Jazz group originated in East Baltimore’s Douglass Projects featuring vocalist Vonne du Barry (Honey), with Bill Forrester (guitar), Bobby Smith (piano), and Bert Hall (bass, leader & arranger). The group released two singles (78rpm) on the “DC” label, and later releases include Savoy Records.
In the early ‘50s they became a house band at the Club Tijuana featuring vocalist Louisa Lara, along with Forrester, Hall, and Charlie Ridgley (piano). The group embarked on a Virgin Islands tour in 1952-53 later returning to their house band gig. They also played locally at the Club 1017.
Drummer Vance James (ex-Tracy McCleary’s band) also played for the group. James went on to play for many top stars including Damita Jo, Arthur Conley, Jimmy McGriff, Hank Crawford, Lonnie Liston Smith, Cissy Houston, and others.
Record releases by Three Bees & a Honey include:
1948 DC 8044 I Love You, Yes I Do / I Don’t Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You
1948 DC 8045 Hit That Jive Jack / I Don’t Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You
