Biography
Collectors specializing in deep funk hold the Highlighters in high regard thanks to the underground classic "The Funky 16 Corners" from 1969. The band originated in 1963 at Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, where saxophonist Cliff Palmer, trumpeter Clifford Ratliff, organist Richard "Boola" Ball, bassist Richard Corbin, and drummer James "Porkchop" Edwards initially drew inspiration from modern jazz before shifting toward R&B. Herb Miller, who owned the Indianapolis record store Good Vibrations, took on management duties, leading to frequent joint performances with the local girl group the Tri-Dells; however, military obligations prompted a hiatus in 1966 just as momentum was building. By mid-1968, after returning from service, only Palmer and Ball wanted to reform, prompting the addition of guitarist James Brantley, bassist James Boone, and drummer Dewayne Garvin—a veteran whose distinctive syncopated playing became key to their sound—to complete the new lineup. Brantley discovered vocalist James Bell during a visit to a local hotel lounge, and Bell's inclusion finalized the classic roster.
WTLC DJ Paul Major issued the debut single "Poppin' Popcorn" on his Rojam label in spring 1969; this track served as a progenitor of the so-called "popcorn soul" craze and is rumored to have influenced James Brown's massive "Mother Popcorn." Another WTLC personality, Spider Harrison, embraced the record, and consistent airplay propelled it to the top of the Indianapolis R&B charts. Disputes over Major's accounting practices caused a split, so the Highlighters launched their own Three Diamonds label to release the follow-up "The Funky 16 Corners." Written by Bell during a break from his Ford Motor Company job and inspired by the Four Corners dance craze, the single was captured in one take that same night, preserving its spontaneous frenzy. Another local blockbuster, the song established the Highlighters as house band at the popular Indy nightspot Daddy Ray's 20 Grand.
Plans for an East Coast tour formed, yet erstwhile drummer "Porkchop" Edwards returned from Vietnam and demanded reinstatement; after a vote Garvin was dismissed, the original chemistry vanished, and within two weeks Bell resigned, soon followed by Ball. Amid the upheaval Three Diamonds released one final single in 1970, "Trying to Get Chosen," credited to James Bell & the Highlighters Band and later cherished on Britain's Northern soul club circuit. Palmer, Brantley, Boone, and Edwards next cut "Having a Little Faith" for the local Lulu label before signing with famed Chess Records; the group traveled to Chicago to record six songs, though only the single "Lulu" ever received official release. After completing the East Coast tour the Highlighters dissolved in 1971, with Ball, Brantley, and Boone later reuniting in the Rhythm Machine. Bell and Garvin subsequently joined forces in James Bell & the Turner Brothers to record the minor classic "The Funky Buzzard," and Garvin also served as touring drummer for Marvin Gaye in 1974.
More than two decades afterward a Highlighters renaissance took hold once collectors and DJs rediscovered the early singles; virtually overnight the records began fetching extravagant sums, prompting the reissue of "The Funky 16 Corners" on the Stones Throw label. Renewed interest led Bell and Garvin to reconnect and form the New Highlighters, adding brothers Clint and Dan Jones on guitar plus Kenneth Burke on bass; they even revived Three Diamonds to issue planned new material.
WTLC DJ Paul Major issued the debut single "Poppin' Popcorn" on his Rojam label in spring 1969; this track served as a progenitor of the so-called "popcorn soul" craze and is rumored to have influenced James Brown's massive "Mother Popcorn." Another WTLC personality, Spider Harrison, embraced the record, and consistent airplay propelled it to the top of the Indianapolis R&B charts. Disputes over Major's accounting practices caused a split, so the Highlighters launched their own Three Diamonds label to release the follow-up "The Funky 16 Corners." Written by Bell during a break from his Ford Motor Company job and inspired by the Four Corners dance craze, the single was captured in one take that same night, preserving its spontaneous frenzy. Another local blockbuster, the song established the Highlighters as house band at the popular Indy nightspot Daddy Ray's 20 Grand.
Plans for an East Coast tour formed, yet erstwhile drummer "Porkchop" Edwards returned from Vietnam and demanded reinstatement; after a vote Garvin was dismissed, the original chemistry vanished, and within two weeks Bell resigned, soon followed by Ball. Amid the upheaval Three Diamonds released one final single in 1970, "Trying to Get Chosen," credited to James Bell & the Highlighters Band and later cherished on Britain's Northern soul club circuit. Palmer, Brantley, Boone, and Edwards next cut "Having a Little Faith" for the local Lulu label before signing with famed Chess Records; the group traveled to Chicago to record six songs, though only the single "Lulu" ever received official release. After completing the East Coast tour the Highlighters dissolved in 1971, with Ball, Brantley, and Boone later reuniting in the Rhythm Machine. Bell and Garvin subsequently joined forces in James Bell & the Turner Brothers to record the minor classic "The Funky Buzzard," and Garvin also served as touring drummer for Marvin Gaye in 1974.
More than two decades afterward a Highlighters renaissance took hold once collectors and DJs rediscovered the early singles; virtually overnight the records began fetching extravagant sums, prompting the reissue of "The Funky 16 Corners" on the Stones Throw label. Renewed interest led Bell and Garvin to reconnect and form the New Highlighters, adding brothers Clint and Dan Jones on guitar plus Kenneth Burke on bass; they even revived Three Diamonds to issue planned new material.
Albums