Rochell & the Candles were a one hit wonder group from Los Angeles California. They had a hit in 1961 with "Once Upon A Time".
Background The group came together in 1958 in Los Angeles. The line up of all males then was Rochell Henderson who sang lead and tenor, Johnny Wyatt who was lead and first tenor, Melvin Sasso who was tenor, and T.C. Henderson who sang bass. The two Hendersons who both came from Louisiana were not related. Rochell Henderson was once in a group called The Chosen Gospel singers which included Lou Rawls.American Singing Groups: A History from 1940s to Today, By Jay Warner - Page 439 The 1960s, Rochell and the Candles
Their hit "Once Upon a Time" made it to number 20 in the R&B charts and number 26 in the pop charts.AllMusic - Rochell & the Candles, Biography It spent a total of thirteen weeks in the pop charts. Joel Whitburn Presents Top Pop Singles 17th Edition, Vol 1: 1955-1989
In July, 1962, they released "Each Night" bw "Turn Her Down" on Challenge 9158. The A side was composed by Willie Morris and the B side by K. C. Reeth and Robt. J. Hafner.45Cat - Rochell And The Candles - DiscographyAmerican Singing Groups: A History from 1940s to Today, By Jay Warner - Page 439 The 1960s, Rochell and the Candles
Their hit appears on the 16 All Time Great Rare Original Oldies various artists compilation issued on Del-Fi Records.Billboard, February 23, 1963 - Page 37 Simply Stated-The dynamic new Del-Fi records explode with excitement!
Later years Between 1966 and 1967, Johnny Wyatt had some solo singles released on the Bronco label.AllMusic - Rochell & the Candles, Biography He died in 1983.Encyclopedia of Rhythm & Blues and Doo-Wop Vocal Groups, By Mitch Rosalsky - Page 49 Candles, Rochell & (Los Angeles)
Discography (USA)
+ Singles Act Title Catalogue Year Notes # Rochell and the Candles with Johnny Wyatt "Once Upon a Time" / "When My Baby is Gone" Swingin' 45-623 1960 Rochell and the Candles featuring Johnny Wyatt "So Far Away" / "Hey Pretty Baby" Swingin' 45-634 1961 Rochell & the Candles with Johnny Wyatt "Each Night" / "Turn Her Down" Challenge 9158 1962 Rochell and the Candles with Johnny Wyatt "Beg Of My Heart" / "Squat With Me, Baby" Swingin' 45-640 1962 Rochell & the Candles With Johnny Wyatt "Let's Run Away And Get Married" / "Annie's Not An Orphan Anymore" Challenge 9191 1963 Rochell and the Candles Featuring Johnny Wyatt "A Long Time Ago" / "Big Boy Pete" Swingin' 45-652 1964 The Quin-TonesRochell & the Candles "Down The Aisle Of Love" / "Once Upon A Time" Goldisc G 3091 1979 Rochell & the Candles = Side B Kathy YoungRochelle & the Candles "A Thousand Stars" / "Once Upon A Time" Collectables COL 3039 Rochell & the Candles = Side B Rochell & the CandlesPatti LaBelle & the Bluebells "Once Upon A Time" / "Impossible" Trip TR-173 Also issued on Trip Oldies TR-173 Rochelle and the CandlesThe Royaltones "Once Upon A Time" / "Flamingo Express" Collectables COL 3978 Discogs - Rochell & The Candles, Discography, Singles & EPs45Cat - Rochell And The Candles - Discography, USARocky Productions - ROCHELL & THE CANDLES, DISCOGRAPHY
+ Albums Act Title Catalogue Year Notes # Rochell & the Candles The Best Of Rochell And The Candles Swingin' SW-1000 Discogs - Rochell & The Candles, Discography, Albums
References