Billy Ward and his Dominoes

Musician(s)
Billy Ward and his Dominoes
Biographical data
Date of birth	September 19, 1921Birth date
Date of death	February 16, 2002
Involvement in Fallout series
Games	Fallout 4
External links
Wikipedia	Billy Ward and his Dominoes
Wikipedia	Billy Ward and his Dominoes

 

Billy Ward (September 19, 1921 - February 16, 2002) and his Dominoes were one of the most successful R&B groups of the early 1950s.

They recorded the song "Sixty Minute Man" on December 30, 1950, which is regarded as one of the earliest rock and roll recordings. At the time of recording, the lineup featured Clyde McPhatter (lead tenor), Charlie White (tenor), Joe Lamont (baritone), and Bill Brown (bass) with Billy Ward functioning as composer, arranger, and singer.

Though Clyde McPhatter typically sang the lead on their songs, "Sixty Minute Man" features bass, Bill Brown, at the forefront.

However, Billy Ward's insistence on military-like drills and precision caused fractures in the group. Charlie White would leave the group in September 1951, followed by Bill Brown in February 1952. Together, they would form another group called the "Checkers". By April 1952, record labels would read "Billy Ward and His Dominoes".

Clyde McPhatter and Joe Lamont would leave in April 1953. McPhatter would go on to form his highly successful group, "The Drifters". Jackie Wilson would replace him as lead tenor with his powerful voice opening a new era for The Dominoes.

By January 6, 1955, the lineup consisted of Jackie Wilson, Prentice Moreland, Milton Merle, and Cliff Givens with Billy Ward as the only original member of the Dominoes. They recorded an answer song to their previous hit as "Can't Do Sixty No More" using the same melody.

Coincidentally, Prentice Moreland was part of another group called the Du-Droppers who recorded an earlier version of "Can't Do Sixty No More" in 1952. Despite the identical titles, the earlier song was written by the group's lead tenor, J.C. Ginyard.

Fallout 4

The song "Sixty Minute Man", credited to "The Dominoes", was used in Fallout 4 and plays on Diamond City Radio.

Credits

Fallout series

Year	Title	Credited as/for
2015	Fallout 4	Sixty Minute Man