Biography

The Serenaders, a Newark New Jersey do wop singing group, was originally formed in 1956. With George Kerr as it's main lead singer, and song writer. In 1957 The group released it's first recordings, "Never Let Me Go", b/w "I Wrote A Letter", on Chock Full of Hits Records. In 1958 They released, "Dance Darling Dance", b/w "Give Me A Girl". In early 1959, they recorded and released, "My Girl Flip Flop", b/w "Gotta Go To School", on the Rae-Cox Record label. But after years of disappointing sales, constant group member changes, and bitter in fighting, the original Serenaders broke up in 1960.

Soon after Sidney, who had just moved to Newark from DC with his family, and eager to start up a new group, met Kerr, who was one of his new neighbors. George and Sidney then reformed the Serenaders, recruiting Kerr's friend Howard Curry to sing bass, and Tim Wilson to sing lead and second tenor. Tim had also just moved to Newark with his group, Tiny Tim & The Hits, but after hearing Sidney, Howard and George, sing, decided to leave his group and join them. The new group's first single on Riverside Records (a subsidiary of Roulette Records) was 'Adios My Love' B/W 'Two Lovers Make One Fool' (the latter with Sidney on lead) in 1963. This got good local action but little promotion outside the NYC area.

Upon hearing Motown were setting up a office in New York's brill building that Sidney rushed to see and set up a audition after knocking on the door to the new office as the furniture was going in almost with the company that was going to be run by Berry Gordy's wife, the lovely and talented, Raynoma Gordy (Miss Ray) (see Raynoma Gordy-Singleton's book - Berry, Me and Motown).
Berry and Ray liked what they heard and saw with this new Serenaders group and immediately signed them to a contract with Motown records. Their first release for the label was,"If Your Heart Says Yes", written by Sidney, b/w, "I'll Cry Tomorrow", written by Kerr. The record was originally due for release on Motown (1046) in October 1963 but was then re-scheduled for on Motown's V.I.P. Records, (which was originally set up for NYC produced songs) but with no promotion went no where (due to Berry's and Ray's ongoing personal battles). In the mean time Berry signed Sidney and George to his Jobete Publishing company as writers, producers, and talent scouts, to work out of the New York office. While there Sidney and George added over 100 songs to the Jobete song catalog (but only saw credit as producers on one record - Sammy Turner's cover of 'Only You' B/W 'Right Now'). They also helped bring George Clinton into the company.

After only a year in New York, Berry closed the New York office, The Serenaders disbanded, Tim married Ms. Ray's younger sister Alice, while George and Sidney went their separate ways. Kerr staying on another year at Motown without success.
Later on in the 60's after a failed attempt as a solo artist Kerr became a record producer and found success producing records on, Linda Jones, The O'Jays, The Whatnauts, The Moments, and a few other Rib acts.

Through an audition arranged by Sidney, Kerr snagged a spot as lead singer with The Imperials after one of Little Anthony's short departures to start a solo career.

Tim continued as a solo artist and recorded several fine classic soul recordings with Kerr producing.

Howard Curry married and dropped out of show business.

Sidney then teamed up with New York musician J. J. Jackson as writers and producers of several memorable R'n'B classics for Leiber and Strollers Red Bird/ Blue Cat Record label. Where Sidney also recorded as a solo artist.

They were also writing and producing material for many labels and artists including Juggy Murray's Sue Records group of labels.

After the song writing team split up, J. J. recorded and released his solo hit, "But It's Alright" on Calla Records.

After a short stint with The Fiestas, of "So Fine" fame, Sidney joined his old friend George Clinton in Detroit at Golden World Records as a staff writer plus setting up a production team that also included Mike Terry, of the world famous Funk Brothers (Geo-Si-Mik) with many classic Soul recordings.

The rest as they Say is history...............