Fox, falling victim to Carter and common industry practices at the time, never got writing credit for the song or any royalties. “Tell Me Why” was written by Buzzy Helfand and Norman Fox. Originally called the Velvetones, they changed their name to the Robroys after the drink and recorded the first single for Peacock’s new Backbeat affiliate in April 1957 at Bell Sound Studios in New York. After a live audition in that very record store, the Bronx boys found themselves contracted to the Texas based record label.
Influenced by other groups like The Harptones, The Eldorados, The Cleftones, The Teenagers, and The Heartbeats, the Bronx quintet developed their own unique sound, at the same time the racially mixed Del-Vikings were getting it all together in Pittsburgh.Įarly in 1957 Bob Trotman met Don Carter, a New York agent for the Duke/Peacock organization, at Buddy’s record shop at 167st in the Bronx, and told him of their group. They practiced in the school’s bathroom, at Norman’s house on Henry Hudson Parkway, and at Robert’s Knolls crescent address, sharpening their sound on songs like The Channel’s “The Closer You Are” and their own “Tell Me Why.” With his distinctive lead voice, Norman Fox of the Bronx hooked up with DeWitt Clinton High School friends Robert Thierer (Baritone), Marshall Buzzy Helfand (Bass), Bob Trotman (First Tenor), and Andre Lilly (Second Tenor) in 1956 to form a dynamic vocal mix.
One of the earliest interracial quintets, Norman Fox & The Robroys were one of the most underrated and overlooked groups ever to cut a 45.
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