By Weldon A. Mc Dougal III (68.80.162.3) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 04:03 pm:

Yo! I am Stephen James Caldwell Sr. The Original Orlon still here in Philadelphia doing just great, with my new singers. Weldon Said that I should make contact with all you folks on this sight.looking forward to hearing from you.
Stephen.

By boynextdoor (67.24.159.171) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 04:21 pm:

Always loved The Orlons. What happened to the original "girls" in the group? South Street was one of my fav's!

By Tony Russi (67.34.144.108) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 05:51 pm:

Mr. Caldwell, I feel like I know you...all the picture cases my 45's came in. I love all the Orlons records incl "Bon-Doo-Wah", "Knock, Knock(Who's There)" I loved your version of "Not Me" and "South Street" is one of the greatest rock records of all time.My brother will "freak" when he hears you are on here as he does interviews for Goldmine & Discoveries magizines and always wanted to interview the Orlons.We are personal friends of Dee Dee Sharp. Take care & God Bless.

By Stephen James Caldwell Sr. (67.74.85.113) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 08:42 pm:

I want to thank you first Boynextdoor, for being a fan of The Orlons and wanting to know what happen to the Orlon girls.
Shirly Brickley sang lead on Mr..21 left us in 1978. Marlana Davis Easley sang lead on The Orlons First recording I'll Be True, passed in 1993. Rosetta Hightower moved to England in the 1970'S and I am still trying my best to find out if she is still alive,If you hear anything about Rosetta being alive or passed, please let me know.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 09:28 pm:

Hey Stevie,

Boby Eli here.

Glad you could make it.
Say hi to the wonderful ladies for me!!

By LC (68.44.120.175) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 09:31 pm:

Steve, I did receive your call. I'll hold a copy of the magazine I wrote on The Orlons show for you. Good to hear The Orlons will be appearing and performing in Atlantic City at the Taj. on Saturday night 5/8/04. In the mean time please contact me. Someone else want to book you.
In The Basement magazine.

By RD (65.54.97.192) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 09:39 pm:

Hi Steve, I always liked the Orlons. Your group came out when I was in my "watching American Bandstand years" and although your hits were teeny bop ish the Orlons always had a soulful sound and your bass vocals were an integral part of the mix.

By Vandelron (68.198.48.201) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 09:58 pm:

Hi Steve-so great u are here-thanks for info about the group. Werent u all on PBS not too long ago?You sounded great. Love Dont Hang Up,Dont Throw Love Away, Spinning Top(shoudl have gone to #1).

By TD (67.20.49.159) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 12:44 am:

Iv'e bveen trying to find the Orlons Greatest Hits but I cannot find it in the record stores. Any idea how I can purchase this C.D. You would think that Rhino would do a nice compilation on you guys. Its one of the only groups that I don't have in my collection.
Great songs

By Spookey (198.81.26.103) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 02:52 am:

Tony, did you mean personal servants of Dee Dee Sharp?

By FrankM (81.152.61.7) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 04:22 am:

v'e bveen trying to find the Orlons Greatest Hits but I cannot find it in the record stores.

There is A CD but it is a bootleg. No Cameo Parkway Material has been issued on CD by ABCKO the owners of the material. So be like the rest of us And dust down your record deck. There is a UK London compilation which has most of the hits.

By Tony Russi (68.18.235.158) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 09:01 am:

Spookey, this thread is on the great group THE ORLONS...I'm ignoring your stupidity.

By MEL&THEN SOME (217.43.32.122) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 09:18 am:

Great to be talking about the Orlons
I have a lot of your early stuff
and still have my uk Planet 45 of 'spinning top'
mel

By Dayo (81.134.129.31) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 09:45 am:

Hi from one of your British fans.

I guess you must already know how popular your records were over here... "The 81" was a huge favourite in "Mod" discotheques and still gets played today - as do others.

"Crossfire" was another that I loved.

Congratulations on making some truly exhilerating music!

By Tony Russi (68.18.235.158) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 09:45 am:

I think "Them Terrible Boots", "My Best Friend" and "Its No Big Thing" are 3 of the best "B" sides ever.Mr. Caldwell, were you interviewed for the Cameo-Parkway Box Set?

