Rex Garvin facts for kids

Rex Garvin (July 24, 1940 – December 2, 2013) was an American rhythm and blues (R&B) singer. He was also a talented songwriter, keyboard player, and music arranger. Rex Garvin wrote the famous 1957 hit song "Over the Mountain; Across the Sea" for the duo Johnnie and Joe. His own song, "Sock It To 'Em J.B.," recorded in 1966, was later covered by the popular band The Specials.

Rex Garvin's Musical Journey

Early Life and First Steps in Music

Rex Garvin was born in Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City. He grew up in the Bronx with his foster parents. From a young age, he took piano lessons. This helped him develop his musical skills.

In 1954, Rex Garvin helped create a female singing group called The Hearts. He sang bass, played the piano, and wrote songs for them. He also arranged their music. The group's first song, "Lonely Nights," became a hit in 1955. It reached number 8 on the Billboard R&B chart. Rex continued to work with The Hearts. He was their pianist and musical director for many years.

Working with J&S Records

Rex Garvin also became a key helper at J&S Records. This record label was started in 1956 by Zelma "Zell" Sanders, who managed The Hearts. Rex was known for creating a special sound for the label's songs. His arrangements often featured a strong, deep piano sound.

J&S Records had great success with the singing duo Johnnie and Joe. Rex Garvin wrote their biggest hit, "Over the Mountain, Across the Sea." This song reached number 8 on the pop charts and number 3 on the R&B charts in 1957. Rex even sang harmony vocals on the song. He was also credited as the bandleader. The song was so popular that Bobby Vinton covered it in 1963.

Rex Garvin's Own Recordings

Rex Garvin started his own singing career in 1957 with the song "My Darling Dear." In 1959, he teamed up with singer Marie Knight. Their duet, "I Can't Sit Down," reached number 94 on the Billboard pop chart.

In 1961, Rex Garvin formed his own band called Rex Garvin and the Mighty Cravers. They released their first single, "Go Little Willie" and "Emulsified." The group traveled a lot and performed on the "Chitlin' Circuit." This was a network of venues that were safe for African American performers during that time.

Later Songs and Style

Even though Rex Garvin didn't have many big commercial hits, he released many songs throughout the 1960s. He explored different music styles. Some of his notable songs include:

• "Oh Yeah!" (1962)
• "Soul Food" (1963)
• "Sock It To 'Em J.B." (1966)
• "I Gotta Go Now (Up on the Floor)" (1967)

His song "Sock It To 'Em J.B." was a tribute to the fictional spy James Bond. It was performed in the style of the famous singer James Brown. This song was released in both the U.S. and the UK. Later, the British band The Specials covered it on their album More Specials in 1980.

Rex Garvin and the Mighty Cravers also released an album called Raw Funky Earth in 1968. The band included saxophonist Clayton Dunn and drummer Pete Holman, with Rex Garvin on keyboards. Their last song release was "Strange Happenings" in 1971.

Later Years and Legacy

Around 1975, Rex Garvin left the Mighty Cravers. He also stopped working in the music business. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia. He continued to play music occasionally until 1985.

In 1990, the band Yo La Tengo covered his song "Emulsified" on their album Fakebook. Rex Garvin passed away in Atlanta in 2013 at the age of 73. His music continues to be enjoyed by fans, especially on Northern Soul music collections.