Previous Vocal Group Record of the Week
#923 (4/27/19)

SPOTLIGHT ON THE FOUR KNIGHTS -
PART TWO (THE 1950's)

"In The Chapel In The Moonlight"/
"I Want To Say Hello"
The Four Knights
on Capitol 1840
released in 1951

"I Wish I Had A Girl"/
"The Way I Feel"
The Four Knights
on Capitol 1930
released in 1952

"Oh Baby Mine (I Get So Lonely)"/
"I Couldn't Stay Away From You"
The Four Knights
on Capitol 2654
released in 1953

"Walkin' And Whistlin' Blues"/
"Who Am I?"
The Four Knights
on Telefunken C80146 (Capitol 1707)
released in 1951

(Includes Audio For Nineteen Songs)

[Above photo provided by Hans-Joachim Krohberger.]

Above: The Four Knights, (L-R) Clarence Dixon, baritone; Gene Alford, lead tenor and whistler extraordinaire; Oscar Broadway, bass; and John Wallace, second tenor and guitar; were a spiritual and popular singing group. Much of their spiritual singing was done under the name "Southland Jubilee Singers". Their first record was on Decca in 1946. They did many songs for Lang-Worth radio transcription discs from 1945 to 1950. The Four Knights were featured singers on the Red Skelton Radio Show from 1948 to 1950. They had many records on the Capitol label from 1951 to 1957, with their biggest hit "Oh Baby Mine (I Get So Lonely)" in 1953.

THE FOUR KNIGHTS WERE INDUCTED INTO THE UGHA HALL OF FAME ON 4/24/99!



Above: The Four Knights (L-R) Clarence Dixon, John Wallace, Oscar Broadway, and Gene Alford.



Above: The Four Knights clipping from August 1952 expounding their latest Capitol records.



Above Left: THE CASH BOX, May 29, 1954:
SCARSDALE, N.Y.—Some of the record world's top names, along with members of all phases of the coin machine industry, turned out at the Holiday Inn in this city, May 18, to celebrate with the Westchester Operator's Guild, their third annual dinner. ....Capitol's "Oh Baby Mine" boys, The Four Knights....

Above Right: THE CASH BOX, May 29, 1954: AWARD
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Above right, Lee Zeiger, proprietor of the Casino Royal in Washington, D.C., presents Oscar Broadway of The Four Knights with the talent award for the outstanding new recording artists of 1954 which was awarded by the Advertising Club of Washington at their 24th annual jamboree. The Four Knights, who zoomed to stardom with their Capitol recording of "Oh Baby Mine" were the feature attraction at the Casino Royal during the early part of May.



Above: The Four Knights, Capitol Record's Famous Singing Stars, are at the Copa (Pittsburgh Press dated 10/27/52).



Above: The Four Knights, four part vocal group that scooted to fame as singing stars of the Red Skelton radio program captivate Reno crowds with close harmony pop songs and spirituals in show time appearances at the Golden-Bank Casino (Reno Gazette Journal dated 5/23/53).

RENO GAZETTE JOURNAL, May 23, 1953: FOUR KNIGHTS TOP ACT AT GOLDEN
Captivating rich harmony by the Four Knights, Capitol Recording Artists, has been the crowd drawing entertainment feature of the Golden-Bank Casino since the new Gold Room show opened Wednesday night. This four part vocal group got its professional start in Charlotte, N.C., their home town, by singing both pops and spirituals over station WSCO. Shortly thereafter, they switched to the city's 50,000 watt outlet WBT, where they ran their daily show in addition to a Saturday "Carolina Hayride" stint that was carried coast-to-coast by CBS.

On Sept. 3, 1948, the boys inked a six-week contract to appear on Red Skelton's program. So impressive were the Four Knights that their pact was extended for the remainder of Skelton's 39-week run. Last fall, the four singers joined Red on the stage of the San Francisco Golden Gate theater and helped smash all existing attendance records at that house for a week's run. They have also appeared on numerous coast television shows.



