Four Tunes

Formed: 1945 Disbanded: 1963

This New York City group's origins dated back to the mid-'40s, when they were known as Deek Watson & the Brown Dots. Former Ink Spots member Watson, Pat Best, Jimmy Gordon, and Jimmie Nabbie were the founding lineup. The Four Tunes made their recording debut for Regis in 1945. They did a session for Manor in 1946 as the Sentimentalists, minus Watson, with Danny Owens taking his place. They then became the Four Tunes. Best and Watson's composition "I Love You for Sentimental Reasons" became a smash for Nat "King" Cole and several other performers, while Nabbie's "You Are My Love" was a hit for Jonie James. The Four Tunes did score a pair of triumphs themselves, with "Marie" peaking at number two on the R&B charts (number 13 pop) in 1953 and "I Understand Just How You Feel" becoming a number seven R&B hit in 1954. It was also their lone Top Ten pop single, peaking at number six. Both were for Jubilee Records. The Sid Bass Orchestra backed them on both songs. The Four Tunes continued until 1963. Nabbie maintained a solo career heading an Ink Spots ensemble.

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