THE EPSILONS - THE ECHO (RARE CLIP 1968/9)

THE EPSILONS - THE ECHO FROM THE HY LIT SHOW. PERFECT MALE GROUP HARMONY :-) THE GROUP FIRST STARTED OUT AS TEENAGERS IN PHILADELPHIA, PA AND INCLUDED EARLY MEMBER ROAME LOWRY (CAREER WITH MAZE FEAT. FRANKIE BEVERLY) THE EPSILONS GOT THEIR BIG BREAK WHEN THEY DID A 2 YEAR TOUR WITH OTIS REDDING & ARTHUR CONLEY. THEY CAN BE HEARD DOING THE BACKING ON 'SWEET SOUL MUSIC' BUT NEVER GOT CREDITED FOR IT. WITH REDDING'S HELP THE EPSILONS RECORDED THEIR FIRST SINGLE FOR STAX RECORDS IN DECEMBER 1968. MEMBERS AT THIS TIME ARE: JOHN WHITEHEAD (ROAME'S COUSIN), GENE McFADDEN, ALLEN BEATTY, LlOYD PARKS AND JAMES KNIGHT.

[@mmpllc77]

Out of all the videos I've watched of my father this has to be one of the first they did. Thanks for the upload my mom keeps watching it over and over 👍

[@SunlightMan2]

Your father is very missed. I think he's singing somewhere with John..

[@robertomoore2874]

Trust John to be different with them moves lol Class act. Top stuff

[@andrewcrawford4635]

It’s looks like your Dad always enjoyed performing. That look of happiness every time he did that fancy move with the ‘dip-spin’ (I guess you would call it). He had that same look when I first saw his years later performing ‘Ain’t No Stopping Us Now’ with his partner Whitehead.

[@SouthSideRalph1]

Proper!

[@mrstanbmw]

I'm from DC with a boatload of family in North Philly back in the day. 1968 I saw your dad perform at the Uptown Theater, with Stevie Wonder, The O'jays, The MadLads, the Hesitations, Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers, what a show.

[@knockshinnoch1950]

Featuring McFadden & Whitehead who would find fame at Philly International both as writers producers and performers- "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" being their world wide hit. Also in the group is one of the original members of Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes and a member of Maze. Quite a stellar line up!

[@SebastianHernandez-jh2yz]

Jamarkus Hall Lloyd was a member of Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, there’s another member of the group who was with Maze

[@lucaziken9199]

So I was coming to this video be sure about Lloyd Parks being in this group and couldn't see him at first so I came to the comments section for more proof to be sure and you guys just helped me out a bunch. Thanks!!! Now I don't have to search as much.

[@jeraldford3494]

I member this song when I was 4 years old 1968

[@brodocbetty4856]

@@SebastianHernandez-jh2yz Correct Roame Lowry was the member from Maze.

[@zakiyyahw3725]

Wow, McFadden & Whitehead, who knew🎶

[@MikeBlitzMag]

A masterpiece of high drama. Pure genius.

[@brianpowell3657]

Another great late sixties groove. I love the choreography!

[@brianpowell3657]

Another Philly groove from 1968. BOSS!

[@bennyadler8048]

Exquisite performance by all 5, including Lloyd in the back. That choreography give Ambassadors a run for the money.

[@bobbye.wright4424]

Man this video is just incredible i love the sweet soul sound of the late to mid 60s especially out of philly n chicago n other east coast cities i wish i came along back then groups like the epsilons the ethics the lovations the ambassadors the intruders the exits the moments of truth n johnnie n the expressions wow we missed out

[@gladysdavis-anderson6230]

So many memories. McFadden and Whitehead as very young men. Saw them sing this at the Uptown and Loretta's HighHat.

[@andrewcrawford4635]

I love these old clips of group performances. Seeing a early McFadden and Whitehead, also a future member of Herald Melvin and the Blue Notes. Great post. Enjoyed it very much.

[@chriscurtis8344]

The guitar sounds beautiful. Plus the classical strings.

[@kariebeez]

I don't remember the Epsilons and their song that well, but it might ring a distant bell. The lead vocalist and the harmonizing are outstanding, and the footwork is exceptional, notably the one on the right of the lead vocalist. The brothers are also wearing classy-looking attire and looking so handsome.

[@leonguisburg413]

Gene McFadden of "McFadden & Whitehead" fame is the lead singer John Whitehead is also there with Lloyd Banks (Harold Melvin & Blue Notes)

[@brodocbetty4856]

Remember seeing this group live at the Uptown theater in Philadelphia and they had the best stage show I've ever seen.

