History was witnessed on America’s Got Talent when The Masqueraders came out on stage for their audition. They are a clear example of never giving up on our dreams.
The Masqueraders first got together in 1958 in Dallas, Texas. Charlie Moore and Robert Tex Wrightsil were classmates and decided to form the singing group. They brought in Charlie Gibson, and brothers Johnny and Lawrence Davis and initially called themselves The Stairs. As The Stairs, they recorded an album with a South Town label, where they recorded three singles.
Unfortunately, three members left the group when they joined the army. Charlie and Robert, the founders, were able to find three new members and renamed the group, The New Drifters, in 1961.
Lee Wesley Jones, Harold Thomas, and David Sanders joined them while they toured different clubs singing and performing with other musical groups’ music styles. Because of their musical style, they eventually changed their name to describe them perfectly, The Masqueraders, in 1963.
By 1965, they decided to head to Detroit, Michigan, hoping to get signed by Motown. Luckily, they were able to get an audition to start making their dreams really come true. Unfortunately, they were told that their style was almost similar to another singing group, The Temptations.
So now, they’re stuck in Detroit with no money to go home.
They were planning to walk to Twenty Grand Club from Motown to raise money. But, on the way, they passed a building that said “La Beat” in front. It turns out that it was a record label and they had their recording studio in that same building. They helped The Masqueraders record five singles.
It didn’t give them the fame they wanted but it did solve their problems. Because the next thing they knew, they were headed to Memphis, Tennessee to audition for producer Chips Moman. Chips helped them record and release eight singles, which helped them collaborate with other musical artists.
They continued to work with other producers and record labels and studios, still believing in their dreams.
And that’s how they ended up on the AGT stage.
AGT judge, Simon Cowell, asked them what made them decide to join AGT this year.
“Because we never stopped dreaming,” they said.
The music started and they sang Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” and serenaded the judges, the host, the audience, and the viewers.
The audience responded with a standing ovation and lots of cheers when they finished their performance. All four judges were astounded and had big smiles on their faces.
“I love that you’re slightly older. That’s what America’s Got Talent is all about. Anyone can be on stage,”
AGT judge Heidi Klum said.
“The three of you did a fantastic job. I thought it was fabulous.”
AGT judge Mel B agreed with Heidi.
“You are what I call the three feel-good brothers. It’s that old school sound and the harmonies just blend,” Mel shared. “I just loved it!”
It was Howie’s turn to share his thoughts now and he also loved them!
“Sam, when you start to roar your voice in the middle… it’s so exciting! I think you guys are the new Boyz II Old Men,” Howie said.
Simon had to say something else.
“I cannot understand why people put an age limit on talent shows. If you’re good, you’re good. It doesn’t matter how old you are,” Simon had to add.
What a comeback for The Masqueraders!
They certainly proved talent doesn’t have an age limit. Check out their audition below.
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