the Young Mods

Dayton, 1969-1978

The Young Mods released three fantastic 45s of group vocal soul, or ‘sweet soul’ as it’s called by collectors. The group was led by Tommie Henderson who was also credited with writing the group’s outstanding songs. There are a couple different member lineups. A 1981 newspaper article lists the members as Tommie, his brother Larry, and Ramon Favors. 

Another source had the members (besides Tommie) as Ronnie Ditto, Carl Dronaugh, and Raymond Smith, which was  the lineup on the first 45. The backing band was the Excursions,with Tommy Dozier (drums), Ken Renfrow (guitar), Frank Renfrow (piano), Vincent Beavers (bass), and Norman Beavers (organ). The record was mastered and pressed by Musicol, using their manager at the time, Henry Morton, as the producer.

On the second 45, they were managed by WDAO DJ/program director Norvel "Wayout" Willis. Quinn Moorman, formerly of London Fog and the Continentals, is also credited. 

The group's third and final 45 was recorded at Cyberteknics and released on the house label Pork. The group still has a nice sound for the disco era.

Before the Young Mods, Tommie had graduated from Dunbar HS and been in two other groups, the Sevilles, and the Emotions. He was drafted and spent a couple years in the military before returning to Dayton.

Discography
Gloria / You Brought Out The Sunshine (Gangland 1469/70, Musicol press, April 1970)
I Can’t Hurt You Back / Who You Going To Run, Where You Going To Hide (Everblack 1000) Spring 1971
To Say I Love Her / We Can Make It (Pork 2210, Oct 1976)

Thanks to Jeff Beckman