One of the definitive doo-wop groups, The Flamingos began to take shape in 1950
in Chicago, Illinois when Jake and Zeke Carey met John E. Carter and Paul Wilson
when all of them were performing at a Jewish choir. Sollie McElroy came on board
before the group made their initial demos in 1952. Signing to Chance records,
the group issued a number of singles that became regional hits, most notably
“Golden Teardrops.” Nate Nelson replaced McElroy when the band signed to Chess.
They had their first national hit in 1956 with “I’ll Be Home”, which climbed to
number 5 on the R&B chart. Ze...