The Flairs

US vocal group from Los Angeles, CA, formed in the early 50s. Their notable members included [a=Richard Berry] (writer of 'Louie Louie') and [a=Cornell Gunter], who would go on to being a member of [a=The Coasters]. Originally named "The Debonairs" and "[a=The Hollywood Blue Jays]" (on one release), they were renamed "The Flairs" by [a=Joe Bihari] after the labelname [l=Flair Records (5)]. Original members (1953-55): Beverly Thompson (tenor), Cornell Gunter, Thomas "Pete" Fox (tenor), Obadiah Jessie (baritone) and Richard Berry (bass). This line-up broke up in 1955. The group was revived as "Cornel Gunter And [a=The Ermines]" in 1955, and then "Cornel Gunter And [a=The Flairs]". Later members (1955-1958): Cornell Gunter, Kenneth Byley (first tenor), Thomas Miller (baritone) and Felton George Hollis (bass). This 2nd line-up broke up in 1958. [a=Buck Ram] then finally renamed the group "[a=The Flares]" in 1959. This new group were known for their 1961 hit "Foot Stompin', Pt. 1".

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