Cornell Gunter facts for kids

Cornell Gunter (born November 14, 1936 – died February 26, 1990) was an American rhythm and blues singer. He was very active in the 1950s and 1960s. Cornell was born in Coffeyville, Kansas. He passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1987, he was honored by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Coasters.

Cornell Gunter's Musical Journey

Cornell Gunter was a talented American singer. He was one of the first members of a famous group called The Platters. Even before they were officially known as The Platters, he sang backup on a song called "Nervous Man Nervous" by Big Jay McNeely in 1953.

Joining The Coasters

Gunter was also a member of other groups, including The Flairs and later The Coasters. In 1957, he sang the title song for the film The Green Eyed Blonde, which starred Susan Oliver. In early 1958, Will "Dub" Jones and Gunter joined The Coasters. They replaced original members Bobby Nunn and Leon Hughes.

Solo Work and New Groups

After leaving The Coasters, Cornell Gunter toured with the famous singer Dinah Washington. In 1961, he was part of a group called "D's Gentleman." This group included future members of The Dells, Charles Barksdale and Johnny Carter, along with Richard Harris and William Herndon.

In 1963, Gunter started his own version of The Coasters. This group was often known as "The Fabulous Coasters." Cornell also released several solo songs in the late 1950s and early 1960s. One of his solo recordings was a cover version of Sam Cooke's popular song "You Send Me" in 1957.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1987, Cornell Gunter was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This honor recognized his important contributions to music as a member of The Coasters.

His Sisters' Music Careers

Cornell's sister, Shirley Gunter, was also a singer. She recorded with The Flairs and released her own music as a solo artist in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In 2006, Ace Records released a collection of Shirley's recordings from the 1950s. It was called Oop Shoop: The Flair and Modern Recordings 1953–1957.

Another sister, Gloria Gunter, also recorded songs. In 1959, she released the singles "Move On Out" and "Your Love Reminds Me." "Move On Out" was a response to The Coasters' popular song "Yakety Yak," where Cornell sang. Both of Gloria's songs were made available on CD in 2006. "Move On Out" can be found on Rock 'n' Roll Mamas, and "Your Love Reminds Me" is on Rare Female Doo Wops.

Cornell Gunter was working on a new comeback in his music career when he passed away on February 26, 1990, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The remaining members of his group continue to perform today as "The Original Cornell Gunter's Coasters Inc."

Discography

Singles

• "I Had a Love" (Flair #1012) (1953)
• "This is the night for love/Let's make with some love (Flair #1044) (1954)
• "True Love" / "Peek, Peek-A-Boo" (Loma #701) (1955) (as The Ermines)
• "You Broke My Heart" / "Pretty Baby I’m Used To You Now" (Loma #703) (1956) (with The Ermines)
• "Keep Me Alive" / "Muchacha, Muchacha" (Loma #704) (1956) (with The Ermines)
• "I'm Sad" / "One Thing For Me" (Loma #705) (1956) (with The Ermines)
• "She Loves To Rock" / "In Self Defense" (ABC Paramount #9698) (1956) (with The Flairs)
• "You Send Me" / "Call Me A Fool" (Dot #15654) (1957)
• "Baby Come Home" / "I Want You Madly" (Eagle #301) (1957)
• "If We Should Meet Again" / "Neighborhood Dance" (Liberty #55096) (1957) (as Cornel Gunter)
• "Lift Me Up Angel" / "Rope Of Sand" (Warner Brothers #5266) (1962)
• "It Ain't No Use" / "In A Dream Of Love" (Warner Brothers #5292) (1962)
• "If I Had The Key To Your Heart" / "Wishful Thinking (Challenge #59281) (1965) (as Cornell Gunter and The Cornells)
• "Love in My Heart" / "Down in Mexico" (Together #101) (1976)