Have you ever heard the beautiful song “I Only Have Eyes For You”? This classic love song was composed in 1934 by Harry Warren with lyrics by Al Dubin. It was featured in the 1934 movie “Dames,” first as Dick Powell singing to Ruby Keeler, then as a production number in which Powell sees Keeler’s face everywhere he looks. But who was the first to record this iconic love song?
The answer may surprise you! It was The Flamingos, an American doo-wop band from the 1950s. The Flamingos were known for their signature harmony and choreographed dance moves. The original lead singer of The Flamingos was Nate Nelson, and the band had several other members, including Jake Carey, Terrell Williams, Paul Wilson, and Paul Wilson. But who was the first to record “I Only Have Eyes For You”?
The answer is still a mystery, but it’s believed that The Flamingos were the first to record the song. They released their version in 1956, and it quickly became a hit. The song was so popular that it was even covered by other artists, such as Barbra Streisand and Aretha Franklin. The Flamingos’ version of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2017.
But what happened to The Flamingos? Are any of them still alive? Sadly, none of The Flamingos are still alive today. Lead singer Nate Nelson passed away in 1984, and the other members have since followed suit. However, their iconic song lives on and continues to be covered by singers all over the world.
And what about the black flamingos that are seen in the song’s music video? Do black flamingos exist? The answer is yes! Black flamingos are a rare species of flamingo that can be found in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and India. They are also asexual, meaning that they don’t need a mate to reproduce.
So, who was the first to record “I Only Have Eyes For You”? While the answer may never be known for certain, it’s clear that The Flamingos were the first to make the song popular. Their version of the song has been covered by countless artists, and it is still a beloved classic today.
Who was the first to record I Only Have Eyes For You?
I Only Have Eyes For You is a classic romantic song composed in 1934 by Harry Warren, with lyrics by Al Dubin. It was featured in the 1934 musical film Dames, where it was performed by Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler. Since then, the song has been recorded by many artists, including some of the most famous names in music. But who was the first to record this timeless love song?
The First Recording of I Only Have Eyes For You
The first recording of the song was done by the American jazz band The Dorsey Brothers. The band was formed by brothers Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, who both went on to become iconic figures in jazz and big band music. The Dorsey Brothers recorded their version of the song in 1934, the same year it was composed.
The Dorsey Brothers’ version of the song was a huge success, and it became one of their signature tunes. It was also their first big hit, and this recording helped launch their career. The Dorsey Brothers’ version of I Only Have Eyes For You is considered to be one of the defining recordings of the song.
Later Recordings of I Only Have Eyes For You
After the success of The Dorsey Brothers’ version of the song, many other artists began to record their own renditions. The most popular version of the song was recorded by The Flamingos in 1959. This version, which was featured on their album Flamingo Serenade, was a reimagining of the classic song. It featured a more upbeat tempo and a more modern arrangement.
Other notable recordings of I Only Have Eyes For You include versions by Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, and The Four Aces. Each of these artists put their own spin on the song and gave it a unique sound.
The Legacy of I Only Have Eyes For You
I Only Have Eyes For You is one of the most beloved love songs of all time. It has been covered by countless artists over the years, and it continues to be a staple of romantic music. The song has been featured in numerous films, including Casablanca, The Godfather Part II, and Pretty Woman.
The song has also become a popular choice for wedding ceremonies. Many couples choose to include the song in their ceremony, as a way of expressing their undying love for one another.
The Dorsey Brothers’ 1934 recording of I Only Have Eyes For You is the definitive version of this timeless classic. Their version set the standard for all future recordings of the song, and it remains one of the most beloved recordings of all time.
Are any of The Flamingos still alive?
The Flamingos, a legendary R&B vocal group from the 1950s, are remembered for their classic hits like “I Only Have Eyes For You” and “No One Loves Me Like You Do.” But are any of The Flamingos still alive?
The original Flamingos lineup – Terry Johnson, Jake Carey, Paul Wilson, Zeke Carey, and Nate Nelson – was active in the late 1950s, eventually disbanding in 1961. Terry Johnson kept the name alive through 1964 with new members, and the Careys recorded unsuccessfully with various “Flamingos” through the Seventies and Eighties.
