUST JAMES BROWN ALONE. They surely deserved their due....and in 2012, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame FINALLY gave it to them.

And all of those unforgettable live performances...THE T.A.M.I. Show. The movie SKI PARTY. THE MILLION-SELLING "LIVE AT THE APOLLO album. THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. All of which established James Brown & The Famous Flames as the most powerful vocal group in Rhythm & Blues History. The group of which Berry Gordy told The Temptations "not to appear on the same show with"...OR ELSE !!!
(The Rolling Stones were warned too...but they didn't listen...BIG MISTAKE !!)
R.I.P. Bobby....and condolences to your wife Sandi, the kids, and Famous Flames fans everywhere.

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 01.31.13 @ 20:52pm

2012 Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Bennett (1938 - 2013)

Remembering Bobby Bennett of the Famous Flames

2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bobby Bennett of the Famous Flames passed away on January 18, 2013, at age 74. For 15 years, the Famous Flames provided impassioned vocals and frenetic choreography alongside James Brown, helping to create among "the greatest stage shows of all time," according to former Rock Hall president and CEO Terry Stewart. Bennett – previously Brown's valet – joined the group in 1959, and along with Bobby Byrd, Johnny Terry and "Baby" Lloyd Stallworth, helped form the definitive lineup of the Famous Flames.
The Famous Flames were a vital element in Brown's success, as their electric stage presence made Brown's performances legendary. Before being dubbed the "Godfather of Soul," Brown was a Famous Flame, and it was his years with that group that made him a driving force in the world of soul music. "A lot of people didn't know that James Brown was the same as I was: a Flame," said Bennett in an April 2012 interview with the Rock Hall.

The group is audible on the 1963 classic album�Live at the Apollo.�Bennett and the other Famous Flames can been seen in footage from The T.A.M.I. Show, the 1964 performance film where Brown was a definite showstopper, proving an impossible act to follow for the Rolling Stones.

Posted by Bill G. on Saturday, 02.23.13 @ 14:35pm

****BOBBY ROGERS of THE MIRACLES (1940-2013) and BOBBY BENNETT of THE FAMOUS FLAMES :1938-2013****



***The two Bobbys***

As was recently posted in a separate blog on Charles Crossley's "Top of The Charts" site, BOBBY ROGERS, founding member of Motown's first group THE MIRACLES, passed away on March 3rd, 2013.BOBBY BENNETT of THE FAMOUS FLAMES passed away less than a month and a half earlier, on January 18th, 2013. The similiarities between these two artists are uncanny:

* Both were important, yet unsung , members of their respective groups.
* Both have the same first name.
* Both were snubbed-cut out of R&R HOF induction while the lead singers of both their respective groups were inducted.
* Both appeared in the 1964 American International Motion Picture THE T.A.M.I. Show.
* Both did exactly two appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show with their respective groups.
* Both artists were inducted with their groups in 2012.
* Both were inducted by Smokey Robinson.
* Both died less than 1 year after their Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Inductions.
* Both were singer/songwriters.
* Both were great dancers.
* Both were chosen by Special Committee.

Posted by Bill G. on Monday, 03.4.13 @ 04:16am

http://rockhall.com/blog/post/9308_remembering-bobby-bennett-the-famous-flames-dies/

***BOBBY BENNETT of THE FAMOUS FLAMES(1938-2013)***

The Rock Hall remembers 2012 inductee- Famous Flame BOBBY BENNETT

Posted by Bill G. on Thursday, 03.14.13 @ 17:15pm