Does anyone know who sings lead vocals on "Beware of the Man (With the Candy in His Hand)" that shrill and raspy falsetto that’s screamed out at intervals?
https://youtu.be/S7qre7Fs88s?si=-YVZjUB_FREM_P22

off tinternet:

The lead vocals on "Beware of the Man (With the Candy in His Hand)" by The Dramatics are primarily sung by L.J. Reynolds. Ron Banks also provides vocals on the track. The song, written by Tony Hester, is part of the album "A Dramatic Experience"

Thanks Simon!

But you are not sure? I wanna use it in a book I'm writing, so need to be sure :-)

Something like this:

"Several powerful vocalists deliver the message, but most prominent is xxx, whose deep and raw voice repeatedly cries out hoarsely and in falsetto, sending a shiver down your back."

16 minutes ago, Tommy1 said:

Thanks Simon!

But you are not sure? I wanna use it in a book I'm writing, so need to be sure :-)

Something like this:

"Several powerful vocalists deliver the message, but most prominent is xxx, whose deep and raw voice repeatedly cries out hoarsely and in falsetto, sending a shiver down your back."

this might help, good luck with the book

https://dereksmusicblog.com/2012/01/09/the-dramatics-a-dramatic-experience/

It really does Simon T, thanks a lot!

"before an otherworldly scream gives way to soul with a social conscience. L.J’s angry, frustrated vocal sits atop the arrangement as the track quickens"

8 minutes ago, Tommy1 said:

It really does Simon T, thanks a lot!

"before an otherworldly scream gives way to soul with a social conscience. L.J’s angry, frustrated vocal sits atop the arrangement as the track quickens"

i'm sure he still alive, have a trawl through facebook for a contact

William "Wee Gee" Howard, imo, best lead vocalist The Dramatics ever had 👍

Kev

48 minutes ago, Kev Cane said:

William "Wee Gee" Howard, imo, best lead vocalist The Dramatics ever had 👍

Kev,

Got to be a close call, Kev, between him and Ron Banks but I’ll probably agree with you on Wee Gee.

1 hour ago, Kev Cane said:

William "Wee Gee" Howard, imo, best lead vocalist The Dramatics ever had 👍

Kev

What do you mean Kev?

Is it your opinion on the best vocalist, or do you mean hes in lead on this song?

18 minutes ago, Tommy1 said:

What do you mean Kev?

Is it your opinion on the best vocalist, or do you mean hes in lead on this song?

Sorry Tommy, I've gone a bit off thread, it was just an opinion on the group

Best

Kev

1 hour ago, Kev Cane said:

Sorry Tommy, I've gone a bit off thread, it was just an opinion on the group

Best

Kev

No worries mate!

Of the album, The Dramatic Experience, Ron Banks: "In the streets they loved those songs, and that's what made the album sell. Lyric content was on time for the kids in the street. Even the ones, who used drugs, liked the songs ( - -). Tony Hester was genius with the lyrics. It was hard-core, but it was straight to the point. // Willie Ford: "I think the whole album was dedicated to the drug problem, including the songs 'Beautiful People' and 'Get Off My Mountain.'" // Don Davis: "Drugs and booze and death. When I met him, he was a very clean-cut guy, very meticulous, had a style of playing, a gifted lyric, but got drugs in his life, and from '71-'72 on, it was a constant fight with drugs." // L.J. Reynolds: "All that album was Tony. That was Tony Hester talking through that album." // Lenny Mayes: "In my opinion Tony Hester was a genius. When he passed away, it was a great loss - not only to the Dramatics, but to the music world. Period. He really made you feel nice and relaxed, when you went into the studio to record with him." Larry Demps: "I think the album was his cry for help." (Soul Express, from the 4-part Dramatics Story; part 2 - 1970-74)

Do you have the magazine Heikki? If so, can you scan the article?

Tommy

Nothing to add other than it's an LP of the highest quality and one I still play regularly even though I bought on release, soul at it's best.

Good to see Heikki back on here. His in-depth interviews articles and interviews on Soul Express are always so informative.

There is a lot for Heikki to scan over the six issues covering the Dramatics story (I think all of the magazines are still available from Soul Express), but the critical paragraphs seems to be part of the interview with Ron Banks about the break up of the original group and the arrival of L.J. Reynolds and then L.J.'s own recollections.

(Soul Express 1/2000 page 20 and 21).

See also: https://www.soulexpress.net/dramatics_discography.htm

Thanks Kesalocasoul
I got the confirmation of L.J. Reynolds as lead on this.

I din't know there were so many issues.
I would love to know more about Tony Hester, this part:

"All that album was Tony. That was Tony Hester talking through that album." // Lenny Mayes: "In my opinion Tony Hester was a genius. When he passed away, it was a great loss - not only to the Dramatics, but to the music world. Period. He really made you feel nice and relaxed, when you went into the studio to record with him." Larry Demps: "I think the album was his cry for help.""

Hi Tommy!

Nice to hear from you... and from Oslo!

It would be quite a task to scan all those pages. Altogether the articles would make a small book, because there are interviews of all the members, who ever were part of the group.

Arto Ahonen is now in charge of all the printed issues we have left. Please email him - arto.ahonen@dnainternet.net - and ask about the four Dramatics issues plus two updates.

I'm glad that you're interested in the Dramatics.

Best regards

Heikki

Hi Heikki!

So nice to hear from you too!

I'm impressed of the work you have done!

And yes, maybe you should do that book!

I will send him an email, thanks!

Best regards,

Tommy