The Jewels

A 1950's vocal group. Originally a gospel group from San Bernardino. They recorded as The Marbles for the Lucky Label during 1953 and 1954.

In August 1954 they changed their name to The Jewels and signed to the newly formed Los Angeles based "R&B Records" label. Around this time the group consisted of Johnny Torrence (tenor), Vernon Knight (Baritone), Rudy Jackson (lead vocals), Dee Hawkins (tenor), and James Brown (bass).

The first release for the R&B label was Jackson's song Hearts Of Stone. It became popular with the West coast audience and was re-recorded by The Charms on DeLuxe Records who had a national hit with it, although the original remained popular on the west coast. The song would later be recorded by Elvis Presley. R&B Records soon sold the group's contract to Imperial Records where they would release three records, including a Zappa favourite - Angel In My Life, before disbanding in 1956.

Torrence formed another incarnation of The Jewels that recorded one single for the RPM label (She's A Flirt/B.Bomb Baby). Torrence later performed with The Pentagons.