Seventy years ago some kids by the names of Wyatt Griffin, Earl Robinson, and James Whitcomb started a gospel singing group in a CCC camp in Parsons, Kansas, known as "The Scamps." The name continues to this day. By the way, this is an active ongoing world record--one that "The Scamps" add to each and every day. There have been plenty of changes through the years. Easily over 50 different men have been a "Scamp" at one time or another. The group reformed in 1946 to become a pioneering rhythm 'n' blues act following World War II in Kansas City, Kansas. Rudy Massingale, a sax playing piano man, and a guitar player named Wyatt Griffin started getting the guys rounded up to make a run at fame and success as recording artists. Earl Robinson played cocktail drums, James Whitcomb played bass, Eddie Stafford played trumpet, and Torrance Griffin danced to round out the combo, and everyone sang in the group. The Scamps were an early inspiration for rock 'n' roll and doo-wop that followed in the 1950s. They worked hard to perfect the new small combo sound with vocal arrangements. They never really got too far away from that Kansas City sound--the beat with a rhythm. Modern Records, Columbia Records, and the Duke/Peacock Label would record them for a national audience from 1947 to 1955. Their biggest hit was "Red Hot" on Columbia Records in 1949. The Scamps split into The Five Scamps, and yet another change included The Red Hot Scamps after the big hit. Tenor saxman Arthur Jackson would join in time for the Peacock recording session in Houston, Texas, in 1955. Arthur is the longest continual active member with over 50 years to date in the group. On drums and trumpet, Orestes "Rusty" Tucker joined the group in 1973. Pianist Elbert "Coots" Dye also had a long run with the group until his death in 1996. The Aces were another group in town that did "Scamp" material, and several of their members would later join The Scamps. Note: Sonny Kenner played with The Red Hot Scamps in 1951. Oscar "Lucky" Wesley was a leader of the Aces, and joined The Scamps in 1971. He is the current leader of the group on bass. Alto saxman Eddie Saunders and pianist Luqman Hamza would eventually join The Scamps in the 1990s.
