Effective period / Period of releases: 1969 - 2000

Members: James Bell, James Boone, Clifford Ratliff, James Brantley (2), Clifford Palmer (2), DeWayne Garvin, Richard Ball (5)

In the early 60s The Highlighters Band were one of many jazz groups that tried to make their music room practices at the inspirational Crispus Attucks High School count on the Indianapolis live circuit in the USA. Named after saxophonist Clifford Palmer’s older brothers’ term for partying, the advent of rhythm and blues proved transformative to both their sound and fortunes as the screeching showboating figure of James Bell rang the vocal changes upfront while Dewayne Garvin replaced the inimitable James “Porkchop” Edwards on drums.