The Larks (5)

US vocal group from Philadelphia, PA. Later known as The Four Larks. Also part of Irma & The Larks. The Larks were originally started by Weldon McDougal. In 1954, with himself singing bass, and along Calvin Nichols, Mary Archer and brothers Clarence and Bill Blalock, he formed a group called The Victors. Mary Archer was soon replaced by Herman Green. By the end of the year McDougal joined the marines and had a group with the same name while in still in the marines. Having left the service in 1958, he went about reforming The Victors. The only member he could get was Calvin Nichols. He managed to bring in Jackie Marshall, a high tenor. News got out which attracted the attention of Baritone Bill Oxendine who joined up. McDougal's wife Cleopatra also joined up and the group's membership became five. He also changed the name of the group to The Larks after seeing a brand of nails called Lark. The group that played on the "It's Unbelievable" recording were called The Manhattans. They consisted of drummer Norman Conners, sax player Harrison Scott, guitarist Johnny Stiles, and keyboardist Ruben Wright. Wright was formerly with Philadelphia group The Capris and had written their hit God Only Knows.