R&B vocal group from the Latrobe Projects and were originally named the Shades Formation. They were known for their tight vocal harmonies and slick dance routines. Members included Donald Tilghman, Quintin Simms, Charles Timmons, and Damon Harris aka Otis Harris. Tilghman and Harris had formerly sung with the Tempros. Their original backing band included drummer Jimmy McCoy (who later played with MFD & Co.)…
The group performed locally at the Scene, and the Blue Gardenia… They eventually recorded in Philadelphia under the direction of Ronald Isley. A single was released as by the Young Temps but was quickly recalled due to objections by Motown Records. Their first T-Neck single was re-released as by the Young Vandals.
Manager Lester Garrett arranged for Harris (see bio) to travel to D.C. for an audition with the Temptations. Harris left the group in 1971 to replace Eddie Kendricks as the Temptations lead vocalist. He was replaced with Michael Blackwell who performed with the Vandals until returning to school at Morgan State University in 1974. Vocalist Vinnie Cornish (ex-Five Jones) took over the position vacated by Blackwell and the Vandals continued as a premier Baltimore group.
In 1975 Harris left the Temptations and returned to Baltimore. The group was reunited with the original line-up and became known as Impact.
In the ‘90s members of Impact joined members of the Softones and recorded as Pegasus.
Single release by the Young Vandals:
1970 T-Neck 917 I’ve Been Good to You / Too Busy Thinking About My Baby
Single releases by the Vandals:
1970 T-Neck 923 In My Opinion – Part 1 / (Part 2)
1970 T-Neck 926 I’m Gonna Wait for You – Part 1 / (Part 2)
