The Precisions

Biography

This energetic group from Detroit has a recording career that spreads over at least nine different labels. Beset by personnel changes, the Precisions dropped singles on Strand, Golden Crest, Wild, Highland, and Debra Records from 1960 to 1963. They achieved some regional play by emulating Nolan Strong's falsetto on two D-Town singles: "My Lover Come Back" b/w "I Wanna Tell My Baby" and "You're Sweet" b/w "Mexican Love Song," but enjoyed their best run on Drew Records.

Their lineup consisted of Arthur Ashford, Michael Morgan, William Rodney Prince, Dennis Gilmore, and Robert Lowe; Billy Brooks was also around and may have blended with them on D-Town and Drew at some point. The first Drew single, "A Lovers Plea" b/w "Such Misery," flopped. A second attempt, "Sugar Ain't Sweet," wasn't issued. "Why Girl," the lively lamenter with the gritty tenor lead, got them recognized in the Midwest and the East, expanding their fan base to Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and other cities.

Martin Coleman, Michael Valvano, and Charles "Cholly" Bassoline wrote "If This Is Love (Than I'd Rather Be Lonely)," a dweller on both the R&B and pop charts, the well-executed song would have passed Motown's quality control with flying colors. It got them television appearances on second-tier dance shows like Ken Hawkins World of Soul in Cleveland, DJ Hops, and better-paying gigs. The members wrote their fourth Drew single, "Instant Heartbreak (Just Add Tears)," which charted, but not as high as expected. The Drew story ends with "Never Let Her Go," but with no promotion it didn't have a chance and Drew folded.

The same lineup, minus Lowe, switched to Atco Records and hoped to score big. Atco, part of Atlantic, was a giant compared to Drew; plus, they had Coleman, Valvano (ex-Motowners), and Bassoline crafting the material and twisting the control dials. But the change was a disaster. "Into My Life" died upon release; a second, "New York City" b/w "You're the Best," was totally ignored. Their final single is believed to be "Take a Good Look" on Hen Mar. Dennis Gilmore later wrote "Highway to Heaven" with James Dean for the Dramatics. No one has compiled a Precision CD and a good chronicle of their career is overdue. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide