Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1959)

THE JUNIOR CLASS: WHO’S Leading The Class: SINGER VITAL DATA PERSONAL LIFE PREFERRED LIST HIT DISCS CATHY CARR Born in Now York'* Bronx. 5'2" and 1 00 pounds. Blonde and a newlywed. For Cathy there's been no business other than show business since she was six and began appearing on children's shows. After high school, she joined several bands, then went out on her own. A song, ''Ivory Tower," then catapulted her to stardom, selling over a million records in twenty-two weeks. For a spell, she concentrated her poised efforts on night-club audiences around the world. She collects records and has 3,000 of 'em to date. "Ivory Tower," "To Know Him Is To Love Him," and "First Anniversary." Roulette Records. DUANE EDDY Born on April 26, 1938 in Corning, New York. Six feet even. Brownhaired. Married to Carole, they have a son going-onone. After Duane Eddy was born in Corning, the townspeople began wondering whether their famous glassworks would be shattered by his piercing guitar. Today both "products" are prospering. Ever since his family moved to Arizona, where Duane could twang in the wide open spaces, his haunting and driving music has become the guitar standard of the pop music world. He collects records and eats pizza. "Moovin 'n' Groovin,"' "Rebel Rouser," "Ram Rod," "Cannonball," "The Lonely One," "Yep." Jamie Records. THE KALIN TWINS Born Port Jervis, N.Y., February 16, 1934. 5'10", 140; black-hair, hazelbrown eyes. Herbie: Single. Harold: Married to Jonni, daddy of Susan, 2'/2. Since age five, when the twins entertained at the Port Jervis Fire House Christmas Banquet, the boys have been singing. Harold was in the Air Force for two years, but continued his joint efforts with Herbie by tape which traveled 16,000 miles each round trip. Ditto when Herbie was in service. They saved their pennies, cut a demonstration disc — and that was it! The boys like to sing, sing, singl "When," "Forget Me Not," "It's Only the Beginning," "Oh, My Goodness!" and "Cool." Decca Records. CONWAYTWITTY Born in 1934 in Helena, Arkansas, as one of four children. Married, with three children. 5'10", 170 pounds, brown-haired. Harold Jenkins couldn't decide whether to be a baseball player or a Baptist preacher, so Conway T witty went out and became a singer! "Harold sounds like a milkman," says Conway, "so we changed it." He joined the Army and came out as a rock 'n' roll performer. On the road, he wrote "It's Only Make Believe" in seven minutes in the backroom of a Canadian night club. Conway still likes to play ball in off moments. "It's Only Make Believe," "Story of My Life." M-G-M Records. BROOK BENTON Born in 1932 in Camden, S.C. A 178-pound, sixfooter with brown eyes and black hair. Married to the former Mary Reay, and they have thee heirs. Brook is a songwriter who wound up singing his own material. Starting as a member of Bill Landford's spiritual quartet. Brook went on to writing such hits as "A Lover's Question" and "Looking Back." Though his voice was as fine as those he was writing for, he had no success for three fruitless years. Finally, Clyde Otis was introduced to him and Brook began to bubble. His only real hobby is songwriting. "It's Just a Matter of Time" and "Hurtin' Inside." Mercury Records. BILLY AND LILLIE Billy was born on March 9, 1927, in Newark, NJ. He's father of two. Lillie was born on November 12, 1936, in Newburgh, N.Y. She's 5'1" and single. Leader of Billy Ford's Thunderbirds, one of the country's most unique and successful vocal groups, Billy is also one of the music industry's key talent scouts. Two weeks before he cut "La Dee Dah" he discovered Lillie Bryant and signed her to work with the group. The two are now the Thunderbirds' featured singers. Billy polished up his talent with Cootie Williams' group. Both are on constant tour and prefer to rest and renew auld acquaintances during their non-moving moments. "La Dee Dah" and , "Lucky Ladybug." Swan Records. pr r Cl? F*|» THE FLEETWOODS Barbara Ellis and Gretchen Christopher born Olympia, Wash. Barb Feb. 20, 1940, Gretchen on Feb. 29, 1940. Gary Trexel, 19, Centralia. Wash. Six months after their June, 1958, graduation from Olympia High School, this talented trio had wowed the music world. Having met in their senior year, the trio pooled their songwriting talents, wrote the senior class show, and then wrote a song called "Come Softly To Me." A Seattle record distributor heard their demonstration disc and, within weeks, they had a hit. Barbara: Golf, bowling, cooking. Gretchen: Fashions, sewing, creative writing. Gary: Competitive auto racing. "Come Softly To Me." Dolphin Records. 40