US vocal group from Los Angeles, CA, formed in the early 50s. Originally named The Debonairs and The Hollywood Blue Jays (on one release), they were renamed The Flairs by Joe Bihari after the labelname Flair Records (5). Original members (1953-55): Beverly Thompson (tenor), Cornell Gunter, Thomas Pete Fox (tenor), Obadiah Jessie (baritone) and Richard Berry (bass). This line-up broke up in 1955. The group was revived as Cornel Gunter And The Ermines in 1955, and then Cornel Gunter And The Flairs. Later members (1955-1958): Cornell Gunter, Kenneth Byley (first tenor), Thomas Miller (baritone) and Felton George Hollis (bass). This 2nd line-up broke up in 1958.
Buck Ram then finally renamed the group The Flares in 1959. This new group were known for their 1961 hit Foot Stompin’, Pt. 1