Effective period / Period of releases: 1951 - 1991

Members: Bobby Hendricks, Herman Denby, Dee Ernie Bailey, Eddie Rich (7), Al Smith (36)

The Swallows were an American R&B group. They are best known for their recording of "Will You Be Mine" and "It Ain't the Meat (It's the Motion)".

Founded in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, in 1946 as "The Oakaleers", the original members were Lawrence Coxson (lead tenor), Irving Turner (tenor and baritone), Earl Hurley (first and second tenor and bongos) and Norris "Bunky" Mack (bass, piano, guitar, and drums). The 'Oakaleers' practised on street corners until around 1948, when they joined with Eddie Rich (first tenor) and Frederick “Money Guitar” Johnson (baritone and guitar). Second tenor and baritone Herman "Junior" Denby was hired later Irving Turner stopped singing with the group, but was kept on as valet (and occasional fill-in).