IT TOOK A LONG TIME, Malcolm Dodds & The Tunedrops (End

IT TOOK A LONG TIME, Malcolm Dodds & The Tunedrops (End #1000) 1957
Flipside: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - Here is a great history making song from my music collection. “IT TOOK A LONG TIME” is the very first recording released by George Goldner on his End Record label - #1000.
The Tunedrops hailed from Brooklyn, New York. Group members were Malcolm Dodds (lead), Prentiss Polk (1st tenor), Bill Glover (baritone) and Danny Simmons (bass).
Malcolm Dodds was born in Brooklyn and studied classical music at NYU. He was still living in Brooklyn in the early 1950’s, busy working as a musical/vocal instructor and, as he had always been, was involved with choral groups in schools, YMCAs and churches, using his real name Malcolm Williams.
It was during this time that he was approached by arranger Fred Norman to sing in a group. Thus, The Normanaires was formed, which comprised of Malcolm, Dorice Brown, Bill Glover and Sam Dillworth. The group stayed together for two years working locally before breaking up.
After recording one single in 1954 with the group The Four Clicks, "YOU LIED/HIGHER THAN HIGH" and not having much success with it, Malcolm along with Prentiss Polk, Bill Glover and Danny Simmons went on to record for George Goldner's End label as Malcolm Dodds & the Tunedrops in 1957. They would have a total of 3 releases on End, one on the Decca label and one on Gone.
Malcolm Dodds and the Tunedrops backed up Tony Passalaqua on "CANDLE IN THE WIND". Tony recorded as Tony Mitchell on (Canadian American #143) at the request of Steve Lawrence's brother Bernie, head of A&R there.
The group faded into obscurity and tried to sustain itself by doing studio work. But, without any success, the group got disgusted and soon broke up. Malcolm Dodds went on to record as a solo artist.
Malcolm Dodds became a composer, arranger and choir director of "The Malcolm Dodd’s Singers", a backup group for many popular artists.
Enjoy this really great ballad “IT TOOK A LONG TIME” by The Tunedrops with Malcolm Dodds singing lead, End records’ very 1st release!

[@bbmousedoowop]

I recall a couple of djs pushing this in Boston back in the day. Nice 1p. My copy is on the white doggy label.

[@mintrecords4ever]

Hi Steve, black label is 1st press. First release on End Records. The 2nd release is "HE'S GONE" by The Chantels (End #1001).

[@michaeldeangelo4818]

Great song. Thank you for uploading

[@paulriofski7982]

Wow, Ron, how cool to get to hear the first single on the seminal End label! What an incredible upper register Malcolm Dodds had. It received the following positive review in Billboard, July 8, 1957: "Dodds presents a fresh and original approach with several vocal gimmicks on a slow, rhythm ballad. A group of weird voices lends support that makes the styling a very acceptable side."

[@connie1492]

Love it it's bluesy

[@barryhossin1222]

❤️❤️

[@kencohen4378]

Some sweet r n b by one of the pioneer groups in the genre..totally mellow, bluesy rhythm and the falsetto is a knockout..nice history on the group..thanks

[@williammolloy5209]

A Doo Wop Classic . What More Can I Say .

[@katherinegates1559]

✨💞❤️ Always Will Be Together Forever..💞❤️❤️