The Ad-Libs: He Ain't No Angel (1965)

     John T. Taylor had been playing saxophone with different big bands since the 30's. He decided by 1960 that it was time to retire from the road and to teach. During that time, he heard a group calling themselves the Creators. He began writing for them, but the couple of singles flopped on the charts. 

      In 1964 there was a reshuffling of the ranks, and a name change to the Ad-Libs. Hugh Harris, Danny Austin, Dave Watt, Norman Donegan, and female lead, Mary Ann Thomas made up the classic lineup of the reformed group. That next year they hit it big with the Taylor penned, "Boy From New York City", reaching #8 on the Billboard charts.

       This was the only hit they would ever have, although they recorded several strong singles which sank quickly. They had one more song reach the top 100 (in fact it reached #100 in 1965) which you can hear below. The group continued to make the R&B charts until 1969, but recorded and toured right up to into the late 80's.