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The Harptones

 


The Harptones | Jasmine Records | tc658

One of the earliest doo-wop groups to form, the Harptones underwent a number of personnel changes. On their Chess leased recordings they were Willie Winfield, Billy Brown, Claudie “Nicky” Clark, William Dempsey, Bernard “Jimmy” Beckum and Raoul Cita. The photograph may be of another line up.


Willie Winfield, born in Norfolk, Virginia, 24 August 1929 - died Brooklyn, New York, 27 July 2021.

Billy Brown, died from drug overdose, 1957.

Claudie Clark, 1935-1978.

William Dempsey, 1940 - 

Bernard Beckum, 22 February 1930 - 7 February 2001.

Raoul Cita, died from cancer 13 December 2014.

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