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**Black Ivory Bio** Black Ivory originated as The Mellow Souls, formed in Harlem, New York, during the summer of 1969. The group consisted of teenagers Lawrence (Larry) Newkirk, Froilan (Vito) Ramirez, Michael Harris, and another member. They began their journey by auditioning over the phone with a musician who later took them under his wing. After some time, he decided that five members were too many, leading to Harris's departure from the group. The remaining four members, now known as Black Ivory, started performing at private parties, block parties, and social programs. They gained recognition by winning a talent show at Roosevelt High School in the Bronx during their second live performance. In an effort to secure a record deal, their mentor negotiated with a label, aiming to sign them to Red Coach Records. The manager, Redd Jr., who also managed another band, arranged for Black Ivory to open shows for this band at various East Coast venues. In 1970, Ramirez was replaced, and Newkirk left to pursue higher education, leaving the remaining members to form the trio we know today as Black Ivory. The group traveled to Philadelphia to record two songs at Sigma Sound Studios, produced by their mentor. These songs, "Don't Turn Around" and "I Keep Asking You Questions," became the "A" and "B" sides of Black Ivory's first single released on the Today Label, following the deal secured by their mentor.

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