Devotion (group)

Career

Before becoming Devotion, the group operated as The Superbs, recording "Love's Unpredictable" with Phillis Harris on lead vocals. This track marked Paul Kyser’s first work as a horns and strings arranger; he co-produced it with Stan R. Krause. The Superbs’ next release was "The Dawning of Love" paired with "So Glad You're Home" on Symbol 8. A promotional photo was taken after Franklin had already departed, showing Phillis Harris, a woman named Arnita (last name unknown), and Harris’s sister.

The song became a hit, climbing to number 49 on the Billboard chart and number 41 on the Cash Box chart. Kyser later recalled that the group traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, where things were progressing well and they were scheduled to perform at the Apollo Theater. However, the lead singer experienced a medical issue and was hospitalized, prompting Kyser to assemble a new lineup. This version of Devotion consisted of Retta Young, Bertha Quince, and Madge Quince.

They performed a show in Baltimore, Maryland, and also played a prom there alongside The Moments. During that time, Kyser introduced Al Goodman of The Moments to Henrietta Young. The group appeared in the Campus Attractions section of the March 27 issue of Billboard, listed as available for college bookings. That single, "The Saga of Will-E Jones," became the first Jamie/Guyden release on the Silver Dollar label.