Biography
During the mid-1950s, James "Shep" Sheppard, serving as lead vocalist, collaborated on composing multiple smooth doo-wop ballads for the Heartbeats, among which "A Thousand Miles Away" registered as a major R&B success in 1956. Hailing from Queens, New York, the five-member ensemble opened its run of sidewalk harmony standards via "Crazy for You" and "Darling How Long" before reaching a climax with "A Thousand Miles Away." The Heartbeats issued material on Hull, Rama, Roulette, Gee, and Guyden prior to dissolving. Sheppard launched the trio Shep & the Limelites in 1961 and attained chart placement with the tender follow-up "Daddy's Home," released on Hull. "Our Anniversary" likewise moved briskly for Shep & the Limelites in the following year, yet the group disbanded not long afterward. Sheppard was discovered deceased inside his car on the Long Island Expressway in 1970.
Albums