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:00 am:

Hey Steve, so glad you came on this forum. As
Tony stated we bought ALL the 45s with the
picture sleeves and some of the lps too.
Rosetta is said to be married to a guy named Ian
Green. I believe she did some backup work with
Joe Cocker. If anyone knows how to contact him
or his associates perhaps he would know how to
reach her. I have also heard she is alive as
well as dead. It's like a mystery.
Anyone else???
Again, so glad you are here. And, yes, DeeDee
Sharp is a very dear friend for many, many
years. Looking forward to the release of the
Cameo/Parkway box set--FINALLY!!! Were you
interviewed for this? I know others have
been.

By stephanie (69.138.239.31) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 12:42 pm:

I listened to the Orlons for Steves bass voice OH NO!!! I love Dont Hang up. One thing about their voices they were not the most polished but they were kind of interesting...LOL On vinyl they were good but had it not been for Steves voice I wouldnt have listened I think his voice was the hook that sold the songs along with the music,
Stephanie

By P.J. (24.3.123.111) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 12:47 pm:

Mr. Caldwell,
What can you tell us about Sandra Tilley's short time as an Orlon? She was also a Velvelette and a Vandella.

By Nosey (66.153.113.238) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 12:49 pm:

Steve: Did the Orlons play the Uptown? I've been to many, many show and don't ever remember seeing y'all. The same with Dee Dee Sharp or Chubby Checker.

However, I loved all of your songs; they were such good sing alongs.

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 01:05 pm:

Nosey, Dee Dee Sharp definitely played the Uptown
Theatre in Philadelphia!

By Fury13 (12.2.196.17) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 01:13 pm:

Big Orlons fan here too! "Not Me" and "Don't Hang Up" are incredible recordings!

By Nosey (66.153.113.238) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 01:28 pm:

Randy Russi: Thanks for the correction. That's one I definitely missed! That must have been the summer of 64, the year I was confined to bed.

By Tony Russi (68.18.235.158) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 01:29 pm:

My fave version of "Don't Let Go" is the one by the Orlons also the Orlons version of "Don't Throw Your Love Away"should have been a huge hit.I want to say sorry to Spookey for my above comment I meant to word it "I'll ignore your stupid comment"...I do not know Spookey, my brother does & knows how he means to say things & kids around.

By CEASAR THE TYMES (151.197.209.218) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 06:28 pm:

HEY STEVE:
WELCOME ABOARD,TOLD YOU THIS SIGHT WAS HAPPENING.
YOUR BUDDY
CEASAR

By ALLAN (24.131.5.102) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 07:26 pm:

It's always so heartening to see another of our revered artists logging on here. Welcome, Steve!

In my opinion, the entire "South Street" album had to be one of the best. So often albums of that era contained a hit or two and a lot of really mediocre filler, yet every track on this album could easily have been an A-side. The group's treatment of "Walk Right In" still blows me right away, and "Gather 'Round" is a gem. I put THAT album onto tape to avoid wearing out the grooves! I just wish Klein would let those Cameo-Parkway masters out of his tight little fist and get 'em onto CD. Does anyone have any idea whay he's just sitting on this goldmine?

By Stephen James Caldwell Sr. (67.74.85.145) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 01:18 am:

Bobby Eli, How's thing with you?

L.C. I'll see you before A.C., I hope.

R.D. I thank you for your true feelings, we were teenie-boppers when we recorded our music.The bass voice is a gift and I am thankful for it.

Vendelron, We did the PBS in Auston TX in Aug 03 a great lineup and thanks for the #1 spot you give us.

T.D. Later this year AbDKO records will be releasing some Cameo/Parkway music-hits, I hope that it will be OUR Greatest Hits.

Mel & Then Some,You like a great song "Spinning Top" we just put it into our stage show, Thank you.

Dayo, The 81 is a great song, but The Orlons did not record that one, we did record "Crossfire. Hope to be in your town soon.

Toni Russi You picked the song that I like the most "Them Terrible Boots"and yes I have done the interview for the soon to be released Cameo/Parkway music parkway.

Randi Russi I am new to this forum, and I love it. lots of news and a lot of well informed people. As far as Rosetta goes, you have the same imfo as I. Just trying to find out one way or the other.

