Biography
Few enthusiasts of Motown's classic output realize the Serenaders ever existed, even though the New York-based ensemble placed its final single on the label's VIP imprint. The group formed in 1956 with George Kerr, Sidney Barnes, and Timothy "Andre" Wilson at its core, while additional singers rotated through the lineup across subsequent years. Its first release arrived in 1957 on Chock Full of Hits records, coupling "Never Let Me Go" with "I Wrote a Letter." Local traction prompted MGM to acquire the single for broader distribution in 1958. Regional sales earned the act a second MGM outing, yet "Dance, Darling Dance" backed by "Give Me a Girl" from that same year made no impression and closed the association. A 1959 Cross Country single, "How Do You Mend a Broken Heart," likewise met with disappointing results. George Kerr supplied most of the Serenaders' material, sometimes collaborating with Sidney Barnes and other writers. Later that year Rae-Cox records issued "My Girl Flip Flop" b/w "Gotta Go to School," a pair of inventive, well-sung novelties that attracted no notice. Although members drifted apart, the central trio kept contact and, after repeated setbacks, reached Riverside records in 1963 for "Adios My Love" b/w "Two Lovers Make One Fool." Sales remained confined largely to the New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia markets. The expected Motown break proved a disappointment instead. Raynoma Gordy signed the group from Motown's New York office, yet it never received meaningful support. George Kerr's prolific songwriting was the chief reason for the deal; Sidney Barnes also wrote steadily and covered vocal parts from first tenor to bass, while Timothy Wilson evoked the style of Little Anthony. Motown finally issued the Kerr/Barnes composition "If Your Heart Says Yes" on VIP in 1964; the track contained considerable charm but languished without promotion and sold poorly. It has never appeared on any Motown compilation album, cassette, or compact disc. Eddie Kendricks and Elbridge Bryant of the Temptations contributed vocals to both that A-side and its flip, "I'll Cry Tomorrow." The Serenaders disbanded shortly afterward. Timothy Wilson later married Raynoma's sister Alice; earlier he had sung with Tiny Tim & the Hits on Roulette records. Sidney Barnes released occasional solo sides and moved into production. George Kerr enjoyed greater success behind the board, producing Linda Jones' "Hypnotized" as well as notable recordings for the Whatnauts, the O'Jays, the Moments, Lonnie Youngblood, and others, and he also sang with Little Anthony & the Imperials on their New Time releases.
Albums
