Biography
An African-American vocal/instrumental combo from Los Angeles, California, USA. Members were Steve Gibson (17 October 1914, Lynchburg, Virginia, USA; guitar, bass singer), Emmett Matthews (b. c.1902, St. Louis, Missouri, USA; saxophone, tenor singer), Dave Patillo (b. Marshall, Texas, USA, d. 1966; bass, vocals), Jimmy Springs (b. 5 September 1911, Mattoon, Illinois, USA, d. 1987; drums, tenor singer) and Romaine Brown (d. 1986; piano). The Five Red Caps, in their long history, represent virtually every facet of black popular music from the 30s through to the 50s, from crooning ballads, rousing jumps, and humorous jive tunes, to rock ‘n’ roll. They began as the Four Toppers in 1938 and in 1942 became the Five Red Caps. They signed with Joe Davis and his Beacon label in 1943 and gained their first and biggest hit with ‘I’ve Learned A Lesson I’ll never Forget’ (number 3 R&B) in early 1944. Three other records that year made the...
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