The Earls

The Earls

The Earls are a Bronx doo-wop group led by Larry Chance. They are also sometimes credited as Larry Chance and the Earls. The group forms in the early 1960s and remains active on the oldies circuit.

Origins and early line-up

Chance grows up in Philadelphia and attends high school with Chubby Checker, Frankie Avalon and Danny Rapp of Danny and the Juniors. After moving with his parents to the Bronx in 1957, he forms a group at the Tecumsa Social Club called the Hi-Hatters. The original line-up includes Chance, Bob Del Din, Eddie Harder, Larry Palumbo and John Wray. The group sings on a street corner near a subway station and is heard by Johnny Powers, who has a small label, Rome Records, and brings them into the studio. Chance chooses the name The Earls at random from a dictionary.

Recordings and chart success

The Earls release their first record in 1961, “Life Is But a Dream”, with “Lost Love” on the other side; it is later issued with “Whoever You Are” as the B-side. They also release “Looking For My Baby” and “Cross My Heart” in 1961. In 1962 they record “Remember Then” for Old Town Records, backed with “Let’s Waddle”. The song becomes a hit and reaches number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1963. Chance co-writes the follow-up single “Never” with “I Keep A-Tellin You”. The group also scores with “Eyes” and releases the demo “I Believe” with “Don’t Forget” on the reverse.

Later years

After a brief solo period for Chance, the group returns with new members including Bob Moricco and Ronnie Calabrese. By then they begin playing their own instruments. In 1967 they record “If I Could Do It Over” with “Papa” for Mr. G, and “It’s Been a Long Time Coming” with “In My Lonely Room” for ABC Records. They continue performing through the 1970s and release a disco version of The Velvets’ “Tonight (Could Be the Night)” in 1977. By 1983 the line-up includes Chance, Ronnie Calabrese, Colon Rello, Bobby Tribuzio and Tony Obert, and they record Larry Chance and the Earls – Today.

Reputation and releases

The Earls become one of the better-known New York City doo-wop success stories. Their sound takes the black street-corner harmony style and adapts it for wider audiences. Other recordings include “Kissing” and “Looking For My Baby”. Their albums include Remember Me Baby, The Earls: Today, The Earls - Live, Earl Change and Streets of the Bronx.

Membership

Named members associated with the group include Ronnie Calabreese, Larry Chance, Bobby Del Din, Eddie Harder, Tony Olbert, Larry Palumbo and Jack Wray.