Bio

To hear it, you might think you just stepped into Motown. To breathe it, you smell a tropical breeze. To feel it, you let the rhythm grasp your body and whirl it into motion. To see it, is like an extravaganza of light and energy. But to experience it, you must say it …. “I want THE TAMS”!!

The Tams were formed in , GA in 1962. It’s members were Joseph Pope and Charles Pope (founders), Horace Key, Floyd Ashton, and Robert Lee Smith. In the beginning, they sang and danced as a way of having fun and to escape their circumstances, hoping to make at least a little money. The group began performing in local night spots for $1.25 each. These small wages only allowed for them to purchase matching Tam O’Shanter hats to wear while on stage. From this trademark, the legendary Tams name was born. The Tams hard work, patience and perseverance eventually paid off when they were signed to Arlen records and had their first Billboard hit in 1962, the single “Untie Me”, which was number 12 on the R&B chart. In 1963, ABC Records signed them and their first album produced a Top Ten hit, “What Kind of Fool”. They began playing throughout the country and a string of hits followed. These included “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy”, “I’ve Been Hurt” and “Hey Girl”. Since then, they have released over 15 albums and been honored with one Platinum and two Gold records. They have toured and recorded with Jimmy Buffet and performed with such greats as Gladys Knight, Jackie Wilson and many more. They have received the title “Beach Band of the Decade” and have been inducted into the Georgia Hall of Fame, the Atlanta Hall of Fame and the Hall of Fame. The Tams are still recording today and have recently released their latest singles “My Main Squeeze” and “This Love Will Last” from their newest CD The Tams Comin’ At Cha’.

The current members include Li’l Redd Cottle, Robert Arnold, Elton Richardson, Greg Gallashaw and Reginald Preston. Despite the unfortunate passing of “The Legendary Joe Pope” followed by Charles Pope on July 11, 2013, The Tams have continued to be as popular as ever. As Charles always said at shows, “The Tams will never die” as son Li’l Redd continues as lead singer/frontman of The Tams and is now bringing in a new generation of The Tams. We have three young Tams in training, Redd's son Mikai, Tiny's and Ti's, son King, and Elton son Jordan.

Honors

The Tams have had four #1 songs at the national, and international levels, as well as one major regional hit:

What Kind of Fool - #1 R& B / #6 Top 40 (1963)

Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy - #26 Top 40 (1968)

Hey Girl Don't Bother Me - Three weeks at #1 in England (1971)

Walkin' Dr. Bill - "Walkin' Dr. Bill was #1 in the Summer of 2000 and won "Song of the Year" at the 2000 CAMMY Awards.

I've Been Hurt - Although never on the charts, "I've Been Hurt" was most likely the biggest regional hit ever (based on sales and ) prior to 1980.

• 1 Platinum record • 1992 Inducted into the Atlanta Hall of Fame • 2 Gold Records • 1994 Inducted in Beach Music Hall of Fame • 13 Albums • 1996 Inducted into Georgia Music Hall of Fame • Featured in "Top of The Pops" • 1999 Recorded "Flesh and Bones" with / • Featured in "Gold Mine" magazine • Beach House on the Moon" CD • 1986 " Beach Band of the Decade " by Beach Music • 1999 Touring with Jimmy Buffett / Beach House on the Awards • Moon US tour • 1988 " Outstanding Black Musical Group" by the Atlanta • 2000 Cammy Award Winner for "Walkin' Dr. Bill,“ Black History Awards • a duet with G.C. Cameron

Links & Contact

http://www.thetams.com

http://www.facebook.com/themightytams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQko6Ej8RPo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NAfnxb6zFQ

Exclusive booking through a joint effort of SRO Productions and Crewser Entertainment

Kent Martin Brian Crews (540) 342-0400 (336) 504-4144 [email protected] [email protected]