[@mrstanbmw]

I'm from DC with a boatload of relatives in Philly in 1968, I saw this group, The Hesistations, The MadLads, the O'Jays, Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers, and Stevie Wonder on the matinee show at the Uptown theater in North Philly

[@robertvelez9557]

@@mrstanbmw - Any memories you want to share regarding that classic show you watch?

[@VBMSerenity]

One of Philly's best, but you can't leave North Philly's The Ambassadors out of the equation

[@VBMSerenity]

​@mrstanbmw I believe that I was at that same show my brother!

[@mrmecca1248]

Amazing background stories so much talent. Cheers from the UK

[@prettycountrygirl2]

This is my first time hearing of this group, and this song. I love it.

[@misterb7070]

Discovered this track recently, now it’s in heavy rotation for me, love the vocals and choreography

[@ACCOMPLISHEDSHEIS]

John Whitehead and those dips. Lord. Just can’t keep your eyes off his moves. 😂

[@joseportillo2760]

Man! what a song, just beautiful a pure treasure.

[@renaissanceman165]

Although, I'm usually a music historian, I hadn't researced this group yet. Just finding out that's Gene Mcfadden on lead, and John Whitehead back there dancing like the flashy, athletic "Paul Williams" of the group! Temps fans know what I mean. Blue Notes' Lloyd banks back there too? Wow! Not the 50 Cent G-Unit, Lloyd Banks. Lol. You can hear the late 60s Philly Sound, on the H9ook, before the chorus, similar to Jerry Butler's "Never Gonna Give You Up" Wow, what a rare treat! Big Ups to the poster!!! Ciao!!!

[@funkadelphiarecords]

It is Lloyd Parks and not Lloyd Bands who sang with the Blue Notes

[@botrrun9399]

This is great, being from St. Louis with a black radio station we heard everything. This was a good one. The competition was fierce and the Tempataios took the air out the room. But we got a chance to hear groups from all over. Man those were the days. if you can sing you were appreciated.

[@lamarrdonald7743]

I would listen to KDIA in Oakland in the late sixties…….all they played was soul music

[@reginaldrobinson7746]

The guy doing the most dancing and the Bend down dips happens to be the late great John whitehead. AIN'T NO STOPPING IS NOW,,,,, WE'RE IN THE GROOVE SONG

[@renaissanceman165]

Reginald Robinson Yeah, I'm just finding out that, Mcfadden, and Whitehead were in the group. So, Whitehead's the athletic "Paul Williams" of the group, huh? I'm usually up on my music history. Thank you, Brother!!!

[@renaissanceman165]

Yeah, I'm just finding out that, Mcfadden, and Whitehead were in the group. So, Whitehead's the athletic "Paul Williams" of the group, huh? I'm usually up on my music history. Thank you, Brother!!!

[@Tunes342]

excellent, I see the influence of The Temptations

[@seanosullivan41]

Totally agree with Reinaldo Green - this is 'oldies' and not the pop synth we keep getting fed. Keep mining this vein, amazing nuggets you're coming up with!

[@Dayoung1s5933]

Great, great video of an unsung powerhouse group!!

[@jesincere8589]

Gene McFadden should have received an award just for his onstage mannerisms on here, smooth brother, RIP. You can feel the broken-heart he's projecting.

[@noggin48]

What can I say, these lads are at the top of the musical tree, the whole thing. Song, performance, choreography, orchestral performance, Philly At It's Best !!!!

[@mrjoshjones1]

Mr Lloyd Parks has to be the most underrated tenor at Philly International, I see now why Harold offered him the co-leads a decade together with the Blue Notes. That 1-2 punch of Teddy/Lloyd should have been so much bigger ala Ruffin/Kendricks or Carter/Marvin Jr.

[@bobwatson1162]

this is a great video of this philly classic song thank you for posting this.

[@ILMJXXX]

+Bob Watson Your most welcome...Thankyou.

[@DEVINEJUSTICEALLAH72]

AWESOME SONG AND PERFORMANCE!!

[@a1artist]

Gene McFadden and John Whitehead became among the greatest songwriters and producers of all time. Thank you Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff for providing the opportunity for their greatness to be displayed to the world. Also, thank you to the great arranger and producer Bobby Martin. All Philadelphia's own. Alfonso

[@rwyatt26]

McFadden & Whitehead were great singers/songwriters!!!! The stuff they wrote for the O’Jays, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Archie Bell & The Drells and The Jacksons was phenomenal!!!!!