Above: RENO GAZETTE JOURNAL, March 13, 1954: FOUR KNIGHTS TOP STARS AT GOLDEN
The Four Knights, top rating Capitol Recording stars since 1951, are the crowd drawing attraction now heading the new Gold Room show in the Golden-Bank Casino. Comprised of Gene Alford, singing lead tenor, John Wallace, top tenor and guitarist, Clarence Dixon, baritone, and Oscar Broadway, bass rhythm. The Four Knights mix spirituals and pops in a unique blend of good entertainment.



Above: HONOLULU STAR ADVERTISER, May 12, 1955: FOUR KNIGHTS AT L.Y.C.
The Four Knights, one of America's best-known singing groups, will be at Waikiki Lau Yee Chai in the Gung Ho cocktail lounge beginning Sunday, May 15. They began their career singing popular ballads and spirituals at Station WSOC in Charlotte, N.C., received their first boost when they appeared on Arthur Godfrey's show, then followed it with a trip across the country with Bojangles Robinson. Their biggest opportunity came when they signed up with Red Skelton to appear on his television (sic) show for six weeks and stayed for 39. They were signed up again the following year. The group is best in such songs as I Get So Lonely, Sin, I Couldn't Stay Away From You, and spirituals.

In the picture: The Four Knights (Top Left) Gene Alford, (bottom L-R) John Wallace, Oscar Broadway, and Clarence Dixon.



[Above photo provided by Hans-Joachim Krohberger.]

Above: The Four Knights. In 1955, Gene Alford's poor health forced him to leave the group. He was replaced by Cliff Holland, who had been with The Delta Rhythm Boys for a short time in the early 1950's.


VIDEO (MP4)....


THE FOUR KNIGHTS SING "I WANT TO SAY HELLO":

The above two stills are The Four Knights performing on the Red Skelton TV Show. They sing "I Want To Say Hello".
(L-R) Oscar Broadway, Clarence Dixon, Gene Alford, and John Wallace.

The Four Knights had various appearances on Red Skelton's TV show (CBS) from 1951 to 1953.
They also had an appearence on the Variety Parade TV show (BBC) in 1955.

At left is label image for Capitol 1840, "I Want To Say Hello", recorded on August 22, 1951 and released in October 1951.

LISTEN USING WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER: [Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]
"I Want To Say Hello" - The Four Knights - Capitol 1840 - 1951.

WATCH the VIDEO of The Four Knights singing "I Want To Say Hello" on the Red Skelton Hour TV Show in MP4 format.
(Will open in a new window)



EXTRA AUDIO #1 (Windows Media Player):
[Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]


ABOVE: Label images for (Left) Capitol 1587, recorded on May 3, 1951 and released in June 1951; (Middle) Capitol 1875, recorded on November 1, 1951 and released in November 1951; and (Right) Capitol 2403, recorded on June 13, 1951 and released in November 1953.

The Cash Box Review (6/30/51):

FOUR KNIGHTS — CAPITOL 1587....Sentimental Fool/I Love The Sunshine Of Your Smile
The Four Knights go to town with their harmonizing on a couple of different numbers. The first half is a slow item with a vocal solo and the boys in the background. The second side is done to march tempo which is very infectious. Ops should listen to this one.
(NOTE: Audio is not included here for "I Love The Sunshine Of Your Smile".)

The Cash Box Review (11/24/51):

FOUR KNIGHTS — CAPITOL 1875....Cry/Charmaine
Another waxing of a tune that's already causing lots of excitement is turned out by the Four Knights. This version is easy going and pleasant to the ear and should get its share. The bottom level is an oldie that is currently being revived and again the group comes up with a good end. Ops can choose from either lid.