Stephanie, It was a joy to talk to you on the land line. I hope that you will keep The Orlons on your good music list, even if you only hear my voice (smile).

P.J. Sandra Tilley was not with The Orlons as long as I was singing with Rose,Shirley and Marlana, Sorry that I can't help you.

By Stephen James Caldwell Sr. (67.74.85.145) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 01:28 am:

Nosey, November 22nd 1963 was our Uptown Date. A weeken that I will never forget, for more then one reason. I don't know about Chubby Or Dee Dee.

Fury, Thank you.

Ceasar of the Tymes, Ceasar,Ceasar,CEASAR.

Allan, Your wish will be coming true soon, Just after june of this year. As soon as I get the date I will Inform Everyone.

By Stephen James Caldwell Sr. (67.74.85.145) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 01:32 am:

Toni Russi, "Don't throw your love away" was written for The Orlons, but did not do well for us.

By Spookey (198.81.26.103) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 01:48 am:

Tony, does that mean I'll have to stay after school? ala I HAVE A CRUSH ON TEACHER?

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 02:02 am:

Stevie,
Once again, its so nice to see your face in the place.

Im missing Roland and Karl right about now.

By RD (65.54.97.142) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 02:10 am:

I didn't think Sandy Tilley was ever an Orlon. This was also brought up on another thread sometime ago and someone was adament that she did a stint with the Orlons.

By nycmotowner (152.163.253.70) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 03:38 am:

I read somewhere (either in Martha Reeves' or John Clemente's book) that Sandra Tilley did a tour with the Orlons. It was probably after Steve left the group and substitutes were recruited. Remember,m that did happen with various girl-groups in the '60's!!! Tony Leong

By Robb_K (66.81.192.96) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 05:07 am:

"The 81" was sung by Candy and The Kisses.

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 09:46 am:

Yes, Sandy Tilley was with the Orlons after Steve
and Marlena had left. I'm not sure what time
period, but probably the late '60s.

Steve, isn't Rose the lead on most of the big
hits--South Street, Not Me, Wah-Watusi, etc?

I also liked the version done by the group of
the song "Mr. Sandman" on the South Street lp.

Besides American Bandstand I don't recall the
Orlons on any other TV shows. Anyone?

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 09:55 am:

A lot of the B sides were good...Don't Throw Your
Love Away was the B side of "Bon-Doo-Wah"; the
B side of Wah-Watusi was very good too--Holiday
Hill.
I was able to meet Kal Mann from Dee Dee Sharp
in 1992, I believe. We were in Atlantic City.
He had some wonderful stories of his songwriting
and record producing at Cameo-Parkway. I do
remember him saying the best group he had to
work with was the Orlons.
And, before I forget, the flip of Don't Hang Up
was another good one--The Conservative.

By Nosey (205.188.209.13) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 09:59 am:

Steve: Thanks for that response. I know exactly why I missed it, I was in the hospital recovering from back surgery when President Kennedy was shot. Otherwise, I would have been right there in the aisle doing the "Crossfire". Thanks!

By Davie Gordon (213.18.222.34) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 11:13 am:

Hi Steve, welcome to the forum.

Rosetta's still alive and living in the UK -
she was the main act at a soul all-nighter
disco in London in 2002. Ian Green was in her
backup band that night so I take it they're still
together.

I'm glad you're enjoying the forum - beware,
it's addictive :-)

Davie

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 11:21 am:

Davie, that is definitely GOOD NEWS!!! Do you
think you could possibly contact Rosetta?
Can you find out who booked her or who is booking
her? That could possibly be a lead to her.

By stephanie (69.138.239.31) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 11:39 am:

man that would be great if Steve and Rosetta could do something together I bet we know more about the Orlons than Steve does himself!!! Speaking as a fan. For those of you who dont know Steve started the group. The above poster was right about the South Street album its a gem and critics have said that the Orlons shined on ballads as well. Steve good luck..
Stephanie

By Tony Russi (68.18.228.45) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 01:13 pm:

As like most acts in the 60's The Orlons could REALLY sing.Their harmonies were really strong."Holiday Hill", the flip of "Wah WahTusi" is a beautiful ballad.The Orlons should be in the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame .

By roger (217.35.87.17) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 02:40 pm:

Hello Everyone.

