Chicago based R&B vocal group with Baltimore roots was formed circa 1951. Original members Jake Carey and Zeke Carey grew up in West Baltimore before moving to Chicago around 1950 and forming the Flamingos with members of their church gospel group.
The Flamingos released classic group harmony records on Chance, Parrot, and Checker labels during the early ‘50s. They performed at clubs in the Chicago area while also traveling to major concert halls across the country. Through some mid-‘50s personnel changes the group added childhood friend from Baltimore Isaiah ‘Terry’ Johnson, who had been singing lead for the Whispers, along with Tommy Hunt (ex-Five Echoes).
By 1958 Zeke Carey returned to the group after a tour of military duty. The Flamingos then signed with End Records where they began a string of R&B classics including “Lovers Never Say Goodbye,” “I Only Have Eyes for You,” “At the Prom,” and “Mio Amore.”
In the early ‘60s Hunt left the group and launched a solo career which included the national Top-10 hit “Human.” Johnson left the group in 1962 along with member Nate Nelson and the two formed a new Flamingos touring group. The two groups rivaled each other for many years. The new group released a single in 1963 as by the Starglows “Let’s Be Lovers” b/w Walk Softly Away” (ATCO 6272).
Johnson also worked as a staff writer and arranger for Motown Records from 1964-74 and had a hand in many hits by the Supremes, Four Tops, Temptations, and others. In the late ‘60s he released several solo records on Motown’s Gordy label including “My Springtime” b/w “Suzie” (1969 Gordy 7091), “Whatcha Gonna Do” b/w “Suzie” (1969 Gordy 7095), and a third single “Stone Soul Booster” b/w “Sandy” (1970 Gordy 7100) released as by his nickname ‘Buzzie.’
After parting ways with Motown, Johnson continued touring with his Flamingos group. The Carey’s both passed away in the late ‘90s. The Flamingos were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
Terry Johnson, and Terry Johnson & the Fantastic Flamingos publicity photos
