The Fantastic 50s: Joe Bennett and The Sparkletones "Black Slacks"

Joe Bennett and The Sparkletones were formed back in 1956 consisting of singer/guitarist Joe Bennett, double bassist Wayne Arthur, guitarist Howard "Sparky" Childress, Jimmy "Sticks" Denton on drums and lead vocalist William "Bill" Swift. Much like The Bell Notes, Joe Bennett and The Sparkletones recorded just 9 songs only 2 made the billboards, and only one was a hit. The song "Black Slacks" made the top 20 spot on the billboards leaving the song at #17 in 1957. The message in the song is about how before you leave your house to remember to wear your black slacks. For example, a verse in the song says "When I put 'em on I'm ready to go!". The song includes instruments like drums, and electric guitar which had to be played very quickly to keep up with the beat of the song. Joe Bennett and the Sparkletones were only active for 4 years from 1956-1960. After the split of the group, Joe Bennett served in the Vietnam War and went on to record 2 albums in 2006 but ended up dying in 2015. Double bassist Wayne Arthur, also in 2006 recorded a song called "Big Daddy" which was put on an album along with other songs from different artists. Guitarist Howard "Sparky" Childress, composed 4 albums including one in which he was on lead vocals and played guitar. Drummer Jimmy "Sticks" Denton composed dozens of albums for several different artists spanning from the late 70s to 2020 where along with composing played drums, bass, synthesizer, and keyboards.

Armonaitis, Dan. “Joe Bennett, Leader of The Sparkletones, Dies at 75.” GoUpstate, GoUpstate, 28 June 2015, www.goupstate.com/article/NC/20150628/News/605133615/SJ.

“Big Daddy - Wayne Arthur: Song Info.” AllMusic, 2021, www.allmusic.com/song/big-daddy-mt0028401998.

Eder, Bruce. “The Sparkletones: Biography & History.” AllMusic, 2021, www.allmusic.com/artist/the-sparkletones-mn0000433543/biography.

“Howard Childress: Credits.” AllMusic, 2021, www.allmusic.com/artist/howard-childress-mn0002146493.

“Joe Bennett: Album Discography.” AllMusic, 2021, www.allmusic.com/artist/joe-bennett-mn0001295801/discography/all.

“ⓘ The Sparkletones .” Google, 2020, amp.google-wiki.info/15132587/1/the-sparkletones.html.