The Castelles

The Castelles recorded little more than a dozen songs during their prime years of 1953-1955, yet they remain one of the best-loved vocal groups from Philadelphia for serious R&B collectors. Founded by George Grant (lead), Ronald Everett (bass), Anthony Octavius (first tenor), William Taylor (baritone), and Frank Vance (second tenor, guitar) in 1949, the group's members had grown up together in west Philadelphia during the mid-'40s. Their idols included acts like The Orioles, The Ink Spots, The Clovers, and The Four Buddies. When they first got together, however, they created a sound that had no parallel with any of those groups, highlighted by George Grant's exquisite high-tenor lead.



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