Four Vagabonds

Along with groups like the Mills Brothers and the Inkspots, the Four Vagabonds are considered one of the classic pioneer vocal harmony groups to record in the 1940s. The group originally formed in 1933 in St. Louis at Vashon High School and consisted of Ray Grant (bass and guitar), John Jordan (lead), Robert O'Neal (first tenor), and Norval Taborn (baritone). Soon thereafter, they had their own weekly radio program, broadcast in the St. Louis area. 1936 saw the group moving to Chicago, when greater opportunity presented itself. Upon their arrival in the Windy City, they were featured on Don McNeil's Breakfast Club radio show three times a week. By 1938, they were also adding their excellent harmonies to Club Matinee, hosted by Gary Moore and Durward Kirby. It's somewhat surprising that a group with their talent, and also with such extensive radio exposure, would take so long to make it into the recording studio. But finally after eight years together, in 1941, they recorded their first single, "Slow And Easy" b/w "Duke of Dubuque" (released 1942), for the RCA subsidiary Bluebird. During the war years they made their musical contributions towards the war effort with such tunes as "Comin' In On a Wing and a Prayer," "Rosie the Riveter," "Ten Little Soldiers," and "A G.I.'s Wish," their last RCA release in 1945. In 1946, subsequent to their tenure with RCA, the Vagabonds issued "Taking My Chance With You" backed with "When the Old Gangs Back on the Corner" for Mercury, and "I Can't Make Up My Mind" covered with "Oh What a Polka" for Atlas. Starting in 1946 and continuing through 1947, the Four Vagabonds released seven records for New York City's Apollo label. (Their Atlas release was probably also recorded for Apollo but leased to Atlas.) Most notable of the Apollo...