The Cash Box Review (4/11/53):

FOUR KNIGHTS — CAPITOL 2403....
Anniversary Song (B) The Four Knights jump up the hit song from the "Jolson Story" movie and treat it in their unique manner. Oscar Broadway carries the lead with his low voice and sends out a potent unusual styling of a good number.
(NOTE: Audio is not included here for "Anniversary Song".)
A Few Kind Words (C+) The boys blend their warm voice once again to come up with another pretty piece that highlights the voice of Gene Alford. Wonderful harmony.
(NOTE: A rating of B was considered "very good" and C+ was "good.")

LISTEN:
1. "Sentimental Fool" - The Four Knights - Capitol 1587 - 1951.
2. "Cry" - The Four Knights - Capitol 1875 - 1951.
3. "Charmaine" - The Four Knights - Capitol 1875 - 1951.
4. "A Few Kind Words" - The Four Knights - Capitol 2403 - 1953.

ALL FOUR SIDES played in sequence.


EXTRA AUDIO #2 (Windows Media Player):
[Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]


ABOVE: Label images for (Left) Capitol 2517, recorded on March 17, 1953 and released in June 1953; (Middle) Capitol 3250, recorded on May 18, 1954 and released in October 1955; and (Right) Capitol 3494, recorded on January 3, 1956 (flip on June 21, 1956) and released in July 1956.

The Cash Box Review (8/18/56):

FOUR KNIGHTS — CAPITOL 3494....
Don't Depend On Me (B) A Smooth shuffle rhythm supplies the beat for the Four Knights' version of a warm romancer. The bass voice takes the lead and comes up with a pretty item.
You're A Honey (C+) The boys have a barbershop flavor in their voices on this end as they happily prance thru a lively cutie.
(NOTE: A rating of B was considered "very good" and C+ was "good.")

LISTEN:
1. "Baby Doll" - The Four Knights - Capitol 2517 - 1953.
2. "After" - The Four Knights - Capitol 3250 - 1955.
3. "You're A Honey" - The Four Knights - Capitol 3494 - 1956.
4. "Don't Depend On Me" - The Four Knights - Capitol 3494 - 1956.

ALL FOUR SIDES played in sequence..


EXTRA AUDIO #3 (Windows Media Player) — NAT "KING" COLE AND THE FOUR KNIGHTS:
[Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]


ABOVE: (Left) Label image for Capitol 3095 released in April 1955, (Middle) Nat "King" Cole, and (Right) The Cash Box Review (dated 4/16/55) of the record, "A Blossom Fell" (Nat "King" Cole, no group)/"If I May" (Nat "King" Cole And The Four Knights). The "If I May" side was recorded on December 20, 1954.



ABOVE LEFT: The Cash Box Review (dated 6/23/56) of Capitol 3456, "That's All There Is To That" (Nat "King" Cole And The Four Knights)/"My Dream Sonata" (Nat "King" Cole, no group).

ABOVE RIGHT: The Cash Box "Sleeper Of The Week" Review (dated 6/8/57) of Capitol 3737, "Send For Me" (Nat "King" Cole, no group)/"My Personal Possession" (Nat "King" Cole And The Four Knights).

AT RIGHT: Label image for Capitol 3456 released in June 1956. The "That's All There Is To That" side was recorded on December 29, 1955.

AT FAR RIGHT: Label image for Capitol 3737 released in June 1957. The "My Personal Possession" side was recorded on December 29, 1955.

LISTEN:
1. "If I May" - Nat 'King' Cole And The Four Knights - Capitol 3095 - 1955.
2. "That's All There Is To That" - Nat 'King' Cole And The Four Knights - Capitol 3456 - 1956.
3. "My Personal Possession" - Nat 'King' Cole And The Four Knights - Capitol 3737 - 1957.

ALL THREE SIDES played in sequence.







Above Left: Label image of Capitol 1840 recorded on August 22, 1951 and released in October 1951. Kitty Kallen had a number one hit on Decca in 1954 with "In The Chapel In The Moonlight", which was composed in 1936. Also in 1954, the song was released by The Orioles on Jubilee, The Mariners on Columbia, and Darrell Glenn on RCA Victor. The Four Knights re-released it on Capitol 2894 in 1954.

