The Dominoes Record First Sides For New Federal Label

Legendary singing group The Dominoes into the recording studio today (November 14, 1950) to record their first recorded singles for Syd Nathan’s new label, Federal.

Billy Ward and The Dominoes were signed to Federal after they were discovered by Rene Hall, who was working as a talent scout for another one of Syd Nathan’s labels, King Records.

The Dominoes had appeared on the “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” show that same year and won as The Ques, performing a cover of the song “Goodnight Irene.

The group eventually signed with Syd Nathan and rechristened themselves The Dominoes.

Some of the songs recorded during the first sessions included legendary singer Clyde McPhatter as lead vocalist.

Clyde McPhatter sings lead on the first singles that were recorded, including “No! Says My Heart,” and “Weeping Willow Blues.”

Eventually Clyde McPhatter would leave The Dominoes to front The Drifters, and legendary singer Jackie Wilson would take his place.

Jackie Wilson would eventually leave The Dominoes as well to pursue an extremely successful solo career.

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