I used to have a U.K. London compilation L.P. called "The American Dream" (released around 1977?) that included such gems as "Don't Hang Up" and "Wah-Watusi". ( Probably this is the compilation that got mentioned earlier ).

Unfortunately it "disappeared" some years ago, and I no longer have many ORLONS records ( still have "Spinning Top" though).. So I for one CAN'T WAIT until these promised Cameo/Parkway official C.D. releases appear.

Incidentally, unless my mind is completely playing tricks on me, "Wah-Watusi" was featured in the movie "Quadrophenia", which starred STING and was about the "Mod" scene in London in the mid '60s. Wasn't it played in the "Discotheque" scene in Brighton?

Roger

By Dayo (81.136.164.4) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 02:55 pm:

Re: The 81, yes I know it was Candy and the Kisses. I'm shame faced. Just had a mad moment. Its my age - lol.

As for Quadrophenia Roger, you are right, Wah Watutsi was featured in the ballroom scene.

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 02:57 pm:

Roger, I know it was played (the song Wah-Watusi,
not the Orlons' recording) in a segment of TV's
The Lucy Show in 1963.

Steve, didn't you leave the group in about '64?
After Cameo, the Orlons went on to record at
Calla and at ABC Paramount. I think this is
when one of Shirley's sisters joined Shirley
and Rosetta in the group. I don't think they
replaced Steve with another guy.
However, I do know there was at least one phony
group of Orlons going around about 10 yrs. ago.

By stephanie (69.138.239.31) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 11:57 pm:

the phony Orlons didnt even sound good from what I hear and people I have talked to,
Stephanie

By Davie Gordon (213.18.222.35) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 02:27 pm:

Randy, I'll see what if I can find a e-mail
contact address but as it's gonna take some detective work I'll have to leave it until the weekend.

Davie

By Randy Russi (169.139.180.100) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 03:39 pm:

That's ok, Davie, as we've waited this long just
to be sure she was still living...Thanks!!!

Randy

By MEL&THEN SOME (217.42.211.236) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 03:48 pm:

The Orlons
have certainly been there and then some.
must of been around 1959/61 when you went to Cameo,apologies if wrong.

anyway
more great 45's from my collection

Envy
once upon a time
its no big thing
and another stomping great dancer is the superb cut of
I aint coming back........

great music
from a great group

many thanks

mel

By royaljones (166.68.134.174) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 01:56 pm:

My God, I don't know what to believe anymore! ..I was told emphatically by the bearded troll that you all were dead. God Bless you!...I just love the Orlons! ...their music their voices that energy the look the dynamic.the revolving blonde wig!fabulous! I'm thrilled also to think one of the gals might still be breathing the same air as us! What a sad tragic ending to one of the girls. I won't repeat that story fearing that may also be ficticious.I have 3 cds of the Orlons , 2 look kind of legitimate. I scurry to get all of the 45 covers as well. I really treasure the memories you conjure up.Bless y'all!
http://www.royaljones.com

By STONEWALL (68.237.107.94) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 02:15 pm:

Dear Dayo -- and Orlon Steve:

"Tired of doin' The Monkey? Tired of doin' The Twist? There's a brand new dance and it goes like this: Do The 81". Thanx for bringing up that song. It has the good-time, bouncy, Philly feel of an ORLONS song. I was so anxious to correct U butt then somedody(ies) else did and then U acknowledged it yourself. Shux! But I luv that song, too, in addition to all the great ones by The Orlons. Aren't CANDY & THE KISSES, also from Philadelphia?

Anybody know whatever happened to Candy & The Kisses?

For Orlon Steve, how did The Orlons get that name? Was it the name of a street, maybe?

By KevGo (64.115.136.66) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 03:08 pm:

Stonewall:
Candy & the Kisses (Candy Nelson, Suzanne Nelson & Jeanette Johnson) were from Port Richmond, NY.

"The 81" was co-written by Kenny Gamble & producer Jerry Ross. Leon Huff played piano on the session.

Candy & the Kisses recorded for Cameo/Parkway, Scepter/Wand & Decca Records before disbanding in 1968.

