Los Angeles R&B group the Turks traced its origins to the 1952 formation of the Flamingos. According to Marv Goldberg's profile in the June 1977 issue of Yesterday's Memories, that short-lived but historically significant group comprised lead tenor Cornelius Gunter, first tenor Gaynel Hodge, baritone Curtis Williams, and bass Richard Berry. Almost immediately after signing to Federal, the quartet splintered: while Hodge and Williams split off to join the Hollywood Flames, and Gunter and Berry reteamed in the Flairs, a new Flamingos lineup was hastily assembled. To avoid confusion with the Flamingos of "I Only Have Eyes for You" fame, at the last minute this new group was renamed the Platters, and an R&B legend was born. But in the meantime, the Hollywood Flames -- also featuring Bobby Day and David Ford -- continued touring the L.A. club circuit, with Curley Dinkins replacing Williams (who later resurfaced in the Penguins of "Earth Angel" fame) in time for the group's 1954 debut, "Fare Thee Well," issued on the Money imprint. For reasons unknown, the 1955 follow-up, "Emily," was credited to the Turks, not the Hollywood Flames, and when the group split soon after, Hodge made an agreement with Money owner John Dolphin to brand his new group -- which featured his brother Alex on baritone, first tenor Delmar Wilburn, and second tenor Jody Jefferson -- under the Turks aegis. They even wore fezzes on-stage, much to the chagrin of the emerging black Muslim movement.