Vocal group led by Sonny Hatchett (vocals ex-Cardinals, Hi-Fi’s). By 1962 the Swallows had split up and Eddie Rich came to Sonny with the idea of forming a new Cardinals. They teamed up with Richard Williams (baritone ex-Orioles, Hi-Fi’s), Albert ‘Junior’ Davis, and guitarist Ray Montague to form Sonny & the Dukes. On the way to their first gig, friend (and manager) Glenny ‘Duke’ Moore suggested the name Sonny & the Dukes.
Sonny & the Dukes could be seen performing at the Cabana Club. They released a single “Make Up Your Mind” b/w “My Love.” The record was produced by Ray Donahoe who also owned the Chesapeake label. Other originals included “Meant to Be,” and “The Deacon.”
Sources say (but Sonny didn’t remember) that the group under the pseudonym the Unisons also provided backing for George Jackson on his 1962 single “Watching the Rainbow” b/w “Miss Frankenstein” (Lescay 3006).
Sonny (see bio) went on to perform as a comedian and as a singer. He joined the Ink Spots around 1980 and continued to tour with them into the ‘00s.
196* Reverb 611 Make Up Your Mind / My Love
