The Trammps: Biography

The Trammps
Formed:
Jan 1, 1973 in Philadelphia, PA

Disbanded:
Jan 1, 1980

Genres:
Disco Music, R&B and Soul Music, Rock Music, Soul Music

Decades Active:
1970's


Artistic Quality
Low
Cultural Impact
Low
Popularity
Low



Disco's most soulful vocal group began in the '60s as the Volcanos, and were also called the Moods. Gene Faith was the original lead vocalist, with Earl Young, Jimmy Ellis, guitarist Dennis Harris, keyboardist Ron Kersey, organist John Hart, bassist Stanley Wade, and drummer Michael Thomas. But by the time they'd gone through various identities and emerged as the Trammps in the mid-'70s, the lineup featured lead vocalist Ellis, Harold and Stanley Wade, Robert Upchurch, and Young. A snappy revival of Judy Garland's '40s tune "Zing Went the Strings of My Heart" was their first chart single, reaching number 17 on the RB list in 1972. Despite their well-deserved reputation and boisterous, jubilant harmonies and sound, the Trammps were never huge commercial successes even during disco's heyday. Indeed, they had only three RB Top Ten hits from 1972 through 1978, and such wonderful records as "Soul Bones," "Ninety-Nine and a Half," and "I Feel Like I've Been Livin' (On the Dark Side of the Moon)" stiffed on the charts though they were beloved by club audiences and RB fans alike. Their only huge hit was "Disco Inferno" in 1977, which was a number nine RB single in 1977 and was also featured in Saturday Night Fever. Yet it missed the pop Top Ten, peaking at number 11. But the Trammps' prowess can't be measured by chart popularity; Ellis' booming, joyous vocals brilliantly championed the celebratory fervor and atmosphere that made disco both beloved and hated among music fans.

- Ron Wynn, All Music Guide

Shopping > Music > The Trammps Biography
Help us improve Yahoo! Shopping - Send Your Feedback