The Harptones were formed in 1951 in New York City's Harlem district. Its members came from several other local vocal groups, none of which had any success. Originally called The Harps, the group consisted of Raoul J. Cita, Willie Winfield, William Dempsey James, Clyde Winfield, William "Dicey" Galloway and Curtis Chrebin. In November of 1953 the group performed at the world-famous Apollo Theatre on its Amateur Night and took first prize, singing an old 'Louis Prima' ,
