The Detroit Emeralds

Abrim, Ivory, Cleophus, and Raymond Tilmon formed the Detroit Emeralds in the ’60s. They were actually a Little Rock vocal group. They had some success with “Show Time” for Ric-Tic in 1968, but by 1970 were down to a trio, with Abrim and Ivory Tilmon and James Mitchell. They stayed that way for a long run on Westbound that yielded R&B hits “Do Me Right,” “You Want It, You Got It,” and “Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms)” in 1971 and 1972, as well as “You’re Gettin’ a Little Too Smart” in 1973. They expanded the roster to a quartet in 1977, but with three new members. Abrim Tilmon was now joined by Paul Riser, Johnny Allen, and Maurice King. Their backing band from 1971 to 1973 was Chapter 8. Though many regard “Feel the Need” as their best song, it was far from a hit, although it was their last chart entry in 1977. James Mitchell and Marvin Wills teamed to form an offshoot group, the Floaters, in 1977. Carl Johnson was Abe Tilmon’s replacement in the Emeralds, with Abe Tilmon forming his own Detroit Emeralds. Each group stayed active on the oldies and cabaret circuit during the ’70s and ’80s. Michael Henderson, then a 13-year-old, was one of their members for a short time. ~ Ron Wynn