One of Baltimore’s most famous ‘50s era R&B vocal groups. Formed in 1946 they were originally known as the Mellotones. Members included Ernie Lee Warren (1st tenor), Donald ‘Jack’ Johnson (baritone), Leon ‘Tree Top’ Hardy (bass), and Meredeth ‘Prince’ Brothers (tenor). Jack ‘Sam’ Aydelotte later joined the group as tenor vocalist and guitarist.
The Mellotones signed with Atlantic Records in 1951, changing their name to the Cardinals. Atlantic pianist and arranger Jessie Stone came to Baltimore to work with the group and they began releasing a string of R&B classics throughout the ‘50s. Their first record “Shouldn’t I Know” was released in early 1951 and the group traveled to New York where they performed at the Apollo Theater.
Warren was drafted for military service in 1951 and was replaced briefly with Luther MacArthur (tenor) who was later replaced with James ‘Little Caesar’ Brown. Around the same time Aydelotte was replaced with Leander ‘Lance’ Tarver – although Sam continued to perform with the group on and off over the years and appeared on most of their records.
In early 1953 Warren rejoined the group replacing Brown, and Tarver was replaced with Johnny Douglas.
Manager Sam Azrael, owner of Super Music, turned the group over to Lou Karpouzie in 1954.
The Cardinals scored their biggest chart success in ‘55 with “The Door Is Still Open” reaching the Top-10 nationally.
In 1957 the original Cardinals split up. A new line-up was soon formed featuring Sonny Hatchett (tenor), Jimmy ‘Ricky Ricks’ (tenor), Richard Williams (baritone), and Jim Boone (bass). This lineup lasted only briefly as Warren returned in ‘58 and the personnel changed to include Jack Johnson, Prince Brothers, Jim Boone, and Johnny Douglas (guitar -who was later replaced with Ray Montague ex-Big Toppers). A white rhythm section was added which included Jerry Passion (guitar), Jerry Donahue (bass), Jimmy Harrison (piano), and Lee Cornell (drums ex-Londonaires). This group eventually split off in 1961 and became known as the Trendels.
The Cardinals continued to perform into the early ‘60s. The latter group included guitarist Melvin Coles (ex-House Rockers).
Locally the Cardinals made appearances at Carr’s Beach, and also at the Rhapsody Club.
Warren later produced records on the Baltimore based Mem label including artist Sandy Gobel. Montague later played for the Tilters. Coles joined the Imperals. Hatchett went on to form Sonny & the Dukes that also included Richard Williams and Ray Montague. Around 1980 Hatchett joined the Ink Spots and continued to perform with them into the ‘00s.
1951 Atlantic 938 Shouldn’t I Know / Please Don’t Leave Me
1951 Atlantic 952 I’ll Always Love You / Pretty Baby Blues
1952 Atlantic 958 Wheel of Fortune / Kiss Me Baby
1952 Atlantic 972 The Bump / She Rocks
1953 Atlantic 995 You Are My Only Love / Lovey Darling
1954 Atlantic 1025 Under A Blanket of Blue / Please Baby
1955 Atlantic 1054 The Door Is Still Open / Miserlou
1955 Atlantic 1067 Come Back My Love / Two Things I Love
1955 Atlantic 1079 There Goes My Heart to You / Lovely Girl
1956 Atlantic 1090 Off Shore / Choo Choo
1956 Atlantic 1103 The End of The Story / I Won’t Make You Cry Anymore
1957 Atlantic 1126 Near You / One Love
1973(EP) Bim Bam Boom 1000 Have I Been Gone Too Long / Sure Nuff
B/W Train (Choo Choo) / Love Me
