(above) lamont dozier & leon ware
Formed 1955 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.
The Romeo's featured various singers at different times, including:
Lamont Dozier (b. 16th June 1941, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.)
Leon Ware (b. 16th February 1940, Black Bottom, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A.)
Tyrone Hunter (b. 14th July 1940, U.S.A. d. 24th February 1981, U.S.A.)
Gene Dyer (a.k.a. Eugene Dyer b. 31st October 1940, U.S.A.)
Kenny Johnson
Bobby Alexander
and
Don Davenport (b. 21st April 1938, Dickson County, Tennessee, U.S.A. d. 1st January 2003, Trenton, Michigan, U.S.A.)
The Romeos, in different forms, were formed in Detroit whilst group members were still at McKenzie High School.
Prior to being the Romeo's, the group went under the name of The Counts.
the counts (1957) - don davenport, kenny johnson, bobby alexander and gene dyer / kenny johnson today
The original lineup consisted of Lamont Dozier, Ty Hunter, Leon Ware, Gene Dyer, and Kenny Johnson.
Don Davenport sang with a later line-up of the group.
The local Fox Records issued two singles by them in 1957, the first 'Gone, Gone Get Away' b / w 'Let's Be Partners' made little impact outside of Detroit.
A follow up, both sides written by George Braxton, 'Moments to Remember You By' b / w 'Fine, Fine Baby' received sufficient interest for Atco Records to pick it up the following year.
The Romeo's soon disbanded but re-emerged as the Voice Masters with new members joining Dozier and Hunter.
Lamont Dozier recorded some non-charting solo sides, under the name of Lamont Anthony, before major success with Holland / Dozier / Holland.
The late Ty Hunter, recorded, first as a solo artist, then as a member of the Glass House and the Originals.
Leon Ware moved into songwriting and later returned to singing.
Leon wrote, and was ready to record, the 'I Want You' album initially, however gave the set to Marvin Gaye, at Marvin's request. The rest is history.
Kenny Johnson's band, Shake, Rattle & Roll, toured the Western States from 1984 to 1995.
He then began singing with a version of the Platters.
the platters with kenny johnson
Don Davenport joined the Laredo's (called the Reflections today, who had a hit in 1978 with '(Just Like) Romeo & Juliet').
Don remained a member of several on-line doo-wop societies.
Two members of that group passed away within weeks of Don.
Tommy Hust (13th January 2003) and Bernie Turnbull (5th February 2003).
don davenport / gene dyer
He passed away on the 1st of January 2003 from emphysema, complicated with problems with ulcers.
Gene Dyer is still in touch with Don's widow Debbie.
I would really like to thank Don's wife, Debbie, for all of her invaluable help in collating information / imagery on this page.
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