In the early 70’s, drummer Earl Young (3 time grammy winner) along with guitarist Norman Harris and bass player Ron Baker decided after playing on countless hits for the sound of Philadelphia at Sigma Sound Studios, it was time for them to have their own hit record. Earl wanted a tune that could feature his voice as he could sing bass.
“Zing went the strings of my heart” was on the back of “The Coasters” “Yakity Yak” single in the 60’s and would become their first release inn 1971.
Earl performed with a group called the “Exceptions” and Jimmy Ellis was also one of the members. He brought Jimmy to sing with him on the single. He also enlisted Stan and Harold Wade from the group “The Volcanoes” to sing background. Later Robert Upchurch was added to the group. Earl named the group “The Trammps”. They were signed to Buddah records. Their first album “The Legendary Zing Album” was a hit and included “Hold back the night”.
The second album was released on BHY’s lable Golden Fleece Records which was distributed by Philadelphia International. “Where Do We Go From Here” and “Love Epidemic” were the singles that were released.
With the success of the previous albums Atlantic Records inked the group for their third release “That’s Where The Happy People Go”. It garnered them several awards at the Billboard Disco Awards in 1976. They received Best Album, Best Single, and Best Artist. It also gave Earl Young Best Drummer.
“Disco Inferno” their fourth album included the single so named was released twice and earned them a gold album. The single was also included in the soundtrack “Saturday Night Fever” album and gave the group a Grammy for Best Album.
Today the group consists of Earl Young, Antwon Young, Renny Rankins and Adrian Jackson. In recent years they have appeared on “the Oprah Winfry”, “Ricki Lake”, “VH1”, Wendy Williams, ABC’s Disco Ball” etc. The group has a reputation for being boisterous and jubilant with their harmonies and sound. They rock the audiences around the world. They have performed at such venues as the Greek theatre, Madison Square Garden, various Casino’s in Atlantic City , Las Vegas, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun to name a few. The group is at its best during private functions such as the Carol M Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
The single “Disco Inferno” can be found in several compilation albums. It has been included in countless motion pictures. For example: “Kingpin”, Mystery Men” “Ghostbusters” “The Bubble Boy” and in “The Tuxedo”. It has also been recorded by Tina Turner and Cyndi Lauper. The song has also made its way to TV commercials and some TV shows.
When the Trammps featuring Earl Young are performing every show is a party and they will surely burn it down.