During the late 1960’s to the early 1970’s, soulful R&B groups like the Stylistics, Chi-lits, and the Delfonics were all the rage. Many during this time were compared to Motown counterparts like the Temptations because of their layered harmonies and precision choreography. One breakout group, The Dramatics, came up in mid 60s and emerged as one of the most beloved groups of their time. With classic material like “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get,” “In The Rain” and “Hey You! Get Off My Mountain,” these smooth brothers from Detroit have created an impressive legacy that have entertained everyone at the Summer BBQ from grandpa to Uncle Ray Ray to your play cousin Donnell. Not only did they rock the dance floor and bedroom during their heyday, but they are consistently being sampled (>300 times) and even collaborated with Snoop Dogg on his debut album’s funky single “Doggy Dogg World.”
So once we heard there was going to be an Unsung episode featuring the group for the series’ 11th season, we were excited to see what TVOne had in store. Like other amazing installations, The Dramatics ep, which aired this past Sunday, delivered and then some. Although we knew a lot about them, we learned a ton and wanted to share a few nuggets that we found intriguing.
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- The name “The Dramatics” was derived from the combination of “acting” and “rhythm.”
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- Although compared to The Temptations and were from Detroit, The Dramatics were unsuccessful in obtaining a record contract from Motown.
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- The phrase “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get” was popular on The Flip Wilson Show. https://youtu.be/tcbn0K84ZdE?t=1m12s
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- Members, Rod Davis and Larry Reid, were brutalized by police during the Detroit Riots of 1967. Group valet Fred Temple was shot in the riot.
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- There were 2 versions of the Dramatics at one point – one headed by Elbert Wilkins and Wee Gee Howard.
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- According to Dramatics member Larry Demps, he and member Ron Davis went to see James Brown at Fox Theater in Detroit. 6 months later they toured w/ Brown.
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- The Dramatics got kicked off James Brown’s tour bus because they broke the rules of conduct and were accused of corrupting Brown’s band.
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Check out the full episode below: