THE VELS (Amy Records).
THE STYLES (Josie Records).
The Vels/Styles began on the lower east side of New York City when 5 young men, ranging in age from 13 to 15 and attending Junior High School 22, first harmonized out on street corners, hallways and subway stations perfecting their own unique style. This perfection earned the group invitations to perform at block parties, school functions and become the wishful entertainment for everyone’s house parties.
That first group was The Financials with Rueben Mangual, George West, Orvin Baptiste, Rick Pettignano and Gene Serina, the group soon changed their name to THE VELS and were signed to the Amy Record Label and recorded in 1963_Do The Walk/In Laws.
They later changed their name to THE STYLES. When Gene Serina went into the Army he was replaced by Tony Duran. This group was then signed to the Josie Label, (a Roulette Records imprint), and recorded in 1964_Sentimental Reasons/School Bells To Chapel Bells.
These two sides have a big local popularity. Gene Serina returned from the Army, rejoined the group which now lost members Mangual, West and Duran and the group, now with 4 members, Battiste, Pettignano, Serina and new member Eddie Lebron.
Just one year later, lead singer Orvin Baptiste passed away and the group disbanded. Record producer Joe Webb asked Eddie Lebron and Gene Serina to join 2 Long Island boys, Butch Poveromo and Paul Petruccelli to form the LOST SOULS (group not present in the doo wop guides).
Unafortunelly No photos were ever taken of the group members together.
Complete information,pictures and mp3 songs at;http://cozycornerradio.com/lost_souls.htm