Biography
The Gainors, whose moniker remains unexplained, consisted of Garnett Mimms, Howard Tate, Sam Bell, Willie Combo, and John Jefferson. Their debut single, “The Secret,” achieved regional success in 1958 on Red Top Records. Mimms assembled the lineup in Philadelphia after completing Air Force service; born Garrett Mimms in Ashland, WV, he had moved with his family to that city and begun performing gospel alongside the Evening Stars, the Harmonizing Four, and the Norfolk Four, with whom he made his first recording in 1953. Howard Tate, another standout voice in the quintet, entered the world in Macon, GA, and had already toured with the Bill Doggett Band. Sam Bell later distinguished himself as a songwriter, supplying material for Lorraine Ellison, Tate’s solo releases, Garnett Mimms & the Enchanters, and additional artists.
Although “The Secret” stood as the group’s strongest seller, Gordon McCrae’s version climbed farther, reaching the lower reaches of the national charts while the Gainors’ original failed to register beyond its local market. Red Top issued the follow-up ballad “You Must Be an Angel,” another regional favorite whose original 45 now commands roughly five hundred dollars among collectors. Cameo Records subsequently licensed both Red Top sides in hopes of securing broader airplay.
From 1959 to 1960 the quintet recorded for Mercury Records, adding three more singles—“She’s My Lollipop,” “Please Consider,” and “I’m in Love With You” b/w “Nothing Means More to Me”—none of which broke through. Two final releases appeared on Tally-Ho in 1961: “This Is the Perfect Moment” b/w “Where I Want to Be” and “Tell Him” b/w “Darlin.” Despite the vocal prowess of Mimms and Tate, the Gainors never secured a national hit or even meaningful exposure west of the Midwest.
In 1963 Mimms assembled Garnet Mimms & the Enchanters, recruiting Sam Bell, Charles Boyer, and Zola Pearnell; the United Artists Records outfit scored nationally with “Cry Baby,” “Baby Don’t You Weep,” and “For Your Precious Love.” Mimms launched a solo career in 1964, though the Enchanters continued to provide uncredited support on such overlooked gems as “Quiet Place.” Tate embarked on his own path in 1962, cutting seminal soul sides prized by collectors—“Nobody Homes,” “Look at Granny Run, Run,” and “Stop”—all of which reached the Top 20 on the R&B chart. Additional standout tracks that fared less well commercially included “Half a Man,” “How Come My Bulldog Don’t Bark,” and the notable “These Are the Things That Make Me Know You’re Gone,” which peaked at number 28 R&B on Lloyd Price’s Turntable label. Over the years Tate appeared on Utopia, Verve, Turntable, Atlantic, Epic, HT, and TBF Records.
Jerry Ragovoy produced the majority of the hits by Garnett Mimms & the Enchanters, Tate, and Lorraine Ellison, who passed away on August 17, 1985. Tate’s recording activity ceased around the time of Ellison’s death, after which he vanished from public view. Mimms’ final sessions surfaced in the late 1970s. Former Gainor Sam Bell managed Ellison and co-wrote numerous tracks in her catalog.
Although anthologies exist for all three singers, the long-out-of-print Garnett Mimms-Sensational New Star remains the most sought-after collection; its cover lists Guest Star, Diplomat, and Ambassador. The disc includes the Gainors’ scarce Tally-Ho recordings and other material that at times evokes Ben E. King & the Drifters or, elsewhere, Jackie Wilson.
Although “The Secret” stood as the group’s strongest seller, Gordon McCrae’s version climbed farther, reaching the lower reaches of the national charts while the Gainors’ original failed to register beyond its local market. Red Top issued the follow-up ballad “You Must Be an Angel,” another regional favorite whose original 45 now commands roughly five hundred dollars among collectors. Cameo Records subsequently licensed both Red Top sides in hopes of securing broader airplay.
From 1959 to 1960 the quintet recorded for Mercury Records, adding three more singles—“She’s My Lollipop,” “Please Consider,” and “I’m in Love With You” b/w “Nothing Means More to Me”—none of which broke through. Two final releases appeared on Tally-Ho in 1961: “This Is the Perfect Moment” b/w “Where I Want to Be” and “Tell Him” b/w “Darlin.” Despite the vocal prowess of Mimms and Tate, the Gainors never secured a national hit or even meaningful exposure west of the Midwest.
In 1963 Mimms assembled Garnet Mimms & the Enchanters, recruiting Sam Bell, Charles Boyer, and Zola Pearnell; the United Artists Records outfit scored nationally with “Cry Baby,” “Baby Don’t You Weep,” and “For Your Precious Love.” Mimms launched a solo career in 1964, though the Enchanters continued to provide uncredited support on such overlooked gems as “Quiet Place.” Tate embarked on his own path in 1962, cutting seminal soul sides prized by collectors—“Nobody Homes,” “Look at Granny Run, Run,” and “Stop”—all of which reached the Top 20 on the R&B chart. Additional standout tracks that fared less well commercially included “Half a Man,” “How Come My Bulldog Don’t Bark,” and the notable “These Are the Things That Make Me Know You’re Gone,” which peaked at number 28 R&B on Lloyd Price’s Turntable label. Over the years Tate appeared on Utopia, Verve, Turntable, Atlantic, Epic, HT, and TBF Records.
Jerry Ragovoy produced the majority of the hits by Garnett Mimms & the Enchanters, Tate, and Lorraine Ellison, who passed away on August 17, 1985. Tate’s recording activity ceased around the time of Ellison’s death, after which he vanished from public view. Mimms’ final sessions surfaced in the late 1970s. Former Gainor Sam Bell managed Ellison and co-wrote numerous tracks in her catalog.
Although anthologies exist for all three singers, the long-out-of-print Garnett Mimms-Sensational New Star remains the most sought-after collection; its cover lists Guest Star, Diplomat, and Ambassador. The disc includes the Gainors’ scarce Tally-Ho recordings and other material that at times evokes Ben E. King & the Drifters or, elsewhere, Jackie Wilson.