General Norman Johnson formed THE SHOWMEN in 1955 in Norfolk,

Virginia.  Originally called the HUMDINGERS, the band used its

distinctive style in a session for Atlantic Records in 1956, yielding

four sides that were never released.  Not discouraged, the band

got a chance to record for Minit Records in New Orleans, Louisiana.

After changing their name to THE SHOWMEN, the band was off

and running, recording 15 songs for Minit  between 1961 and 1962.

It was then that THE SHOWMEN encountered their first national

success with what has been called the international anthem for

rock and roll, "It Will Stand".  The tune made the national charts

twice - in 1961 and again in 1964.  The band also released the

beach music classic "39-21-40 Shape".  In 1968, General Norman

Johnson left THE SHOWMEN to pursue his career with THE CHAIRMEN

OF THE BOARD.

THE SHOWMEN continued until the early 70's, but were reformed

in 1977 by General Johnson.  The group later took on new members

Warren Brown and Rubin Collick.  Brown and Collick had been

members of the R&B group, PAGE ONE.  In the 90's the band

recorded several hits, including "Sweet Beach Music", and the classic

"Shaggin' The Night Away".

THE SHOWMEN today, which includes Warren Brown, Rubin Collick,

Michael Spratley, and THE SHOWMEN  band are still making "sweet

beach music".  Their recent single, "You Want It, You Got It" from the

recently released compilation CD (Surfside Records) "Beach Music

Patrol" is hot and climbing the charts.