Along with the original Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes, the Dreamlovers, and others, the Cordells were one of Philadelphia's pioneering R&B groups. The members were Jimmy Ellis, (lead), Earl Young (bass), Val Walker, and Russell Boston, all from the Broad & Lehigh area of North Philly. They recorded "Please Don't Go"/"Believe in Me," for Bullseye Records in 1958 and didn't get the opportunity again until 1961 when "The Best of My Heart"/"Laid Off," fell on Bargain Records. Neither side was more than a local play and while the group kept busy doing local gigs and built a little reputation around town, nothing really happened for them. Later in 1961, Ellis, Young, Walker, and Boston became the Whirlwinds and had releases on Guyden and Phillips Records. Ellis and Young later, after many attempts, found a modicum of success with the Trammps, noted for the quintessential disco hit "Disco Inferno." In addition, Young became a sought after session musician and recorded with Ron Baker and Norman Harris as Baker, Harris, & Young. ~ Andrew Hamilton