The Philharmonics facts for kids
The Philharmonics were an amazing singing group from Springfield, Missouri. This group of five African-American singers became very popular in the 1950s. They traveled all over the United States, sharing their music. What made them special was their ability to sing many different types of music. They could perform gospel, rhythm and blues, pop, and even country and Western songs. Their shows were always fantastic, with beautiful singing, cool dance moves, colorful outfits, and a great stage presence.
Contents
Meet The Philharmonics
The Philharmonics started as a group of four singers. Later, they added a fifth member.
- Homer "Jolly" Boyd
- George Culp (sang bass, which is the lowest voice)
- Elbridge "Old Man" Moss
- Clarence "Chick" Rice (sang baritone, a middle voice)
- James Logan (sang tenor, a high voice)
Another singer named Joe Neal Hardin was also an early member of the group.
How The Group Started
The Philharmonics began by singing gospel music in church. Elbridge Moss had sung in groups when he was in the US Army during World War II. After the war, he moved to Springfield, Missouri, in the mid-1940s.
He met the other singers in the choir at Gibson Chapel Church. They performed with their talented pianist, Florence Sample Thompson. Homer Boyd was only 17 years old and still in high school when he joined the group.
Becoming TV Stars
In the early 1950s, The Philharmonics won a talent show twice! This show was called The Original Youth Opportunity Program. It was on CBS-TV and hosted by Horace Heidt. The show featured young performers from all over the country. After winning, the group even toured with the show.
From 1955 to 1960, The Philharmonics were regularly on a national TV show called Ozark Jubilee. This show was on ABC. The group often sang background vocals for many famous country music stars who appeared on the program.
They also appeared on another ABC show, The Eddy Arnold Show, in 1956. For a short time, they even had their own TV show on KYTV-TV in Springfield.
Their Recorded Music
The Philharmonics recorded songs on the Cardinal Records label. Some of their popular songs included "Teen Town Hop" and "That's Why I'm Losing You." Elbridge Moss wrote both of these songs.
Later Honors
In 2007, Homer Boyd and George Culp performed at the Ozarks Celebration Festival. This event was held at Missouri State University. The next year, in 2008, The Philharmonics received a special honor. They were given a star on the Missouri Walk of Fame in Marshfield.
