J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers were formed around 1955 in the United States. The group was led by guitarist Sid Holmes and later by vocalist J. Frank Wilson after original singer Alton Baird was drafted. The band’s early lineup also included bassist Lewis Elliott, saxophonist Rob Zeller, and drummer Ray Smith. Their breakthrough came in 1964 when manager Sonley Roush introduced the group to the song “Last Kiss”, originally recorded by Wayne Cochran. The single, first released on Le Cam Records and Tamara Records, was released nationally on Josie Records under catalog number 923 in 1964. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1964, peaked at number 2 in October 1964, and sold over one million copies, earning a gold disc. The group followed with the single “Hey, Little One” (1964), which reached number 85 on the charts. After the death of manager Sonley Roush in a car accident and subsequent lineup changes, which included Lewis Elliott assuming leadership, James Thomas taking over vocals, and the addition of guitarist Dave Erkin, the Cavaliers continued to record, while J. Frank Wilson released solo material until 1978. J. Frank Wilson toured until his death on October 4, 1991, and Lewis Elliott died on June 21, 2022, at age 84.
