Voice Male
Voice Male: The Ballad of "Mr. Bass Man"
In the annals of rock and roll, the name Voice Male stands as a testament to the enduring power of a catchy melody and the enigmatic allure of a musical enigma. Their iconic hit, "Mr. Bass Man," has been a dance floor staple for generations, but the story behind the band is far more complex and intriguing than its upbeat rhythm suggests.
Origins and Controversy
Formed in 1957 in Atlanta, Georgia, Voice Male was a quartet that defied easy categorization. Their music blended elements of R&B, rockabilly, and doo-wop, creating a unique and infectious sound that appealed to audiences across racial and social lines. However, their success was not without its share of controversy.
In the racially charged atmosphere of the late 1950s, the fact that Voice Male was a racially integrated band drew both criticism and admiration. Some radio stations refused to air their music, while others played it only after censoring or altering the lyrics. Despite these obstacles, the band persevered, gaining a loyal following through live performances and bootleg recordings.
The Rise of "Mr. Bass Man"
In 1962, Voice Male released their signature song, "Mr. Bass Man." The catchy tune, with its infectious bassline and playful lyrics, quickly became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the R&B charts and crossing over to the pop charts as well. The song became synonymous with the band, and its legacy has endured for decades.
Challenges and Success
Following the success of "Mr. Bass Man," Voice Male faced a series of challenges. The band's management was plagued by financial mismanagement, and they struggled to maintain a consistent lineup. Despite these setbacks, they continued to release music throughout the 1960s, including the minor hit "Annie Came Home."
The Enigma of Johnny Pruitt
One of the most enduring mysteries surrounding Voice Male is the identity of Johnny Pruitt, the enigmatic bassist who played on "Mr. Bass Man." Pruitt's name does not appear on any official band credits, and he vanished from the music scene shortly after the song's release. Some speculate that he was a session musician, while others claim that he was a figment of the band's imagination. To this day, the true identity of Mr. Bass Man remains unknown.
Legacy and Discography
Despite their relatively short career, Voice Male's music has had a profound impact on rock and roll history. "Mr. Bass Man" remains a dance floor favorite, and its influence can be heard in the music of countless bands that followed. The band's discography includes:
* Mr. Bass Man (1962)
* Annie Came Home (1963)
* Voice Male Sings (1964)
* The Best of Voice Male (1966)
Members
The original lineup of Voice Male consisted of:
* Jimmy Thomas (lead vocals)
* Doug Slay (bass guitar)
* Johnny Pruitt (bass guitar)
* Lonnie Lee (tenor vocals)
* Pervis Spann (baritone vocals)
In the annals of rock and roll, the name Voice Male stands as a testament to the enduring power of a catchy melody and the enigmatic allure of a musical enigma. Their iconic hit, "Mr. Bass Man," has been a dance floor staple for generations, but the story behind the band is far more complex and intriguing than its upbeat rhythm suggests.
Origins and Controversy
Formed in 1957 in Atlanta, Georgia, Voice Male was a quartet that defied easy categorization. Their music blended elements of R&B, rockabilly, and doo-wop, creating a unique and infectious sound that appealed to audiences across racial and social lines. However, their success was not without its share of controversy.
In the racially charged atmosphere of the late 1950s, the fact that Voice Male was a racially integrated band drew both criticism and admiration. Some radio stations refused to air their music, while others played it only after censoring or altering the lyrics. Despite these obstacles, the band persevered, gaining a loyal following through live performances and bootleg recordings.
The Rise of "Mr. Bass Man"
In 1962, Voice Male released their signature song, "Mr. Bass Man." The catchy tune, with its infectious bassline and playful lyrics, quickly became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the R&B charts and crossing over to the pop charts as well. The song became synonymous with the band, and its legacy has endured for decades.
Challenges and Success
Following the success of "Mr. Bass Man," Voice Male faced a series of challenges. The band's management was plagued by financial mismanagement, and they struggled to maintain a consistent lineup. Despite these setbacks, they continued to release music throughout the 1960s, including the minor hit "Annie Came Home."
The Enigma of Johnny Pruitt
One of the most enduring mysteries surrounding Voice Male is the identity of Johnny Pruitt, the enigmatic bassist who played on "Mr. Bass Man." Pruitt's name does not appear on any official band credits, and he vanished from the music scene shortly after the song's release. Some speculate that he was a session musician, while others claim that he was a figment of the band's imagination. To this day, the true identity of Mr. Bass Man remains unknown.
Legacy and Discography
Despite their relatively short career, Voice Male's music has had a profound impact on rock and roll history. "Mr. Bass Man" remains a dance floor favorite, and its influence can be heard in the music of countless bands that followed. The band's discography includes:
* Mr. Bass Man (1962)
* Annie Came Home (1963)
* Voice Male Sings (1964)
* The Best of Voice Male (1966)
Members
The original lineup of Voice Male consisted of:
* Jimmy Thomas (lead vocals)
* Doug Slay (bass guitar)
* Johnny Pruitt (bass guitar)
* Lonnie Lee (tenor vocals)
* Pervis Spann (baritone vocals)