![[New!]](images/smallnew.gif)
Solitaires'
and Vocaleers' Herman Dunham Tribute
On Sunday January 31, 2010, we
lost one of the great voices of our time, Herman Dunham, original lead of the
Solitaires. Herman had been back singing again with the Solitaires since 2008,
when he rejoined them for a couple reunions such as Black Swan Concert. The duel leads between Herman
and Milton Love made the Solitaires one of the best vocal groups around.
We last saw Herman sing at the Remembering Ronnie I Concert in November 2009
and he was fabulous! Herman is best known for his lead vocals on such
Solitaires' classics as "Blue Valentine" and "Please Remember My Heart."
He recorded with the Vocaleers prior to joining the Solitaires. This
page is in tribute to Herman.
Herman Dunham was from Harlem.
In 1952, he started singing with the Vocaleers, who recorded songs the songs
"Be True," "Is It A Dream," "I Walk Alone," and "Will You Be True."
Herman sang second lead for the Vocaleers, often echoing the words of lead,
Joe Duncan.
The Vocaleers: Herman Dunham
upper right.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
Vocaleers on Red Robin
label.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
Herman Dunham left the Vocaleers in December 1953 to sing lead
for the Solitaires just prior to the group signing with Old Town Records.
Herman led the Solitaires until he was drafted in the Spring of 1955.
Some of his greatest sides during this period were "Blue Valentine," "Please
Remember My Heart" and "My Dear." Milton Love was brought in to lead the
Solitaires when Herman went into the service, however, Herman still would
record with the Solitaires sometimes when home on leave.
The Solitaires: Herman
Dunham on far left
The Solitaires' first
record, led by Herman Dunham.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
The Solitaires led by Herman
Dunham.
Note the misspelling of the group's name.
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
Herman Dunham left the Solitaires around 1958, recording
briefly with a group called the Blenders for Old Town's Paradise
subsidiary.
Herman Dunham with the
Blenders
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
Herman Dunham then reunited with the Vocaleers to record for
Paradise and Old Town in 1959 and 1960.
Herman Dunham back with the
Vocaleers
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
Herman Dunham leading the
Vocaleers on the Old Town label
(From the Classic Urban Harmony Archives)
In 2008, Herman Dunham
rejoined the Solitaires, performing at the Black Swan
concert and other special events. Milton Love persuaded him to stay with the group, that now had
two great leads.
Herman Dunham (left) and
Milton Love at the Black Swan Concert, 2008
