The Dominoes Collection 1951-59-Singles As & Bs

The Dominoes were one of the most important and influential of the vocal groups of the 1950s, bringing together the styles which shaped the vocal group genre from its beginnings in gospel quartets and subsequent development through secular doowop to the R&B styling that was the basis for 60s soul. Led by the legendary singer, writer and entrepreneur Billy Ward, the groups line-ups provided a stepping stone to solo fame for Clyde McPhatter and Jackie Wilson, both of whose voices were an essential element of the groups distinctive sound. This collection, a great-value 87-track 3-CD set, is almost certainly the most comprehensive to have been released, including material from the very beginning of their career in 1951, and encompassing the A and B sides of all their single releases for Federal, King, Jubilee, Decca and Liberty up to 1959.

It naturally features all their hits, such as the landmark Sixty Minute Man. It also includes the two singles where they provided the backing for Little Esther (later known as Esther Phillips). All their fine lead vocalists are featured not only their leader Billy Ward, and the great Clyde McPhatter and Jackie Wilson, who came to fame with the group before launching solo careers, but also Bill Brown, Charlie White, Johnny Oliver, David McNeil, Milton Merle, Cliff Givens, Prentice Moreland, Milton Grayson, Gene Mumford and Monroe Powell.