Biography
The Spartans, a Cleveland-based doo wop ensemble, came together in 1950. Marv Goldberg's March 1999 Discoveries profile recounts that lead singer Richard Howard, his tenor brother Ronald, first tenor Curtis Hafley, baritone Paul Mahaly, and bass Herb Hinton—childhood friends from the Carver Park Projects—first blended their voices on the project's grounds. Initially known as the Mellow-Larks, the five performers regularly appeared at neighborhood clubs, churches, and benefits alongside pianist and arranger Lamar Gaines. Manager Al Rosen soon took notice and altered their name, believing the Mellow-Larks title too closely resembled those of established groups.
Hinton departed shortly afterward to sing with the Renaults, which led Mahaly to shift into the bass role. Hinton rejoined the lineup just long enough to record the Spartans' first single, "Lost," a poem by Rosen's associate Perry Stevens that had been set to music. Released on the small New York City imprint Capri in spring 1954, the track became a favorite of influential Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed. Though it found regional traction in sections of Pennsylvania and Texas, national success never materialized. Combined with the challenge of securing a permanent replacement for Hinton, the lack of broader sales brought the group's run to an end. Ronald Howard and Curtis Hafley enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in fall 1955, yet the Spartans staged a short-lived reunion after the pair left military service four years later.
Hinton departed shortly afterward to sing with the Renaults, which led Mahaly to shift into the bass role. Hinton rejoined the lineup just long enough to record the Spartans' first single, "Lost," a poem by Rosen's associate Perry Stevens that had been set to music. Released on the small New York City imprint Capri in spring 1954, the track became a favorite of influential Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed. Though it found regional traction in sections of Pennsylvania and Texas, national success never materialized. Combined with the challenge of securing a permanent replacement for Hinton, the lack of broader sales brought the group's run to an end. Ronald Howard and Curtis Hafley enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in fall 1955, yet the Spartans staged a short-lived reunion after the pair left military service four years later.