[@reinaldogreen2079]

MAN I WISH OLDIES STATIONS WOULD PLAY SONGS LIKE THIS INSTEAD OF THE SAME THINGS THEY'VE BEEN PLAYING OVER AND OVER FOR 40 YEARS LIKE I FEEL GOOD, RESPECT ETC. SO MANY GOLDEN SONGS THAT NEVER GET AIR PLAY.

[@mrstanbmw]

in DC we have a public station called WPFW I give them credit because you would hear songs such as this was time to time, forget hearing this on a commercial station.

[@vanlegs213]

I absolutely agree with you, Reinaldo. If I ever hit the lottery I'll start such a station.

[@mrstanbmw]

the only place you will hear this music besides youtube are non-commercial stations, like WPfW in DC or college stations, commercial stations are horrible in my opinion they don't preserve the culture.

[@jimmiesmith5811]

@@mrstanbmw yeah commercial stations only play top 10 or 20 songs they don't get in to the lesser known artists and a lot of have stop playing stuff from the 60 and 70 their just playing a little late 70s and 80s in Chicago we have some college stations wkkc and whpk that still play 60s and 70s oldies aka dusties and at whpk on Sundays they some programs that deal with different genres between 6-10 the first guy plays doo wop for the first hour and a half then the next guy plays rare stuff like this and in the final hour a female name Julia plays rare and never before released songs on her show that why Iike college stations they have the freedom to program what they want in most cases ,

[@samlit5577]

I do play this and so much more just like it, at HyLitRhythm.com

[@joannejohnson9190]

WOWWWW!!! You really do learn something EVERY DAY. I remember this song from back in the day (North Philly here!👍) but never knew McFadden and Whitehead started with them. Lawd hammercy..it's that dip and spin around that's doing it for me.🥰😍😘

[@richardgamble4147]

More than beautiful, very nice group

[@garyavery2007]

Never heard of these guys. Not a bad cut 🎵👍

[@aspen1980]

Hidden gem!

[@bobbye.wright4424]

This is my favorite video of alltimes out of al the hylit show videos right there with the ambassadors n the ethics

[@juliusstuckey3913]

just imagine if Otis Redding was still alive and he sung this song..........

[@mmpllc77]

little known fact, they use to open for Ottis and toured with him

[@thescatman5029]

Still trying to imagine it. Otis sang every slow jam/ballad in 6/8 time. This is in a 4-beat. The cats in Philly single-handedly took soul music out of the 1960s...!

[@TheShabazzProduction]

Nothing beats the creativity of our people, they look so cool.

[@mrstanbmw]

The year was 1968 I'm from DC my Aunt live 2 blocks from the Uptown in Philly my first cousins and my sister saw this group, Bobby taylor and Vancouvers, the Mad Lads, the O'jays, Stevie Wonder, the hesistations, and The Unifics what a great show. There was a group from DC also called the Epsilons they had a song called Mad the the World they were a great group too.

[@rosalynbethea6421]

I lived 7th and Diamond St

[@mrstanbmw]

@@rosalynbethea6421 my folks live on Fawn St, still do 2300 block right by where you are at.

[@rosalynbethea6421]

@@mrstanbmw Wow we had a wonderful time as kids back then!!!

[@rosalynbethea6421]

@@mrstanbmw I googled your block and saw the house 🏠

[@718bang]

Love this! Thanks for keeping the history alive.

[@MusicandDancing4Ever]

Never heard of this group but WOW! Beautiful, perfect! The lead singer is fabulous, the man in the front on the right is a great dancer, beautiful song too! The more I see these rare groups the more I see The Temptations could be topped! These philly groups were bad and I mean in a good way! This song should have been a hit! What happened to music today??? I rather listen to this!

[@531mare]

That is McFadden and Whitehead in this group. The best.

[@mrstanbmw]

Lloyd Parks was with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. the light skin brotha I recognize McFadden and Whitehead too

[@brodocbetty4856]

Also in the group is Roame Lowry from the group Maze.

[@ppehsy1]

Light skinned Lloyd was also in a Philly group called THE Emanons they sang a song called One Heart!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/enbcfYaGo9lsnNU

[@robertvelez9557]

The Temptations can never be topped my friend for they are and will always be the #1 R&B Group Of All Time!

[@mrjoshjones1]

The Legendary Lloyd Parks singing co-leads is thrilling to watch.

[@ppehsy1]

@mrjoshjones1 Do you know the lyrics???? if so PLEEEZE POST THEM!!!

