BIOGRAPHY AND DISCOGRAPHY

 
Short-lived but somewhat monumental vocal group of the early 1950’s who had the first female group member – and lead vocalist – in a doo wop style.

Formed by three siblings, brothers Earl and George and sister Goldie “Boots” Alsup, the brothers had first gained some small notice winning a talent show as The Rhythm Kings with different members way back in 1947 but it was only when they brought aboard their sister to sing lead did they gain a recording contract with Savoy in 1951.

Once with the label they were joined by Bert Palmer who may – or may not – have been considering jumping full time from his job as The Four Buddies baritone singer. He recorded with The Falcons on their only session in August, but was still recording with his primary group the same week and his band mates hadn’t known of his moonlighting.

It wouldn’t be an issue since despite good performances Savoy didn’t seem interested in promoting them and The Falcons follow-up to their fall 1951 debut which was cut that same day didn’t even get issued until the spring of 1953. They never got another chance to make a record.

Even being the answer to a trivia question regarding female membership in a group, The Falcons have remained modernly obscure which is hardly reflective of their talent.
 
 
THE FALCONS (ft. GOLDIE BOOTS) DISCOGRAPHY (Records Reviewed To Date On Spontaneous Lunacy):

HOW BLIND CAN YOU BE
(Regent 1041; October, 1951)
An impressive debut as Goldie Boots delivers a remarkably self-assured performance conveying the yearning hurtful qualities of the lyrics showing she deserves to be considered more than just a footnote as the first female lead in rock vocal group history. (8)

I CAN’T TELL YOU NOW
(Regent 1041; October, 1951)
Though the song as written by group member Bert Palmer is confusing and simplistic, it’s got a decent melody and Goldie Boots somehow manages to elevate it with a very effective reading, showing again that she – and the group – deserved far more opportunities than they got. (5)