The Three Playmates

The Three Playmates were a female R&B trio from Newark, New Jersey who were active in the late 1950s. They recorded for the Savoy label, and had three singles released. One of them, the dance oriented "Sugah Wooga" became a hit for the trio in 1958.

The Three Playmates
OriginNewark, New Jersey, U.S.
GenresRhythm and blues
Years active1957–1958
LabelsSavoy
Past membersLucille Beatty
Alma Beatty
Gwen Brooks aka Dianne Brooks

Background

The group was made up of sisters, Lucille and Alma Beatty and Gwen Brooks aka Dianne Brooks.[1][2] Their first release was credited to The Playmates (Gwen, Lucille, Alma).[3][4][5] Later as The Three Playmates, they had a hit with "Sugah Wooga" in late 1958.[6]

Some of the venues they performed at included New York's Apollo Theater and Washington's Howard Theater. They also appeared on the same bill as Betty Carter, the Cadillacs, the El Doradoes, the Dells, Jackie Wilson and Dinah Washington.[7]

Career

They recorded "It Must Be Love" and "Giddy-Up-A-Ding Dong" with backing by George Barrow and Jerome Richardson on tenor sax; Budd Johnson on baritone sax, Sam Price on piano, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Joe Benjamin on bass, and Bobby Donaldson on drums.[8] These two songs came out on their first single the trio had released on Savoy 45–1523. It was credited to The Playmates (Gwen, Lucille, Alma).[9][10]

Their single "Sugah Wooga" bw "Lovey Dovey Pair" was recorded with backup from musicians that included Buddy Lucas on tenor sax, Bobby Banks on organ, Leonard Gaskin on bass. It was released on Savoy 1528.[11] The review of their single in Billboard December 16, 1957 issue was positive, noting the clever use of voices on the A side. The B side was a "tender" ballad about adolescent love.[12] The single peaked at #89 on March 10, 1958.[13]

By May 1958, their single with "I Dreamed" and "Give Your Love to Me" was out. The track "I Dreamed" had a fair review. It was noted that "Give Your Love to Me" had a Latin feel to it.[14] However, it didn't get anywhere on the charts.[15]

The ending of the group was Alma Beatty's pregnancy. When their manager learnt of this he discontinued his association with them as took their stage costumes. Their relationship with their label also deteriorated.[16]

Discography
Singles
Act Release Catalogue Year Notes #
The Playmates
(Gwen, Lucille, Alma)		 "It Must Be Love" / "Giddy-Up-A-Ding-Dong" Savoy 45-1523 1957 [17][18]
The Three Playmates "Sugah Wooga" / "Lovey Dovey Pair" Savoy 45-1528 1957/1958?
The Three Playmates "Give Your Love to Me" / "(Do-oo, Do-oo) I Dreamed" Savoy 45-1537 1957/1958? [19][20]

Further reading

References
  1. Allbutforgottenoldies.net - The Three Playmates, ABOUT
  2. citizenfreak.com (© Museum of Canadian Music) - Brooks, Dianne - Some Other Kind of Soul Information/Write-up
  3. 45Cat - The Playmates (Gwen, Lucille, Alma) - Discography, USA
  4. Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-2006, by Joel Whitburn - Page 846
  5. Discogs - The Playmates (7), Discography, Singles & EPs
  6. Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-2006, by Joel Whitburn - Page 846
  7. citizenfreak.com (© Museum of Canadian Music) - Brooks, Dianne - Some Other Kind of Soul Information/Write-up
  8. Jazzdisco.org - The Three Playmates, NYC, July 26, 1957
  9. 45Cat - The Playmates (Gwen, Lucille, Alma) - Discography, USA
  10. Discogs - The Playmates (7), Discography, Singles & EPs
  11. Jazzdisco.org - The Three Playmates, NYC, October 22, 1957
  12. Billboard, December 16, 1957 - Page 62 * * Review Spotlight on ... R&B RECORDS
  13. Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-2006, by Joel Whitburn - Page 846
  14. Billboard, May 5, 1958 - Page 118 *Reviews of New R&B Records, THE THREE PLAYMATES
  15. DOO-WOP - GROUPS BIOGRAPHY & DISCOGRAPHY, The Playmates (2) aka The Three Playmates
  16. citizenfreak.com (© Museum of Canadian Music) - Brooks, Dianne - Some Other Kind of Soul Information/Write-up
  17. 45Cat - The Playmates (Gwen, Lucille, Alma) - Discography, USA
  18. Discogs - The Playmates (7), Discography, Singles & EPs
  19. 45Cat - The Three Playmates - Discography, USA
  20. Discogs - The Three Playmates Discography, Singles & EPs
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