[@renaissanceman165]

Actually that part on the bridge is sung in unison here. Lloyd Parks is not simging the top tenor note here. He is singing second tenor. He did showcase his magnificent falsetto with the Blue Notes, though.

[@mrjoshjones1]

Not so,Mr Parks is a first tenor,right outta' the mold of Johnny Carter.

[@mrjoshjones1]

Only from what I can ascertain from the lyrics here!

[@mrjoshjones1]

I do not, off hand, only from what I can hear them singing.

[@proudtobeafeminist8391]

Two of these guys became McFadden and Whitehead. They sang "Ain't No Stopping Us Now" in 1979.

[@jarriusjefferson-irwin3753]

Sound just like they did singing on those corners around 10 st....years gone by great music .

[@HUSTLEMAN2]

My man on the right is killing the steps! The fellas looking ...brooooo you killin' us!

[@maggynewtown3500]

The one on the right and the singer are McFadden and Whitehead.

[@thescatman5029]

Those Earl Young drum triplet licks, to go with that Norman Harris guitar, Vince Montana vibes and Ronnie Baker bass groove. You know it's Philly!

[@jimmiesmith5811]

And Bobby Martin on the arrangements you can tell him and Thom Bell Norman Harris Vince Montana sound anywhere their arrangements is what made the philly sound so great back then

[@rwyatt26]

Definitely an Earl Young drumming groove!!!

[@lamarrdonald7743]

Is this the same band that played behind the Delphonics?

[@thescatman5029]

@@lamarrdonald7743 Yes!

[@fredicagoillanoise1309]

What's so ill about this is this Philadelphia Soul masterpiece came out on Stax Records in Memphis!! Otis Redding brought the Epsilons to Stax and had major plans for them but after he died in that plane crash it changed their entire trajectory. Good thing Gamble & Huff recognized the talents of John Whitehead and Gene McFadden.

[@darrellhughes4966]

Absolutely awesome!!!! I remember them. Thanks for sharing

[@killachunes2349]

Stunning!

[@jesincere8589]

I could watch this clip everyday, I mean everyday!

[@brendabelcher8512]

I've been watching it every day, since my uncle's passing 6/25/21. He's the one on the left end. James Knight

[@jesincere8589]

@@brendabelcher8512 I never knew his name until now. Uncle was a legend, may God bless his memory and R.I.P.

[@brendabelcher8512]

@@jesincere8589 Thank you

[@jesincere8589]

@@brendabelcher8512 My pleasure, Ms Brenda.

[@kpitt1204]

What a treat to see!!!! I love seeing the footage that you post, especially since I'm from Philly and my sister danced on the show a few times.

[@smsflemingsf]

This is fantastic! I also love their "mad at the world" tune.

[@beverlywhiteside7111]

I met james sugar man two days ago.

[@VeronicaDeHoyos408]

I love this jam.

[@TheDustyrose729]

Love these videos! Thanks for posting them !

[@lamarrdonald7743]

Some damn serious choreography to go along with a stunning vocal performance……my first time seeing these cats……now ima go find all thier music

[@shauns9563]

Thanks for this Fantastic post, Awesome.

[@mitchellwoodsjr.6070]

GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@joidouglass4913]

Wow this sounds good, old school classics always do.

[@davidpike9590]

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing...

[@marrah41]

my,my,my!thank u!!

[@mrstanbmw]

we have so much soul, look at the steps this guys were cranking. McFadden and Whitehead bookends are the 2 on the end the tall light skin brother Lloyd Parks Harold Melvin and the blue notes

[@lamarrdonald7743]

Never get tired of watching these brothers

[@dianepernsley6716]

Love this song thank you never heard it before.

[@ginajohnson4025]

Omg!! Sing Yall!!

[@abowlofsoul]

The foot work is so fly

[@maryjones6817]

Love it!

[@mitchellwoodsjr.6070]

GREAT I PLAY IT OVER AND OOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MarieProvost77]

These guys are fierce! (Never seen before). And a haunting tune. Dunno why no more likes - crazy world sometimes!

[@rogerTitohotmama]

I don't think people understand how dope this is. Watch this until you could choreograph it.

[@rosalynbethea6421]

Exactly correct

[@SunlightMan2]

I love those guys. Gene McFadden & John Whitehead never forgotten... you will always have a place in my heart !

[@robertvelez8485]

ILMJXXX- You have outdone yourself! Watching the Epilsons is like watching the original Temptations perform! 3 members of this group made it big- Lloyd Parks with the Blue Notes and the legendary songwriting team of Mcfadden and Whitehead (Ain't No Stopping Us Now)! ILMJXXX- you deserve a standing ovation for I have to see this clip one more time!

