Recently, I was contacted by Harold Grant’s daughter—how fantastic is that? She gave me this information about The Royal Street Bachelors and her father, Harold. I am so grateful at her generosity!
“The group of Jack McVea, Herb Gordy, and Harold Grant lasted for about 25 years as The Royal Street Bachelors. My dad past away in 1985. I am so pleased that someone is recognizing these guys finally! I hadn't looked at a picture of him in 15 years. Thank you so much! The original Bachelors are in the Panavue photo below with the little boy dancing in front. The Banjo player of that picture got cancer and my father filled in for him while he was sick. He eventually passed away and they gave my dad the job. With the job came the six string banjo that originally belonged to some famous guy in New Orleans. The guy in the first group gave the banjo to my father with the promise that he would donate it to the Music Museum in New Orleans. It’s really funny that 25 years later my dad passes away of the very same thing that the first guy had. We always said the banjo was cursed! I guess the banjo went where it was supposed to go because i don't see it in any more Bachelor pictures. Oh yes! The little boy was fired for throwing matches in the dressing room.”
Shirley also informed me that Herb Gordy was related to Berry Gordy, the famed Motown Mogul. Thanks again, Shirley, for contacting me giving some info on this very favorite musical group from New Orleans Square.
A recent picture of the Bachelors in their semi-permanent home, located in the French Market restaurant:
See more Royal Street Bachelor photos at my website.
