Effective period / Period of releases: 1953 - 1963

Members: Richard Berry, Obie Jessie, Cornell Gunter, Pete Fox (2), Beverly Thompson (2)

US vocal group from Los Angeles, CA, formed in the early 50s. Their notable members included Richard Berry (writer of 'Louie Louie') and Cornell Gunter, who would go on to being a member of The Coasters. Originally named "The Debonairs" and "The Hollywood Blue Jays" (on one release), they were renamed "The Flairs" by Joe Bihari after the labelname Flair Records (5).
Original members (1953-55): Beverly Thompson (tenor), Cornell Gunter, Thomas "Pete" Fox (tenor), Obadiah Jessie (baritone) and Richard Berry (bass).
This line-up broke up in 1955. The group was revived as "Cornel Gunter And The Ermines" in 1955, and then "Cornel Gunter And The Flairs".
Later members (1955-1958): Cornell Gunter, Kenneth Byley (first tenor), Thomas Miller (baritone) and Felton George Hollis (bass).
This 2nd line-up broke up in 1958. Buck Ram then finally renamed the group "The Flares" in 1959. This new group were known for their 1961 hit "Foot Stompin', Pt. 1".