THE CHARIOTEERS: The Charioteers were a black gospel group formed in 1930 by Billy Williams (1911-72). By 1937, the group consisted of Williams (lead tenor), Eddie Jackson (second tenor), Ira Williams (baritone), Howard Daniel (bass) and James Sherman (piano).

They recorded mostly negro spirituals for the Vocalion label until they signed with Columbia in 1940; Columbia wanted a pop rival to Decca's Ink Spots. Soon the Charioteers were in the pop music charts with their recording of Russ Morgan's 1940 song "So Long." Although they never achieved the success of the Ink Spots, the Charioteers' sound did produce 7 hits of their own in the 1940s and two more in support of other artists.

The Charioteers became regulars on Bing Crosby's Kraft Music Hall during the fall 1942 season. They stayed with Bing on the radio through most of the next 5 years, including the first season of the Philco show. Although the Charioteers did not commercially record with Bing (they were under contract to different record companie