The Apollas

1960s American Female Soul Trio

American female soul trio. The Apollas comprised of: Leola Jiles (b. 2nd April 1942, Louisiana, U.S.A.) Ella Jamerson (b. Rome, Georgia, U.S.A.) Dorothy Ramsey (b. Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.A.) The Apollas first started recording as Leola & The Love Joys (later shortened to The Love Joys) consisting of Leola Jiles and Ella Jamerson and they released their first single on the Tiger record label in 1963 "He Ain't No Angel/Wait 'Round The Corner". Their second single also issued on Tiger was "It's Mighty Nice/ “Payin' For The Wrong I've Done" was released in 1964. In 1965, they became the Apollas and added Billie Barnum as their fourth member and were immediately signed by Loma Records a soul subsidiary of Warner Brothers. Their debut single was "You're Absolutely Right," was a rough and tumble rock 'n' soul sounding song which established the trio as a strong presence and formed some top-notch material on the Loma record label. In a time when the Warner Record Company who was not well known for its soul sounds which attracted some attention from some serious listeners. However "You're Absolutely Right," never brushed the charts and the Apollas tried vary hard for another few years, first at Loma and then on to the Warner Bros label. Although the group never had a monster hit, they continued to pump out high quality material generating several singles, most of which concentrated on soul and dance tunes. Then they released "Mr. Creator," which had a driving beat and unforgettable island-style intro and it looked to be their best effort to date after which they went on and covered a Don and Phil Everly (Everly Brothers) authored ballad entitled "Who Would Want Me Now," without ever seeing a chart placement. By 1968, they were history, right along with Warner Bros.' infatuation with soul music Loma was deactivated that year. Rather sadly, except for how they are remembered by posterity. The girls, although never quite the stars they deserved to be attained a continued cult following.