THE ORIGINALS / THE VALENTINOS.
THE GLEAMS.
In 1956 Gilbert Valentin from the Bronx, N.Y. form part of the vocal group, The Casanovas who recorded for Planet Records the sides_In My Land Of Dreams/Deep In The Heart Of The Jungle.
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The group perfomed by two years on the New York circuit but in late 1958 two members left The Casanovas and Gil added puerto rican Lead singer Sonia Rivera (now the group conisted of white, black and latino members).
In 1959 the group signed with Brunswick Records who changing their name to The Originals and releasing a remake of the Flamingos classic_A Kiss From Your Lips. with the B Side_Let Me Be Your Girl. but by a dispute with their name the label pressed the following copies under the name of The Valentinos.
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In 1960 signed with J-V Records and under the name of The Gleams recorded the Miracles remake of_Bad Boy. With_Give Me A Chance. On the B Side.
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The group were innactive until 1963 when Gil and Sonia with a girl group chorus recorded again as The Gleams for Kapp Records_Mr. Magic Moon/Pile Driver.
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Finally they two, this same year recorded for Musicor Records a spector type sides under the name of Silky & The Shantungs.
In 1981 Gil and Sonia back as The Valentinos (see Revival Years secction).