The Philharmonics

The Philharmonics were a versatile African-American vocal quintet from Springfield, Missouri who became successful despite origins in a then-racially-intolerant town and era.

Upon discharge, he visited his brother in Springfield, met and married a local girl, and moved to the town in the mid-1940s.

He met the others in the choir at Gibson Chapel Church where they performed with pianist Florence Sample Thompson.

[1] In the early 1950s, the group won twice on a talent show on CBS-TV, The Original Youth Opportunity Program, hosted by Horace Heidt, which showcased young performers from across the country.

The Philharmonics, nicknamed the Phils, were regularly featured on ABC's nationally broadcast television show, Ozark Jubilee, from 1955 to 1960 and provided background vocals for many of the country music stars on the program.