Biography
The Escorts emerged from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, distinct from both the American R&B ensemble active in the 1950s and the British group of the early 1960s. Originally assembled as the Legends by Richard Rosenberg, Richard Berg, and Richard Perry while they attended Poly Prep with Jim Picardi handling lead vocals, the quartet recorded “Zoom Zoom Zoom,” which drew the attention of Coral Records conductor, arranger, and A&R executive Dick Jacobs—the father of one of their classmates—leading to a contract. Rodney Garrison had already taken over lead duties by the time the group entered the studio for its debut session. The initial four tracks—“Gloria,” “Seven Wonders of the World,” “Gaudeamus” (Latin text set against passages quoting Johannes Brahms), and “As I Love You”—displayed a gifted, energetic white doo-wop sound that echoed the Mystics yet carried distinctive touches; although none reached the charts, the sides secured local club work.
During one engagement at the Lollipop Lounge the members encountered aspiring vocalist Genya Zelkowitz, known professionally as Goldie. On their next studio date Garrison was gone and Zelkowitz took the lead; “Submarine Race Watching” marked a clear step forward, while their version of “Somewhere” from West Side Story demonstrated the striking blend of female falsetto with male doo-wop backing. The act later performed and recorded under the name Goldie & the Escorts, showcasing Zelkowitz’s distinctive girlish-yet-soulful delivery that seemed poised for wider success. As the mid-1960s arrived, however, most members turned toward college and other pursuits; only Perry continued in the industry, becoming a prominent producer throughout the 1970s. Zelkowitz, meanwhile, fronted Goldie & the Gingerbreads, which drew substantial notice especially in England, before pursuing a solo career as Genya Ravan. In 2006 Crystal Ball Records issued a CD that gathered the released and completed recordings of the Escorts, Goldie & the Escorts, and Goldie & the Gingerbreads.
During one engagement at the Lollipop Lounge the members encountered aspiring vocalist Genya Zelkowitz, known professionally as Goldie. On their next studio date Garrison was gone and Zelkowitz took the lead; “Submarine Race Watching” marked a clear step forward, while their version of “Somewhere” from West Side Story demonstrated the striking blend of female falsetto with male doo-wop backing. The act later performed and recorded under the name Goldie & the Escorts, showcasing Zelkowitz’s distinctive girlish-yet-soulful delivery that seemed poised for wider success. As the mid-1960s arrived, however, most members turned toward college and other pursuits; only Perry continued in the industry, becoming a prominent producer throughout the 1970s. Zelkowitz, meanwhile, fronted Goldie & the Gingerbreads, which drew substantial notice especially in England, before pursuing a solo career as Genya Ravan. In 2006 Crystal Ball Records issued a CD that gathered the released and completed recordings of the Escorts, Goldie & the Escorts, and Goldie & the Gingerbreads.
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