Audio and label image for the flip side, "I Want To Say Hello", are in the "VIDEO" section further above.

Above Right: Label image of Capitol 1930 recorded on December 18, 1951 and released in January 1952.

The Cash Box Review (8/14/54):

FOUR KNIGHTS — CAPITOL 2894....Easy Street/In The Chapel In The Moonlight
The Four Knights, whose waxing of "I Get So Lonely" is still lingering on the best seller charts many months after its release date, come up with a new platter that could be bigger. On one end, the crew's harmony is beautiful as it revives a beautiful oldie tagged "Easy Street." Their slow easy rhythm is relaxing. Top grade job. They get better with every release. Lower lid is a magnificent rendition of the high flying oldie, "Chapel In The Moonlight." Although disk is probably too late to cop top honors, it is still sure to draw a good share of coin.
(NOTE: Audio is not included here for "Easy Street".)

Above Left: Label image of Capitol 2654 recorded on March 17, 1953 (flip on May 31, 1951) and released in November 1953. Above Far Right: The same record was also released as "I Get So Lonely (When I Dream About You)". Note the different publishing companies.

Above Middle: Label image of Telefunken C80146 recorded on June 13, 1951 and released later in 1951. Telefunken was a German company. The record was released in the USA on Capitol 1707 in July 1951. "Walkin' And Whistlin' Blues" was re-issued by The Four Knights on Capitol 3730 in 1957 with a different flip-side.

In the 1950's, from June 1951 to June 1957, The Four Knights had about three dozen records issued on the Capitol label. In late 1957 they returned to Decca/Coral resulting in four singles released on the Coral banner between January 1958 and April 1959.

The Cash Box Review (7/21/51):

FOUR KNIGHTS — CAPITOL 1707....Walkin' And Whistlin' Blues/Who Am I?
A new group continues showing great promise on this disk. The Four Knights let it go with a fascinating rendition that Les Paul introduced some months ago. Here, the boys make it sound low down and slow. The bottom half is a more conventional side on which they again show some fine harmonizing. Keep an eye on the upper half.

The Cash Box Review (6/22/57):

FOUR KNIGHTS — CAPITOL 3730....
Walkin' And Whistlin' Blues (B+) This is a great arrangement of a basic blues tune by the Four Knights. Following a wonderful blues chant by the lead voice are soft foot-step sounds, a blues whistle, and the effective sympathetic blend of the rest of the crew. Distinctive waxing of a blues number. It bears some attention.
I Love That Song (C+) A bright Dixie-land opus finds the boys blending with a striking harmony. Skilled session.
(NOTE 1: Audio is not included here for "I Love That Song".) (NOTE 2: A rating of B+ was considered "excellent" and C+ was "good.")

NOTE: Most discographical information provided at this website is from Ferdie Gonzalez' Disco-File.


Listen to this week's selections featuring The Four Knights on Capitol from 1951/1953 using Windows Media Player:
[Audio restoration by Dave Saviet.]

          1. In The Chapel In The Moonlight
          2. I Wish I Had A Girl
          3. The Way I Feel
          4. Oh Baby Mine (I Get So Lonely)
          5. I Couldn't Stay Away From You
          6. Walkin' And Whistlin' Blues
          7. Who Am I?
 
          ALL EIGHT FEATURED SONGS played in sequence
 
          ALL NINETEEN SONGS ON THIS PAGE
          played in sequence


          [To download audio files, right-click on song title
          link and then click "Save link (target) as..."]

          
          At Right: The Four Knights from "You" Sheet Music
          (Provided by Hans-Joachim Krohberger)

          At Far Right: Capitol 2654 Label Flip-Side




Click HERE for SPOTLIGHT ON THE FOUR KNIGHTS - PART ONE (The 1940s).
(Above link will open in a separate window)


Back