The Channels

The Channels ranked among the most popular East Coast doo wop groups despite never enjoying a string of chart successes. Formed in 1955, the ensemble counted Larry Hampden, Billy Morris, and Edward Doulphin among its founding members. Initially relying on two part-time participants, the lineup later incorporated lead vocalist Earl Michael Lewis and Clifton Wright, both drawn from the Lotharios. Lewis assumed primary songwriting duties and composed the group’s signature recording, “The Closer You Are.” Their distinctive vocal approach featured verses launched in five-part harmony before Lewis assumed the lead during each bridge. Follow-up singles such as “The Gleam in Your Eye” and “I Really Love You” displayed strong performances yet received insufficient promotion to secure national exposure. Subsequent sessions took place across several labels, among them Gone, Fury, Port, Hit, Enjoy, and Groove, accompanied by repeated changes in personnel.