The Rhythm Rascals Trio
The Rhythm Rascals were a trio formed by Leonard Caston, Ollie Crawford, and Alfred Elkins following the outbreak of the Second World War. The group's sound, a mix of r&b and blues with some harmony vocals, made them extremely appealing in the early 1940's. They spent most of their time playing to men and women in the armed forces, on USO tours of America, Europe, and the Pacific theater. Because of their touring, and the fact that much of their existence overlapped with a strike against the record companies by the Musicians Union, and so they left behind virtually nothing in the way of documentation of their sound. They broke up late in 1945 -- but not before playing one amazing show in front of an audience that included Field Mashal Bernard Montgomery, General of the Army Dwight Eisenhower, and Marshal of the USSR Gregory Zhukov. Caston and Crawford later enjoyed a long (and much better documented) career playing together alongside Willie Dixon as part of the Big Three Trio. ~ Bruce Eder, Rovi
Why Do You Have to Go?
The General's Fast Asleep
Feb.18, 1949 "I Feel Like Steppin' Out", Leonard Caston