Founding Fathers: The C.O.D.’s

Discovered singing in a Chicago park by a rep from Kellmac Records, the C.O.D.’s were a short-lived band of R&B Founding Fathers who exploded on the soul scene in 1965.

It was the song “Michael (The Lover)” that put the swinging Chicago vocal group the C.O.D.’s on the map. Along with songwriter Larry Brownlee and group members Robert Lewis and Carl Washington, singer Ruby Stackhouse added vocals to the tune, the biggest of their short career (and one that was also recorded by the Jackson 5, though not released at the time).

The group’s follow-up, “I’m a Good Guy,” didn’t manage to make an impression and, after a total of five singles, the C.O.D.’s dissolved.

Brownlee went on to be a songwriting member of the Brunswick group Lost Generation, penning “Sly, Slick and Wicked,” before that band also dissolved after just four years together. From ’73 to ’76, Brownlee was a member of Mystique, with former Impression Ralph Johnson, before passing away in 1978.

It’s our Gallery of Greats! Check out more Founding Fathers here…