Lead Vocals - Earl became the lead singer of the Channels in 1956 when he replaced a former member. Earl hails from NYC and began singing while working on his newspaper route as a boy. It was there where Earl began writing his own material. Earl's voice is still in rare form; he continues to sing his material in their original key. Earl is also a Christian.
Jack Brown
Baritone/Bass vocals. He's been a member of Earl Lewis & The Channels since 1969. Jack began singing in his church while his mother played the piano. This senior member, next to Earl, can be heard on the "Take 1 & Take 2" CD's as well as the Channels' recent CD "Especially For You".
Salahuddin Aziz
1st tenor vocals. Salahuddin (pronounced Sa-la-hoo-deen) has returned to the Channels. A member of The Roamers in 1954 and acapella group The Attributes he brings his fine tenor back to the Channels. A fan favorite who's number one request is 'My Heart Is Sad'.
Joe Rivera III
2nd tenor & 1st tenor vocals. Joe hails from the Bronx and began singing in high school. Joe plays keyboards and is a Christian who loves the LORD JESUS. His influences are Sam Cooke, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks and Billy Stewart.
DEAR LORD at Boston's Symphony Hall. Mar 18, 2007
SHOUT at Boston's Symphony Hall, March 18, 2007
THE CLOSER YOU ARE at The Lido Ballroom, Revere MA, May 2004
Earl Lewis & The Channels were known just as the Channels at the start back in 1956. They were from a combination of two vocal groups, the Channels and the Lotharios. When two member of the Channels left, bass singer Clifton Wright and Earl Michael Lewis of the Lotharios were recruited by the remaining Channels. The following became the Classic Channel lineup: Earl Lewis, Clifton Wright, Edward Doulphin, Billy Morris and Larry Hampden.
This New York City group from Harlem had a unique style all to themselves; Edward, Billy and Larry would sing the verse in three part harmony while Clifton rounded out the bottom. Earl's lead and falsetto would take over the bridge.
The Channels recorded their signature song "The Closer You Are" in 1956, which was penned by Earl Lewis. They would later record the "Gleam In Your Eye" which Earl wrote when he was working on his newspaper route. The Channels would record a string of hits such as "My Love Will Never Die", "Altar Of Love", "My Heart Is Sad", "Gloria" and Frankie Laine's "That's My Desire".
The year 2006 marks FIFTY YEARS of performing for Earl Lewis & The Channels. Earl remains as the original lead singer of the group and continues to perform across the country. Past venues have included the Apollo Theater (NYC), Beacon Theater (NYC), Benedum Theater (Pittsburgh, PA), Continental Airlines Arena (E. Rutherford, NJ), Ford Community Performing Arts Center (Dearborn, MI), Keswick Theater (Glenside, PA), Mellon Arena (Pittsburgh, PA), Mohegan Sun (Uncasville, CT), Radio City Music Hall (NYC), The Theater @Madison Square Garden (NYC), Westbury Music Fair (Westbury, NY) and two PBS Specials; to name a few.
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