The Four Jacks

US vocal group from Los Angeles, CA, which recorded a half-dozen recordings in a ten-month period for Ralph Bass' Federal Records in the early '50s, issuing numerous singles on the label. Both featured two female leads: Shirley Haven and Cora Williams. A third single by the group, "My Last Hour" b/w "Monday Morning Blues" (Federal 12082), featured Lil Greenwood and Little Willie Littlefield. Other singles included "The Last of the Good Rockin' Men" (Federal 12087) and "Troubles of My Own" -- which featured Shirley Haven (Federal 12092). The final recording by the group (all in 1952) was "Grandpa Can Boogie Too" with Lil Greenwood on lead. In early 1952, Federal A&R director Ralph Bass contacted one of White’s fellow choir mates, second tenor Buell Thomas, about forming a quartet to back a pair of his recent signings, Shirley Haven and Cora Williams. Thomas recruited first tenor Bowling Mansfield, baritone George Comfort, and bass Ellison White. Bass christened them the Four Jacks and had them back Haven, Williams, Lil Greenwood, and Little Willie Littlefield. White shared the spotlight with Haven on “Sure Cure For The Blues”, in a fashion similar to Little Esther’s early work with the Dominoes. The Four Jacks also recorded by themselves in 1952. White’s powerful bass was featured on “The Last Of The Good Rocking Men”, “You Met A Fool”, and “Goodbye Baby”. They also backed Lil Greenwood on “Grandpa Can Boogie Too.” Members: Ellison B. White (bass) of Wings Over Jordan Choir, Bowling Mansfield (1st tenor), Buell Thomas (2nd tenor) & George Comfort (baritone)