Sammy Bryant / Sammy Bryant Group

Cleveland, late 1950s - 1970s

Sammy Bryant was an organist who led a Cleveland based band for many years. His most productive period was the early-late 1960s where he held long engagements at Gleason's (later the House Of Blues). While at Gleason's he backed up many national performers as they passed through Cleveland, including Ben E. King, Etta James, Jimmy Ricks (of the Ravens), the Impressions, Arthur Prysock, Lula Reed, and Freddie King.

Sonny Harris was his band's featured lead singer for a few years. The band did some traveling and recorded a 45 on New York City that was released on Roulette records in 1964. The record got some sales but didn't make the national charts. That seems to be the only recording by Sammy, the 1968 45 by Sonny Harris featured a different backing band.

Kim Tolliver also sang with the group in the early-mid 1960s.

In the early 1970s he played around Akron, Canton, and Youngstown. He may have been from Youngstown but established himself in Cleveland. 

That's all we know about him. There is nothing else that we could find out.

Discography:
Grapevine / Popeye Dance - Roulette 4569, Aug 1964