The Artistics were formed in Chicago in 1958.
The group originally comprised of:
Curt Thomas (lead) 1958-1972
Larry Johnson (first tenor) (b. Lawrence Johnson, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. d. June 2015, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.) 1958-1973
Jessie Bolian (second tenor) (b. 8th June 1941, U.S.A. d. 24th August 1994, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.) 1958-1973
and
Aaron Floyd (baritone bass) 1958-1973
later lead singers:
Robert Dobyne (lead) 1963-1972
Charles Davis (lead) (a.k.a. Nolan Chance)
Marvin Smith (lead) (b. 8th October 1940, Palestine, Arkansas, U.S.A.) 1964-1971
Tommy Green (lead) 1967-1968
Fred Pettis (lead) 1971-1972
Morris Williams (lead) 1972-1973
The Artistics were originally discovered by Major Lance and comprised of lead vocalist Robert Dobyne, who joined founding members Aaron Floyd, Curt Thomas, Laurence Johnson, and Jesse Bolian in 1963.
The group were formed in 1958 at Marshall High School in Chicago.
At this time, the group comprised of: Curt Thomas (lead), Larry Johnson (first tenor), Jesse Bolian (second tenor) and Aaron Floyd (baritone bass).
They sang at the 1960 Democratic Convention and sang backgrounds for Major Lance, including the song 'Monkey Time'.
The Artistics were signed to OKeh Records in 1963 by producer Carl Davis, who first recorded them mimicking as a Motown act.
The line-up, at this time, comprised members Charles Davis (a.k.a. Nolan Chance) (lead), Larry Johnson, Jesse Bolian and Aaron Floyd.
During this period, the group worked alongside Detroit composer Barrett Strong.
The Artistics' debut record, 'I Need Your Love' b/w 'What'll I Do' (in 1963), featured Robert Dobyne as lead, however, he was replaced by, former El Dorado (group members: (members Marvin Smith (lead), Jewel Jones, James Maddox and Louis Bradley) and Tempo's lead singer, Marvin Smith in 1964.
get my hands on some lovin' - 1966
Their one album for OKeh, was entitled 'Got To Get My Hands On Some Lovin'.
The group then recorded minor hits with 'Got To Get My Hands On Some Lovin' b/w 'I'll Leave It Up To You' (a 1964 cover version of a Marvin Gaye album track) and 'This Heart Of Mine' b/w 'I'll Come Running' (in 1965).
i'm gonna miss you - 1967 / single version
The Artistics joined Brunswick in 1966, they had their biggest hits with, 'I'm Gonna Miss You' b/w 'Hope We Have' (number 9 R&B, number 55 pop), with Marvin Smith as lead vocalist, and 'Girl I Need You' (number 26 R&B, number 69 pop), with Tommy Green as lead.
Marvin Smith left the group in 1967, but continued to sing on studio recordings.
Other lead singers were utilised, including Tommy Green and Fred Pettis.
the articulate artistics - 1968 / what happened? - 1969
In 1969, the Artistics released the Eugene Record / Carl Davis produced 'What Happened?', which featured the group's own version of 'What The World Needs Now Is Love'.
They had three more moderate hits for Brunswick in the late '60s and early '70s.
i want to make my life over - 1970 / look out - 1973
The group's last chart record was 'Make My Life Over' b/w 'Sugar Cane' (in 1971) with Fred Pettis as lead.
Marvin Smith left in 1967, though he continued singing on studio recordings.
Tommy Green and Fred Pettis also sang as lead vocalists until the group disbanded in 1973.
Larry Johnson passed away in June 2015.
Albums:
Get My Hands On Some Lovin' (Okeh Records 1966)
I'm Gonna Miss You (Brunswick Records 1967)
The Articulate Artistics (Brunswick Records 1968)
What Happened? (Brunswick Records 1969)
(I Want To) Make My Life Over (Brunswick Records 1970)
Look Out (Brunswick Records 1973)
