the Metrotones / Five Jades

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Cleveland, mid 1950s

The Metrotones started at John Adams HS by students James Frierson, Andrew Fortson, and Guy Spears. They became a full group with the additions of Leonard Veal and Fred Camp.

Leuvenia Eaton replaced Spears, and Charles "Sonny" Turner joined as lead. Camp and Fortson left and Melvin Smith joined.

After performing around town at the local R&B clubs like the Chatterbox, they made their first 45 for Reserve, with Sonny Turner on lead. The ballad side "Please Come Back" is well regarded by fans of the vocal group sound.  

After the 45 was released, the group felt that their name, similar to the pop group Metronomes, was confusing. The became the Five Jades and recorded a couple songs that got released on the seminal R&B label Duke Records. Sonny has the lead on the uptempo "Rock and Roll Molly" whle Leuvenia Eaton has the lead on the ballad "Without Your Love". It was not much of a hit and was their last 45. 

The group lasted for a few more years, with Sonny Turner leaving to go out on his own. He replaced Tony Williams in the Platters before starting his own group (See the entry under his own name). Leonard Veal later joined the Hesitations.

Discography:
Skitter Skatter / Please Come Back  -  Reserve 116 1957
Rock And Roll Molly / WIthout Your Love - Duke 188, 1958