The Ideals

Doo wop - rhythm 'n' blues vocal group from Chicago, Illinois, US Formed in 1952 while they were at Crane High School by Frank Cowan (lead), Leonard Mitchell (2) (first tenor), Wes Spraggins (second tenor), Robert Tharpe (baritone), Clifford Clayborn (bass). In the late 50s they recorded their first singe when Reggie Jackson (6) had already replaced Cowan as lead, Sam Stewart (3) had replaced Clayborn as bass vocalist and Spraggins had left the group.. For their Paso Records' 1961 single they had Major Lance as lead vocalist. In 1963 they had Eddie Williams (8) as lead vocalist, the year that they were meant to have their biggest hit "The Gorilla". In 1966 they wrere reduced to a trio with Leonard Mitchell (2), Reggie Jackson (6) and Sam Stewart (3). Soon after their demise, Robert Tharpe adopted the nickname Tommy Dark and duetted with Jerry O for some mid 60's singles. Leonard Mitchell (2) joined Channel 3 (5) for one single in the early 70's.