Today, only two original members of the group remain alive – Johnson and Hunt. Zeke and Paul both passed away in the 1990s, and Jake Carey passed away in 2002. Nate Nelson passed away in 1984, leaving Johnson and Hunt as the only surviving members of the group.
The Legacy of The Flamingos
Despite their relatively short run, The Flamingos have left an indelible mark on music. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, and they have been cited as an influence by everyone from Marvin Gaye to The Four Tops.
Their biggest hit, “I Only Have Eyes For You”, has been covered by everyone from Barbra Streisand to The Beach Boys. It was even featured in the cult classic film, “The Big Lebowski.”
Terry Johnson Still Performs
Terry Johnson, the last surviving original member of the group, is still performing today. He has kept the legacy of The Flamingos alive with his current group, The Terry Johnson Flamingos.
The group has released several albums over the years, including “The Legendary Flamingos” and “The Flamingo Legacy”. They have also performed at several prestigious venues, including the Apollo Theater and the Montreux Jazz Festival.
In addition to performing, Johnson also works as a vocal coach and arranger. He has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Prince, Michael Jackson, and Quincy Jones.
A Lasting Influence
The Flamingos may no longer be with us, but their music lives on. Their classic songs are still being covered by artists today, and their influence can be heard in the music of countless other acts.
Terry Johnson is still performing, and keeping the legacy of The Flamingos alive. He is an inspiration to aspiring singers and musicians, and a reminder of the power of music to bring people together.
The Flamingos may be gone, but their music will live on forever.
Who was the original lead singer of The Flamingos?
The Flamingos were one of the most influential and enduring doo-wop groups of the 1950s and 1960s. Formed in Chicago in 1951, they were led by original lead singer, Sollie McElroy, who left an indelible mark on the group’s iconic sound.
The Early Years
The Flamingos started out as a five-piece group comprised of cousins Zeke and Jake Carey, who sang tenor and bass, respectively; Nate Nelson, who sang baritone; and Paul Wilson and Sollie McElroy, who shared lead vocal duties. The group was initially formed as a gospel group, with the intention of spreading their Christian beliefs to the masses through their music.
Sollie McElroy’s Role in The Flamingos
Sollie McElroy was a key member of The Flamingos, and the group’s original lead singer. He had the distinction of being the first African-American singer to record a doo-wop song, and his voice was described as “the soul of the group.” McElroy was also the group’s primary songwriter and arranger, and many of their biggest hits were written by him.
McElroy’s most notable contributions to The Flamingos include their first major hit, “I’ll Be Home,” and the classic doo-wop ballad, “The Vow.” He also penned the much-loved Christmas song, “Kissing in the Moonlight,” as well as the group’s signature tune, “I Only Have Eyes For You.”
Departure from The Flamingos
After four years with The Flamingos, McElroy left the group in 1954. He was replaced by Nate Nelson, who had previously sung baritone with the group and stepped up to become lead singer. McElroy continued to write and arrange songs for The Flamingos, but his departure marked the end of the group’s most successful period and their most famous sound.
Legacy
Sollie McElroy’s legacy has endured long after his departure from The Flamingos. His songs are still considered classics of the doo-wop genre, and he is remembered as one of the genre’s most influential figures. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, and his contributions to The Flamingos are still celebrated today.
Do black flamingos exist?
It’s not every day you see Earth’s (maybe) only black flamingo. On April 8, a black flamingo was spotted during a flamingo count along a salt lake at the Akrotiri environmental center on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. This black flamingo is one in several million—and perhaps, the only one in the world.
Black flamingos are a rare sight, as they are an aberration of their pink cousins. Their plumage is not the only thing that sets them apart. Due to their unique color, they are sometimes mistaken for other species of birds, making them even harder to identify.
The black flamingo was first documented in 1888 by a French ornithologist. Since then, other sightings have been reported around the world. The most recent one was spotted in the same salt lake in Cyprus in 2015.
What Causes Black Plumage?
The cause of the black plumage is still unknown. Some experts believe that it is caused by a genetic mutation. Others believe that it might be caused by a reaction to the environment, or to certain food or water sources.
