The Mello-Kings

The Mello-Kings - Topic

The Mello-Kings were an American doo-wop group, who became popular in the late 1950s with their song, "Tonite, Tonite".
The group consisted of brothers Jerry and Bob Scholl, Eddie Quinn, Neil Arena and Larry Esposito. The quintet was formed in 1956 at a high school in Mount Vernon, New York, United States, under the guidance of manager Dick Levister. Originally named the Mellotones, the group was signed to the Herald label.
"Tonite, Tonite" was written by Billy Myles, a staff composer for the label. The group was forced to change its name after the single's release, as another group had already claimed Mellotones. The record lasted more than ten weeks on the US pop charts.
In 1957 the groups recorded several more singles, including "The Chapel on the Hill" and "Baby Tell Me Why Why Why", which did not chart, and "Valerie", which became a New York regional hit.
They appeared in the film Sweet Beat.
Later, the quartet became a quintet with Anthony Pinto joining the group. The group appeared in revival shows in the late 1960s and early 1970s. On August 27, 1975, lead singer Bob Scholl was killed in a boating accident.