Sherman Garnes

Sherman Garnes (1934–2020) was an influential American singer and songwriter, best known as a member of the doo-wop group The Cleftones. The group emerged in the early 1950s and became notable for their smooth harmonies and distinctive vocal style, which were characteristic of the doo-wop genre. The Cleftones gained popularity with hits such as "Little Girl of Mine" (1956), which showcased Garnes' smooth tenor voice and the group's tight vocal arrangements. Other notable songs include "Heart and Soul" and "You Baby You." Their music combined elements of rhythm and blues with vocal harmonies, making them a significant part of the transition from doo-wop to soul music. Garnes' contributions to The Cleftones helped shape the sound of the era, influencing later artists and groups within the doo-wop and R&B genres. The group's harmonies and melodic style left a lasting legacy, and they are often celebrated for their role in the evolution of vocal harmony groups in the 1950s and beyond. Garnes' work continues to be appreciated by music historians and enthusiasts for its impact on pop and R&B music.