It could also be caused by a combination of both. For example, if the flamingo has a genetic mutation that affects the pigmentation of its feathers, it could be further affected by external factors such as diet or environmental conditions.
Are Black Flamingos Rare?
Black flamingos are extremely rare. While they are not unheard of, they are not seen often. In fact, the last documented sighting of a black flamingo was in 2015 in Cyprus. This makes the recent sighting of an adult black flamingo all the more remarkable.
The rarity of black flamingos has lead to speculation about their existence. Some experts believe that the black flamingo is a hybrid species, while others believe that it is a unique subspecies. There is still no definitive answer as to what causes these unique flamingos to form.
Are Black Flamingos Endangered?
The black flamingo is not listed as an endangered species. However, some experts believe that they may be more susceptible to environmental changes and habitat destruction than other flamingos. This could put them at a higher risk of extinction.
There are also concerns that the black flamingo may be a hybrid species. If this is the case, they could be threatened by interbreeding with other species of flamingos. This could lead to the loss of genetic diversity and the extinction of the species.
Black flamingos are an incredibly rare sight. They are thought to be the result of a genetic mutation or a reaction to the environment. They are not listed as an endangered species, but their rarity could put them at risk of extinction. For now, the black flamingo remains a mystery.
Are flamingos asexual?
For most of us, the sight of a flamingo evokes images of beautiful birds in bright pink plumage, standing tall on one leg. But have you ever wondered whether flamingos are asexual or if they reproduce through sexual means? The answer is a bit more complicated than you might think.
Flamingos are actually serially monogamous, meaning they mate for one year and then get divorced and find a new mate the next year. This process is mutual, as both males and females will dance in search of a compatible partner.
The Courtship Process of Flamingos
When a male and female flamingo meet, they will often engage in a courtship dance. This dance consists of bowing, preening, and presenting each other with gifts of food. The male will also show off his feathers and do a “head-flag” display. This is where he spreads his wings and feathers to court the female.
If the female likes what she sees, she will respond with a more vigorous display of preening and bowing. If the male is successful in his courtship, the two flamingos will form a bond and will mate for the entire year. During this time, the couple will remain close, often preening each other and sharing food.
The Mating Ritual of Flamingos
When the time comes to mate, the male will grab ahold of the female’s head and begin to thrust his neck back and forth. This is known as the “head flag” display, and it is how the male expresses his interest in the female. He will also make a loud honking noise and will sometimes even pick up some food and offer it to the female as a sign of his affection.
Once the female accepts these offerings, the two will move to a shallow pool and begin the actual mating ritual. This involves the male mounting the female and thrusting his neck in and out of the water. The female will also bob her head, which is thought to be a way of stimulating the male and helping him achieve orgasm.
Are Flamingos Asexual?
The answer to this question is no. Flamingos are not asexual, as they do indeed reproduce through sexual means. However, unlike some other birds and animals, they are not always faithful to the same partner. Every year, the flamingos go through the courtship and mating process all over again.
This is an important part of their behavior, as it helps to ensure that their offspring are healthy and that their population remains stable. So, while flamingos may not stay faithful to the same mate for their entire lives, they do still rely on sexual reproduction to keep their species going.
In conclusion, flamingos are not asexual, but they do reproduce through sexual means. Every year, males and females will dance and engage in courtship displays to find a compatible mate. Once they have found one, they will mate and produce offspring. This helps to ensure the survival of their species, and it is an important part of their lives.
“I Only Have Eyes For You” has become a timeless classic, beloved by listeners all over the world. The first to record the song was Dick Powell, who sang it to Ruby Keeler in the 1934 movie “Dames.” Since then, it has been recorded by some of the most famous singers of all time, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole. It has been covered by dozens of other artists, each putting their own unique spin on the classic. Whether you’re looking for a romantic ballad, an uptempo swing tune, or a more modern interpretation, “I Only Have Eyes For You” has something for everyone. So let’s raise a glass and sing along to this endearing classic, and give thanks to the late Harry Warren and Al Dubin for creating such a timeless masterpiece.