THE MIDNIGHT FIVE

 

A completely original group-singing sound was one of the many attributes of the folk group The Midnight Five. In addition to having excellent solo voices each member was an able instrumentalist. The band was formed in 1960 by Eric Wootten. Eric and Barry Wootten had been singing since the early 1950s as the famous Harmony Twins and had acquired a huge following for their highly precise vocal and classic yodelling duetting. Another top rated duo The Twilighters were incorporated into the band. Individually they were Ken Thomas and Barry Dean. Eric discovered the fifth voice Ken Newland at a concert they appeared on together and impressed by Ken's stage presentation outlined his plan for the proposed group. Ken said ''When do we start?'' and so began the traiblazing Midnight Five.

Tons of talent plus patient regular rehearsals were the keys to success that followed. The boys worked right through the night till dawn in order to develop their uncopied sound and add songs to their extensive repertoire. Unique was their ability to exchange vocal parts while singing even though they ranged from bass to tenor. The Midnight Five appeared on every Victorian TV channel where original versions of ''Shadrack'' and ''Drybones'' met with great success. Radio programmes, constant night spot engagements and recording sessions backing other artists (Colin James and Des Kelly). The Midnight Five released two EP's on the Crest label.

Members

Eric Wootten (vocals, guitar), Barry Wootten (vocals, banjo), Ken Newland (vocals, guitar), Barry Dean (vocals, bass), Ken Thomas (vocals, percussion)

EPs
'The Midnight Five' 1963 Crest
'Folk Gospel' 1963 Crest
'Colin Callin' [with Colin James and The Quiet Three] 1963 Crest
'Folk Songs From Ceylon' [with Des Kelly] 1964 Crest

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