[@ILMJXXX]

+Robert Velez Thankyou as always for the comments...your like an open book full of information :-)

[@ILMJXXX]

Robert an interesting radio show interviewing Lloyd Parks here: www.blogtalkradio.com/facesofsuccessradio/2015/04/24/lloyd-parks--exclusive-interview--thur-apr-23-2015--500-pm-pst

[@user-cq3ez6bk6f]

I just happened upon them one day...great song....this group had it all....poor promoting ....they have everything needed to have been very successful.....what a shame not stars....

[@kevinsmith9264]

Some sing soul, these sing with Soul. Amazing. KTF.

[@davequine]

So many of us wanted to be a member of the groups that we worshipped

[@RICHIECOQUI]

McFadden & Whitehead were in this group!

[@pgroove163]

beautiful Harmony

[@silkstargazer3634]

I felt immediately like it was 1965/66 again. The sound I mean is vintage mid 60's. Beautiful sound, beautiful group, beautiful production. Man, those cats can sing and move! Thank you for this small treasure.

[@christinebeatty1520]

This is nice to see. My dad is Allen Beatty. One of the guys in the back.

[@billarroo]

Fine tune. Thanks

[@glenyswana7259]

Awesome and a great lead singer

[@jimmiesmith5811]

The late great Gene McFadden

[@TheShabazzProduction]

Awesome! I see Brother Lloyd Banks in there who later went on to join Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, get down Brother Lloyd the tenor voice you first hear on the monster Bluenote hit "I Miss You". You Brothers look cool as hell here. I miss those days when I saw all the badd ass groups here in NY. It was better times for Black people, and dating those beautiful Black women was awesome. Soul singing groups singing about being with soul sisters must return, or we are finished.

[@lorenzoadamson6893]

beautiful !!! another forgotten group that woukd have given the temptations hell on stage

[@corneilmadison5031]

bad management.

[@Tunes342]

I doubt that, but they were good

[@lorenzoadamson6893]

Tunes342 find one performance on here of the tempts steppin with this much creativity and i will kindly shut the fuck up

[@Tunes342]

This is a matter of opinion, The Way You Do The Things You Do,My Girl, Get Ready,Aint Too Proud To Beg,Girl Why You Wanna Make Me Blue, I'm Losing, Cloud Nine,Papa Was A Rolling Stone.

[@aintnostoppinusnow9885]

Tunes342 man u dont have to defend the temps, McFadden and Whitehead proved they had staying power. The Temps were incomparable in their own right!

[@lucky4724]

PREACH BRO !!!!

[@gailgarza8033]

Oh my GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT A FIND!!!!!¡

[@juliusstuckey3913]

i could've sworn up and down that this song was written and produced by gamble and huff but this was written by someone I never even heard of. I did find out this song was co-arranged by Bobby Martin. GOTTA LOVE THAT SWEEEEET PHILLY SOUL!!!! A LOST CLASSIC INDEED!!!!

[@billarroo1]

NICE song, 😃😃😃 Thanks

[@debbiedempsey2602]

WOW nice ❤❤

[@jaynehoughton8667]

wow love it 💖 what a tune ✊ 🇽

[@ILMJXXX]

+Jayne Houghton Thankyou as always for the kind comments :-)

[@jessiesheppard6735]

I was a teenager then but when I heard it I remember it vaguely cause all I did back then was listen to music

[@jeffreyconyers8735]

So some Philadephia International legends came from this group.

[@maggynewtown3500]

That's early MFSB behind them.

[@rictic114]

Great tune

[@ellenreed8861]

Wow this is the first tine I've heard. this song. Dam he can sing. love this side thanks for the post. Can't get enough of this side. Are they still together ??. Adding to my ole school playlist. This is when music was music. Thanks again for posting.

[@ronzenglin7128]

Great cast

[@calvinbealer7264]

Philadelphia Soul Gold From 1968

[@user-kn3vr2qu2m]

TNR-VINTAGE. Boy I remember this group from back in the Day, way back. Damn .Kelsey West Philly 😆 ✌

[@williampenson407]

There dance steps are crazy!!

[@bobbye.wright4424]

That brotha got too much soul

[@pieroangelo2]

great..great video!!thanks for upload this gem!!

[@Imakebeats65]

still one of the coldest joints in the game!

[@dannymactheatreoflife.1771]

Loving the dancing 😎

[@terescarrasco4393]

Choooow 😎this is the jam

[@katrinahouston1604]

They are very handsome young men! 💖