the Velvets

Farrell, PA 1955-1960

The five members of the Velvets were from Farrell, PA just across the OH/PA state line. The group had several Ohio connections, including their one 45 recorded in Cleveland and released on a Cleveland based label.

The group formed while in high school and continued as the members left for college, the Army, and work. The members were Jerry Stiftinger (who used the stage name Jerry Sharell in tribute to his hometown area of Sharon and Farrell), Jim Repas, Ed Daniel (who left the group to join the Army), Bruce Williams, Lawrence Thomas, and Steve Novosel. 

The group recorded the 45 for Plaid records, one of Shelley Haims' labels. The same Plaid label also released the Jet Tones 45. The 45 has the ballad "Everybody Knows" with Jerry singing lead and the uptempo R&Bish "Hand Jivin' Baby".

The group disbanded by 1960. Jerry Sharell joined the Pittsburgh Four Seasons, and later recorded a couple 45s on his own. He also was the A&R man for Main Line records.

Discography
Everybody Knows / Hand Jivin' Baby -Plaid 101, Feb 1959