- Billy Ward Trivia: Billy Ward was the original founder of The Dominoes, consisting of Ward, Clyde McPhatter, Charlie White, Joe Lamont, and Bill Brown.
- Billy Ward Trivia: The Donimoes was first called the Ques, but Billy Ward renamed the group after they signed with Federal Records in 1950.
- Billy Ward Trivia: Their first single release, "Do Something For Me" , with McPhatter`s lead vocal, reached the R&B charts in early 1951, climbing to #6.
- Billy Ward Trivia: The Dominoes' "Sixty-Minute Man" was first true rhythm and blues
record to cross over from the black charts to the white-dominated national pop charts
in the summer of 1951. - Billy Ward Trivia: "Sixty Minute Man" was their second big hit, reaching #1 on the
R&B chart in May 1951. It was voted "Song of the Year" for 1951, and many consider it to be the first rock and roll song. - Billy Ward Trivia: In August, 1952, the Dominoes became the first black group to play the Michigan State Fair in Detroit. They went over so big that they'd be invited back on a yearly basis.
- Billy Ward Trivia: Group founder Billy Ward was a strict disciplinarian. According to Jackie Wilson, he would fine his fellow group members if they "stepped out of line".
- Billy Ward Trivia: Even though most of the Dominoes' success was due to Clyde McPhatter's soaring vocal abilities, McPhatter was being paid barely enough to live on ($100 a week).
- Billy Ward Trivia: Allegedly, Ward paid his singers $100 a week, minus deductions for fines, taxes, food & hotel bills. McPhatter was often billed as "Clyde Ward" to fool fans that he was Billy Ward's little brother.
- Billy Ward Trivia: Even though most of the Dominoes' success was due to Clyde McPhatter's soaring vocal abilities, McPhatter was being paid barely enough to live on ($100 a week).
- Billy Ward Trivia: In 1953 McPhatter left to form the Drifters. His replacement was
Jackie Wilson, who had been coached by McPhatter while also singing with the group on tour. - Billy Ward Trivia: In 1957 Gene Mumford replaced Jackie Wilson & they had a #13 pop hit with "Star Dust". Star Dust was one of the earliest multitrack recordings in the rock & roll era & was was the Dominoes only million seller record.
