West Baltimore based R&B group originally called the Jumping Jaguars, later shortening name to the Jaguars. Members included Ricko Lawson (lead vocals) who owned a Barbershop on Pennsylvania Avenue, William Ross (guitar), Richard Walker (guitar), left-handed guitarist Money Johnson (ex-Swallows), Willie Melvin (bass), Raymond Evans (drums), Matthew Evans (tenor sax)…
They performed all the local clubs as well as trips to New York. Carr’s Beach, Royal Theater, and their own Jaguar Lounge club.
The Jaguars also became known as the Tan Beatles.
Melvin also performed with the T.N.T. Tribble Band and is on two singles with them and Phil Flowers on Domino Records circa 1962.
Richard Walker played guitar for the Surgeons. Some of the other Jaguars may have also been in the Surgeons…
Their original songs were written by Floyd Barnes, Jr.
Record releases as Ricko Lawson & the Jumping Jaguars:
1963 Tamango 1421 I’m Out Here (And I Don’t Bit More Care) / Up Tight
As The Jumping Jaguars with the Surgeons
1963 Tamango 1423 A Woman Is Still Ahead / Walking 50 Miles
Collectors note: The two noted Tamango releases are listed by the Recordings Incorporated matrix numbers. The catalog numbers also noted on the labels are 8076 (Tamango 1421), and 10652 (Tamango 1423).
