The Apollas

Apollas  vs. Supremes

The Apollas first started recording as 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 third 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.

The Apollas were later discovered and embraced by England's rabid Northern soul community, which turned them into stars in that corner of music long after they'd split up. In particular, "Mr. Creator,"  "All Sold Out," and "Lock Me in Your Heart" are highly prized among their singles and the Apollas. The girls, although never quite the stars they deserved to be attained a cult following and went on to be one of best girl groups of the mid sixties. Since than Billie Barnum has also sung backup for numerous artists, including Van Dyke Parks, Lionel Richie, Teddy Pendergrass, and Taj Mahal. Both Ella Jamerson and Leola Jiles have also sung as backup vocalists to various artists.  The Apollas recently preformed a concert in England and rocked the house down with continuous standing ovations. If the Supremes had not already had the earlier presence in popularity, the Apollas could have surely been their top contender. Both Leola and Ella now reside in Northern California and Billie resides in Los Angeles.

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