Songs I Love, Part II: “I Love You” Volumes

There’s not a lot to tell you about this doo wop classic from 1962. Except that it ranks at the top of my all-time favorites in that catagory.

Very little info has survived about The Volumes. They hailed from Detroit. They recorded for Chex Records. Ed Union sang lead. The song was written by Ed Newsome, who sang bass, and William Ewing, the group’s manager.

And, well, uh, that’s about it. Let’s take a listen:

I’m not sure the song got much play here in Louisville. I do remember it from back then.

I also recall a dance at one of the hotels, when The Sultans, still with Cosmo singing, were playing. During a break, four ninth graders asked if they could sing an acappella song. Charlie Shuck was the only one whose name I now know. They nailed this song by The Volumes. I seem to recall that a member or two of the Sultans was miffed because of the adulation Shuck and company received for their rendition. Shuck had an incredible doo wop voice.

I probably never heard to song again until some time in the 70s, when I heard it in a record shop. My spine turned to an icicle. The song can also be heard during a scene in the coming-of-age-in-the-Bronx classic, “The Wanderers,” released in 1979.

Okay, that’s what I know. No drums. No bass. Just great doo wop harmonies.