The Ovations
The Ovations were an American R&B and soul vocal group from Memphis, Tennessee, active primarily in the 1960s and early 1970s. They achieved regional and national success with smooth harmonies and lead vocals reminiscent of Sam Cooke.
The group formed in 1964 with original members Louis Williams Jr. (lead singer, born February 24, 1941), Nathan "Pedro" Lewis (born July 30, 1943), and Elvin Lee Jones. Williams and Lewis had prior experience in the Del-Rios, who recorded for Stax Records under William Bell.
Signed to Goldwax Records through songwriter Roosevelt Jamison, their debut "Pretty Little Angel" gained notice, but "It's Wonderful To Be In Love" (1965) became their first hit, reaching No. 22 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 61 on the pop chart. They toured with acts like James Brown, Percy Sledge, and Gladys Knight & the Pips.
Elvin Lee Jones departed in 1966, replaced by Billy Young from the Avantis. Later singles like "I'm Living Good" (written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham) underperformed commercially. A royalties dispute led to Goldwax's collapse in 1969, causing the group to disband.
In 1971, Williams reformed the Ovations with Rochester Neal, Bill Davis, and Quincy Billops Jr. (ex-Nightingales). On Sounds of Memphis (MGM), "Touching Me" hit No. 19 R&B in 1972, followed by their biggest success, a medley-laden "Having a Party" remake, peaking at No. 7 R&B and No. 56 pop in 1973.
Lead Louis Williams died on October 13, 2002. The Ovations remain noted as one of Memphis's premier vocal groups, blending Cooke-inspired soul with tight harmonies across labels like Goldwax and MGM.
Hooked On A Feeling
Written-By – M. James
3:00
A2 I Can't Be Satisfied
Written-By – D. Greer
3:25
A3 One In A Million
Written-By – D. Greer
3:06
A4 Take It From One Who Knows (A Loser)
Written-By – D. Greer
3:26
Medley (4:30)
A5a Were You There
Written-By – Trad.
Arranged By – S.R. Crain
A5b Touch The Hem Of His Garment
Written-By – S. Cook
B1 So Nice To Be Loved By You
Written-By – Williams, Williams, Lewis, Young
2:35
B2 Touching Me
Written-By – D. Greer
3:41
B3 Don't Break Your Promise
Written-By – D. Greer
2:52
B4 Mr. River
Written-By – R. Jones, S. Hendricks
2:14
B5 You'll Never Know
Written-By – H. Warren, M. Gordon
3:44
Label: Sounds Of Memphis – SOM-7001
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Southern Soul
The Ovations' "Hooked on a Feeling" stands out as a prime example of early 1970s Memphis soul, featuring the group's smooth harmonies and Louis Williams' emotive lead vocals. Released in 1972 on Sounds of Memphis, the album captures the Ovations' resurgence after earlier hits on Goldwax Records.
The LP emerged during a career revival for the Ovations, originally formed from the Del Rios vocal group in the early 1960s. Key tracks like the title song "Hooked on a Feeling" showcase catchy, uplifting hooks with infectious energy, often hailed as the album's standout.
Producer Dan Greer crafted beautiful backdrops for the trio's voices, blending balladry and mid-tempo grooves rooted in Southern soul traditions.
Key Tracks and Style:
"Hooked on a Feeling" delivers hook-laden, sweeping appeal that revitalized the group's profile.
"Touching Me" reached the Top 20 on R&B charts, highlighting their vocal synergy.
Listeners praise its sublime Memphis soul sound, though some note a shift toward supper-club polish in parts. Overall, the record triumphs as a testament to the Ovations' enduring talent amid industry changes.