THE EBONYS a 70’s group that brought the soulful Philadelphia sounds to a nation. The original Ebonys auditioned for Philadelphia International Records and was later signed to a recording contract. The Ebonys went on to release two albums, one of which reached the top of the pop charts. In 1995 Sony Records along with Collectable Records released a CD titled “ It’s Forever” in the United States and Japan. In 1996 Platinum Classic Records released the ‘Grove Me’ CD also featuring “It’s Forever”. WDAS Radio Station of Philadelphia recently released a CD titled ‘WDAS Classic Love Songs’ and once again the hit song “It’s Forever” was featured. Currently, these CD’s are being played on radio stations across the country and abroad.
David Beasley, one of the former lead singers of the original Ebonys, was born and raised in Camden, NJ and has been making music all his life. In July of 1997 The Ebonys were reborn and included four incredible vocalists, David Beasley, William “Smoke” Howard, Nate Cephas, and Toni Calloway. A fifth vocalist, the late McKensey Crawford, joined The Ebonys as background singer to enhance their harmony. David retired from The Ebonys group in 2001 and McKensey Crawford became the lead 1st tenor and retired in Jan. 2012 and was replaced with veteran 1st tenor, Ken Chaney. Our female vocalist, Lorna Dixon retired in 2013 and Geneva “Neva” Wilkes became our only female vocalist. Nate Cephas retired in 2015 and Ray Keniebrew, our newest member singing 2nd Tenor. The Ebonys vocal dynamics will easily raise a goose bump or two as each member adds drama and drive to the group’s performance on stage. Each singer has their own distinctive style and versatility that brings new life to the sound of The Ebonys. The current Ebonys are: William “Smoke” Howard, Ken Chaney, Neva Wilks and Ray Keniebrew. William