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By STONEWALL (68.237.107.94) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 03:14 pm:

Kissin' CANDY. Thanx KEV! I knew there was a Philly connection and there it is: Gamble & Huff. What a wonderful song. Never could figure out the "81" tho. I'm proud that the Kisses are from my home state: NY.

By Tony Russi (66.21.232.51) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 03:42 pm:

Stonewall, sing "In My Lonely Room" to the 81.Motown sued and stopped the 81 in its tracks.

By STONEWALL (68.237.107.94) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 04:19 pm:

Tony, that is very interesting. They are similiar, in a way. I don't remember Miss MARTHA tellin' me that one... but THE KISSES w/ engineer CANDY NELSON must have switched trax as it didn't stop Train #81 in New York. All aboard! That's why I remember it so well.

Switchin' again, Tony.... I read a post of yours recently and was glad to read that U "read" spooked Spookie and his intoxicated comment and "stupidity" about DEE DEE SHARP and diverting from that original file, which was not about her anyway -- it was on THE ORLONS. When "the spooked one" phones me next, she'll be singing "Don't Hang Up" and as a follow-up, BH's "Operator" and, of course, after that, she'll be humming, what else, "In My Lonely Room".

By Tony Russi (66.21.232.51) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 04:52 pm:

Stone, the 81 was climbing the national charts but was stopped before nearing the top 40.I consider "Operator" a Mary Wells song....it was only in recent years that I found out "I'll Be Available" was not the A side of Brendas record as that was the song that got airplay here by Brenda Holloway.Ofcourse, "Available" was a Mary Wells song also. I love Brenda Holloway and she does always give Mary Wells credit and was so good to Mary the last few years of Marys life.Stone, I saw a "young" pix of you somewhere recently and did a double take as it looked like a pix of myself from '69!!

By KevGo (64.115.136.66) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 05:54 pm:

According to songwriter/producer Jerry Ross, he & Kenny Gamble got the idea for the song when they attended a record hop and the kids were dancing the 81 to Martha Reeves & the Vandellas' "In My Lonely Room". Therefore Jerry & Kenny's song is somewhat based on the Motown classic.

However, I do have to agree with Stonewall - even though the song peaked at #51 on Billboard's Hot 100, "The 81" was popular on the radio in parts of the Northeast(it peaked at #21 on New York's WMCA radio's playlist, for example).

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By STONEWALL (68.237.107.94) on Thursday, April 15, 2004 - 08:22 pm:

CANDY & THE KISSES "Do The Top 40"!!!

Fortunately, back in the 1960s and beyond, we did not have a miserable monopoly of national record ratings. Besides so-so B/B, we had Cash Box and Record World, which were known as being more reliable relating actual sales of records and thus more accurate in their rating compilations.

Well, Toni Russo, I am so glad to tell ya -- as U can imagine -- that Motown's muscles did NOT stop the girls from doin' "The 81" in the Top 40 nationally. Candy & The Kisses entered the Top 40 in both Cash Box and Record World. I know the song came out in late 1964; however, I recall it as early 1965. Well, don't U know, the song peaked not in 1964 but in January of 1965! Bi the way, locally C&Ks were Top 10 as a popular dance record. Plus, there were also jukebox ratings in the 1960s, too, and from what I understand, the girls were definitely a popular favorite in the Top 10 of jukeboxes.

Bi the way, Toni R., let your brother know that he must know a different Spookey. This Spookie -- who I know from in person, not just the net -- does not intend to say good things butt mean things. For this Spookie, I'm rewriting "Do The 81" for Spookie Bee and calling it "Do The 86". U recall that really mean one-entry "Eilean", who D.M. had to "86" from the board! The fact is that is why Spookie made his stupid and nasty comment about DeeDee Sharp: to be mean! The proof is in Spookie's smelly rat salad. Butt I digress....

As Dayo stated: "The 81" was a huge hit and still gets played today! Dayo initially misstated the name of the similiar style group; however, it does not negate Dayo's assertion that "81" was a huge hit then and is still popular now. Having said that, I nominate Candy & The Kisses to the "Vocal Groups Hall of Fame".

Also, "T.R." when am I gonna see the 1969 pic of U -- or in its absence, 2004? And, Kev-Go, thanx for your valuable 411, as always, too. The 3 of us, I believe, have a board reputation for that attribute.