The Prodigals

Self-contained ensemble from Clarksburg, West Virginia. Consisted of; Chuck Collins (lead), Billy Gayles (bass), "Theme Song" (tenor), Gerald Folio (guitar), Billy Smith (keyboard), Roy Davis (saxophone), Maurice Davis (bass guitar), Eddie Gayles (drums) The lead, Collins, with his sad-sounding soulful voice, dominates the proceedings. The chorus work is barely heard, as one might expect from a self-contained group, but it is there, making the record in essence a vocal group record. The Prodigals parlayed a lot of work from the record, appearing in numerous country clubs, universities and colleges. The group also started appearing in black nightclubs, such as the Off Shore Club in Blythedale, Pennsylvania. They appeared on a bill with Bo Diddley in Morgantown, West Virginia, and with the Chantels in Pittsburgh. Being a self-contained band, the group frequently would be used to back the vocalists and vocal groups who would appear with them.