TOUR NOTES BIOGRAPHIES
The Spaniels
The Spaniels began when singer James "Pookie" Hudson recruited his classmates – Earnest Warren, Opal Courtney Jr., Willie Jackson and Gerald Gregory. Debuting as "Pookie Hudson and the Hudsonaires" for a school talent show, the Spaniels soon changed their name and began seeing a record label to record some tracks. Signed to Vee-Jay Records in 1953, The Spaniels recorded, "Baby It’s You" which hit number ten on the national R&B best-seller charts.
In 1954, "Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight", was recorded. Although it took about six months to break nationally, it charted number five on the R&B charts. The Spaniels soon made the first of numerous appearances at the Apollo Theatre and began touring the Midwest.
After Opal Courtney Jr. was drafted, James "Dimples" Cochran took over permanently. Shortly thereafter, Ernest Warren was drafted and the group continued as a quartet. Unfortunately, the next two singles didn’t chart and, disappointed, Pookie and Willie Jackson left the group. The remainder of the Spaniels then recruited Carle Rainge (lead) and Don Porter – this group lasted for only one single until Pookie rejoined.
In April 1957, The Spaniels released their first full-length Album "Goodnight, It’s Time To Go" to great success! In 1961, after McGruder and Gregory left the group, The Spaniels completely broke up to sort out their next plan. Pookie recorded some solo singles and started his own North American Records with his song “Fairytales” – it became his last charting single in the fall of 1970.
The Spainiels regrouped in the early 1970’s with a new line-up: Pookie Hudson, Charles Douglas, Alvin Wheeler, Alvin Lloyd and Pete Simmons (who was later replaced by Andrew Lawyer). The group re-made “Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight” in 1974.
Today, Pookie Hudson still performs with a Spaniels group. Courtney and Willie Jackson are also still alive. Gregory passed away in the 90’s.
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