The Romeos

• Formed: 1957, Detroit, MI
• Genres: Rock

Biography

Many groups, including one featuring Kenny Gamble, recorded as the Romeos; it was a popular moniker, young guys all classified themselves as Romeos, it was macho. These Romeos formed in Detroit while in high school. The group didn't become well known or even one-hit wonders, but some of the members went on to bigger and better things.

The original lineup consisted of Lamont Dozier, Ty Hunter, Leon Ware, Gene Dyer, and Kenn Johnson. Don Davenport sang with a later edition of the group, or may have been a fill in. The local Fox Records issued two singles by them in 1957, the first "Gone, Gone Get Away" b/w "Let's Be Partners" made little impact outside of Detroit and wasn't a major player there either. A second release, both sides written by George Braxton: "Moments to Remember You By" b/w "Fine, Fine Baby" got enough run for Atco Records to pick it up the following year. Atco's involvement was appreciated, but didn't help much and the record stiffed out. The Romeos soon disbanded but reemerged as the Voice Masters with new members crooning with Dozier and Hunter.

Lamont Dozier recorded some non-charting solo sides before hitting the mother lode with Holland-Dozier-Holland. Ty Hunter, now deceased, enjoyed a varied career, first as a solo artist, then as a member of the Glass House and the Originals. Leon Ware delved into songwriting and later returned to singing, cutting some critically acclaimed albums; he cut the I Want You album initially, but Motown had Marvin Gaye redo all the tracks. Kenn Johnson's band Shake, Rattle & Roll toured the Western states from 1984 to 1995; he then started singing with an edition of the Platters. Davenport joined the Laredos; Gene Dyer's whereabouts are unknown. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide