R&B vocal group from East Baltimore formed in 1954. The original members included Calvin ‘Khaki’ Kollette (lead), John Billy aka ‘The Prince’ (1st tenor), Dixon Stokes ‘The Dancing Fool’ (baritone), and Roland Jackson aka ‘Big Boy’ (bass). The group practiced in the back room of a local shoeshine parlor called Shaw’s. Their friend Eddie Rich of the Swallows was impressed with the group and managed to get them an audition with Modern Records in New York releasing a single in 1956. Rich would later become a member of the group.
The Honey Boys could be heard locally at the Surf Club, Lee’s Musical Bar, and the Clover Club. In Atlantic City they opened shows for top recording groups including the Flamingos.
Kollette later left to join the Swallows and was replaced with ex-Swallow Eddie Rich. In 1958 Rich left to rejoin the newly re-formed Swallows and was replaced with Larry ‘Slow Walkin’ Jones (ex-Capitols). Stokes, who also played drums for the group – and Billy, who played organ / piano – went on to form a group called the Generators which also included Joe Coates (guitar), and Freddie Knott (bass).
The Honey Boys group continued to perform at least into the mid-‘70s. Billed as John Billy & the Honey Boys, the group included Jimmy Distler (guitar ex-Notions, Dichotomy, Papa Bear…).
1956 Modern 980 Never Lose Faith in Me / Vippity Vop
