Jake Carey of the Flamingos is born.
Nate Nelson of the Flamingos is born.
Zeke Carey of the Flamingos is born.
Tommy Hunt of the Flamingos is born.
Sollie McElroy of the Flamingos is born.
Johnnie Carter of the Flamingos is born.
Paul Wilson of the Flamingos is born.
Terry Johnson of the Flamingos is born.
The Flamingos form in Chicago as a quintet comprising cousins Jake and Zeke Carey (who sing bass and tenor, respectively), Paul Wilson (baritone), Johnny Carter (tenor) and lead singer Earl Lewis (who is quickly replaced by Sollie McElroy).
The Flamingos release their first single, “Someday, Someway” b/w “If I Can’t Have You,” on Chance Records.
The Flamingos’ classic “Golden Teardrops” is released on the Chance label.
The Flamingos debut a new lead singer, Nate Nelson, who replaces Sollie McElvoy.
“I’ll Be Home,” the Flamingos third single for the Checker label - after brief stints at Chance and Parrot Records - is released. It becomes their first national hit, peaking at #5 on the R&B chart and #10 on the Best Seller chart.
“I’ve Only Got Eyes for You,” the Flamingos’ biggest hit (#3 R&B, #11 pop), enters the charts. It is among the most sublime performances of the doo-wop era.
After having not released a 12-inch LP for the entirety of the Fifties, the Flamingos saw two appear in a single year
The Flamingos’ “Buffalo Soldier” enters the R&B singles chart. It is their last charting single.
Nate Nelson, who’d become the lead singer of the Flamingos three decades earlier, dies of a heart attack.
Paul Wilson of the Flamingos dies.
Sollie McElroy of the Flamingos dies.
Jake Carey of the Flamingos dies.
Zeke Carey of the Flamingos dies.
The Flamingos are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the sixteenth annual induction dinner. Dion is their presenter.
Johnnie Carter passes away.
