The Artistics originally comprised of:
Robert Dobyne (later replaced by Marvin Smith),
Larry Johnson,
Jessie Bolian
and Aaron Floyd
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.
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.
At this time the group worked alongside Detroit composer Barrett Strong.
The Artistics' debut record, 'I Need Your Love' (1963), featured Robert Dobyne as lead, however, he was replaced by, former El Dorado, Marvin Smith in 1964.
Their one album for 0Keh, 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' (a 1964 cover version of a Marvin Gaye album track) and 'This Heart Of Mine' (in 1965).
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.
In 1969, the group 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.
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.
Albums:
Get My Hands On Some Lovin' (Okeh 1966)
I'm Gonna Miss You (Brunswick 1967)
The Articulate Artistics (Brunswick 1968)
What Happened? (Brunswick 1969)
Make My Life Over (Brunswick 1970)
Look Out (Brunswick 1973)
