The Four Larks were an R&B group that recorded from the 1960s through to the 1970s on various record labels. Their singles have been released on at least ten different record labels. They had a hit on the pop charts with "It's Unbelievable".
Background The Larks were originally started by Weldon McDougal.A House on Fire: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia Soul, By John A. Jackson - "I'll Get By" (1942-1962) In 1954, with himself singing bass, and along Calvin Nichols, Mary Archer and brothers Clarence and Bill Blalock, he formed a group called The Victors. Mary Archer was soon replaced by Herman Green. By the end of the year McDougal joined the marines and had a group with the same name while in still in the marines. Having left the service in 1958, he went about reforming The Victors. The only member he could get was Calvin Nichols. He managed to bring in Jackie Marshall, a high tenor. News got out which attracted the attention of Baritone Bill Oxendine who joined up. McDougal's wife Cleopatra also joined up and the group's membership became five. He also changed the name of the group to The Larks after seeing a brand of nails called Lark.Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal
Career In 1961, "It's Unbelievable" was released on the Sheryl label.Billboard Magazine, March 20, 1961 - Page 3 R&B RESURGANCE(sic) AN OMEN Long Vigil Is Forecast for Faithful Harbingers of 'Good Music' Return By REN GREVATT The Sheryl released came about as a result of Weldon running into Atlantic Records promo man Jerry Ross. After the auditioning for Ross, the Larks recorded around six tracks. The backing band was called The Manhattans and was made up of keyboardist Ruben Wright, guitarist Johnny Stiles, sax player Harrison Scott and drummer Norman Conners.Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal Wright was formerly with Philadelphia group The Capris and had written their hit God Only Knows.Discogs - Ruben Wright Discography, Writing & ArrangementAmerican Singing Groups: A History from 1940s to Today, By Jay Warner - Page 92 The Capris (PHILADELPHIA) In 1961, it entered the charts at no 78 for the Week Ending 1 January.Weekly Top 40 - 1961: All Charts, US Hot 40 Singles for the Week Ending 1st January, 1961, NEW THIS WEEK It eventually rose to no 69 on the Billboard pop charts.Motown: The Golden Years, By Bill Dahl - Page 8 Motown '59-72
Their last released was on the Uptown label with "Keep Climbing Brothers" bw "It's Unbelievable" in 1969.Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal
Later years Weldon McDougal would later become a producer and work for Motown.The Lost Supreme: The Life of Dreamgirl Florence Ballard, By Peter Benjaminson - Page 97 Trouble at the Top He also has a place in history by paving the way for the Philly Sound.Cleveland Scene, Friday, Jan 22, 2010 - Black History Month at the Rock Hall By Michael Gallucci
Discography + SinglesCredited act Title Release info Year Notes The Larks "It's Unbelievable" / "I Can't Believe" Sheryl Records Inc. 334 1961 Cleopatra "Heaven Only Knows" / "My Darling" Sheryl Records Inc. 335 1961 Recording by The Larks butcredited to Cleopatra McDougalthe then wife of Weldon McDougal. The Larks "Let's Drink A Toast" / "There Is A Girl" Sheryl Records Inc. 338 1961 Joe Hunter Charles & The Larks "Freight Train Home" (Part 1) / "Freight Train Home" (Part 2) Vegas 625 1962 Irma and the Larks "Don't Cry" / "Without You Baby" Priority 322 1963 Irma and The Larks "Don't Cry" / "Without You Baby" Fairmount 1003 1963 The Larks "Fabulous Cars And Diamond Rings" / "Life Is Sweeter Now" Cross Fire 74-50 / 74-59 1964 The Larks "Life Is Sweeter Now" / "Fabulous Cars And Diamond Rings" Guyden 2103 1964 The Larks "Another Sleepless Night" / "For The Love Of Money" Arock 1010 1964 Barbara Mason, Vocal Accomp.: The TiffanysBarbara Mason, Vocal Accomp.: The Larks "Trouble Child""Dedicated To You" Charger CRG-111 1964 Barbara Mason, Vocal Accomp: The TiffanysBarbara Mason, Vocal Accomp: The Larks "Trouble Child""Dedicated To You" Crusader C-111 1964 Re-issued on Crusader CRU-114 in 1965 * The Larks "Love Me True" / "Love You So" Jett 3001 1965 Irma & the Fascinators akaIrma & the Fascinations "Just A Feeling" / "Lost Love" Scepter 12100 1965 Larks uncredited. From previously recordedIrma and the Larks masters The Four Larks "That's All That Counts" / "You And Me" Uptown 748 1967 The Four Larks "Rain" / "Another Chance" Tower 364 1968 The Four Larks "I Still Love You (From The Bottom Of My Heart)" / "Groovin' At The Go-Go" Tower 402 1968 The Four Larks "Can I Have Another Helping Please (Of Your Love)" / "I've Got Plenty" Tower 450 1968 Four Larks "Keep Climbing Brothers" / "It's Unbelievable" Uptown 761 1968 Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal The Larks "It's Unbelievable" / "There Is A Girl" Eric Records 102 1968 Billboard, May 11, 1968 - Page 16 ALSO AVAILABLE FROM ERIC The Larks "It's Unbelievable" / "I Can't Believe It" Collectables C1080 45Cat - The Larks (Philadelphia) - Discography
References
External links The Other, Other Larks, article by Marv Goldberg