The Federal Singles: Featuring Hank Ballard

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Hank Ballard is one of the best-loved of the King/Federal artists and this is where he started out with the Royals (who soon became the Midnighters). These are the complete recordings by the Royals. The group had its first chart success with 'Get It' at number 6 in 1953, followed by the controversial 'Work With Me Annie’, an R&B chart topper in 1954. The earlier recordings are classy doo wop, notably the original version of the later Gladys Knight hit, Every Beat Of My Heart’ (here without the usual overdubbed rhythm section). Also included as bonus tracks are previously unissued takes of 'The Shrine Of St. Cecilia’ and 'Work With Me Annie’. Notes are by doo wop expert Gordon Skadberg, with a biographical sketch by Paul Harris based on an original interview with Hank Ballard. This is a companion set to Hank’s 'Dancin’ And Twistin’ (Ace CDCHD 779). The mastering is done from the pristine master tapes, making it the real thing.