The Ideals

Doo wop - rhythm 'n' blues vocal group from Chicago, Illinois, US
Formed in 1952 while they were at Crane High School by Frank Cowan (lead), [a=Leonard Mitchell (2)] (first tenor), Wes Spraggins (second tenor), Robert Tharpe (baritone), Clifford Clayborn (bass). In the late 50s they recorded their first singe when [a=Reggie Jackson (6)] had already replaced Cowan as lead, [a=Sam Stewart (3)] had replaced Clayborn as bass vocalist and Spraggins had left the group.. For their Paso Records' 1961 single they had Major Lance as lead vocalist. In 1963 they had [a=Eddie Williams (8)] as lead vocalist, the year that they were meant to have their biggest hit [url=https://www.discogs.com/The-Ideals-Don-Juan-The-Gorilla/release/3364866]"The Gorilla"[/url]. In 1966 they wrere reduced to a trio with [a=Leonard Mitchell (2)], [a=Reggie Jackson (6)] and [a=Sam Stewart (3)]. Soon after their demise, Robert Tharpe adopted the nickname Tommy Dark and duetted with [a=Jerry O] for some mid 60's singles. [a=Leonard Mitchell (2)] joined [a=Channel 3 (5)] for one single in the early 70's.