RARE 78 "Recorded In Hollywood" Record Label BLUEJAYS

$

257

RARE R&B 78 rpm “Recorded In Hollywood” Label

THE FIVE HOLLYWOOD BLUEJAYS

185A & 185AA

Music by Que Martyn

I had never heard of this label or this band, so I went to eBay’s Music and Musician Board and posted a question regarding it. Here’s what I wrote:

“I recently bought many old 10" 78rpm records, and one of them is a blues record by "THE FIVE HOLLYWOOD BLUE JAYS" on "RECORDED IN HOLLYWOOD" Label, (it's a silver label that says exactly that with graphics of mics, buildings and the oscar), and in small print under label it says "Assoc. Hollywood Publishers", on one side, and on the other side it says,"B.M.I.". The songs are "So Worried", and "Cloudy and Raining", both written by "Jacque", and under that it says: "Music by Que Martyn". The numbers on the record is 185A and 185AA. The record plays just fine, and is the blues. I've never seen this label before, or heard of this band, and can't find anything on any of it. Does anyone know anything about the label or the band?”

Here’s what this fellow ebayer had to say:

“This is not a Blues record so to say, but it is an R&B record. It is most likely the group that turned into The Flairs later on. They were originally known as The Hollywood Blue Jays. You will find enough info by doing a Google on hollywood bluejays (make sure to put bluejays all as one word). You can also google the flairs. I believe this is the right track. My opinion, dpeending on condition, the record is worth anywhere from $100-$400 depending on who is looking that week. a Very good find.”

Here’s a interesting link to a web page concerning the “RECORDED IN HOLLYWOOD” LABEL that I found by following the above advice:

http://home.earthlink.net/~jaymar41/RIH.html

Another ebayer emailed me and had this to add:

“Hi. Re your question on the Five Hollywood Blue Jays 78,your record should be #185 which was issued in 1952. This group had several members who later became famous in their own right. Richard Berry,Cornell Gunther,Young Jessie,Beverly Thompson and Tom Fox. In 1954 they recorded on the Flair label under the name of Five Hearts. They also recorded on Recorded In Hollywood in 52 and 53 under the name of Hollywood Blue Jays(the Five in their name was on their earliest recordings on this label).In 1953 and up to their last record in 1957,they added 2 more members to their group (George Hollis and Patience Valentine)and recorded under the name of The Flairs on ABC,Flair and Antler labels) at which time the group broke up and the members either gave up or joined other groups or recorded individually. Your 78 ,if in mint condition should be valued between $50 and $300 depending on which price guide you look in. It was never (to my knowledge) released on a 45. Hope this helps. Kathy.”

I hope you both don’t mind me putting this in my listing, but it was such great info, I felt compelled to do so.

By searching The Flairs on google, I found a webpage by Marv Goldberg, and he said quite a bit about them, including, (pay attention to the last sentence)…

“In December 1952, when the Debonairs decided they were ready to record, they looked up John Dolphin, who owned a record label. His music store (Dolphin's Of Hollywood) was pretty close to Jefferson High, so everyone knew about him. Dolphin recorded the Debonairs doing two original tunes: “I Had A Love” (led by Cornel) and “Tell Me You Love Me” (led by Richard). While the recordings were crude by anyone's standards, Dolphin ended up releasing them in January 1953 (on his Recorded In Hollywood label), with the Debonairs magically renamed the “Hollywood Bluejays.” (Dolphin had actually recycled this name, having released tunes by a group called the 5 Hollywood Bluejays some months earlier.)”

So, is there two bands named Hollywood Bluejays? I don’t know. I do know this record definitely sounds like the Blues to me. (if I had to choose if they sound like The Four Tops or Muddy Waters, I’d pick Muddy Waters). I’ve never heard The Debonairs, so I can’t compare.

If anyone has any more information on these guys, feel free to e mail me, and I will add the emails to the listing, for all to read. Maybe, we will solve a mystery.

There is a little scratching to this record, but doesn’t seem to affect the sound.

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Record is sold as is.

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7/26/05 I got another e mail from Andy, (see belows question from members), with some good information, but was not given the option to post it to the Auction, I guess because he responded to my reply to his first email. I’m adding it here as it has good info in it.

“Hi again, The lead singer on "Lonesome Desert" is Young Jesse. That particular recording was released on the Modern label under his name as a single artist, but it is a Flairs cut. I doubt very seriously if any of the Flairs were associated with the earlier group. In an interview in the 1970's, none of the group members had any knowledge of the sides on RIH 185 John Dolphin, the owner of RIH was responsible for naming both groups. It would be great if anybody responds with any info on the earlier group--I have been collecting early R&B for 35 years and have never seen any information on who they were. Andy”

My Response:

“Hi Andy, Thanks for adding that information. I guess that pretty much confirms that it is not The Flairs. I'm sure after 35 years of collecting you would have discovered by now who they are, if it's out there to discover. We need some new information, and I hope we get it. I emailed Decca Records who bought out "Recorded In Hollywood" in the 50's, and asked them if they have any archival material on who they might be. Maybe they will respond. Maybe someone who was in the band, or a family member will see this listing, and respond. That would be great! Thanks also for the info on The Flairs "Lonesome Desert" song, and Young Jessie. That's a cool song, and anyone who likes that song, is likely to enjoy this record. I'm adding that, as I'm sure this is such an obsure record, that not too many people have heard it, and might like to know what it's like. Thanks, C. Ann”