Shades Of Blue
The Domingos formed while in junior high in 1961.
The lineup consisted of Nick Marinelli (lead), Bob
Kerr (baritone), Ernie Dernai (first tenor), and Dan
Guise (baritone). They fashioned themselves after
the top Motown acts and began doing talent
shows and dances. They befriended members of
the Reflections ("Just Like Romeo and Juliet"),
also from Livonia, who encouraged them to
audition for Ed Wingate's Golden World/Ric Tic
Records, where they recorded. Rhys is credited
with renaming them the Shades of Blue, and
taking their master to Impact Records. The
Shades of Blue were all in college when "Oh How
Happy" shot up the charts, cracking the Top
The Domingos formed while in junior high in 1961.
The lineup consisted of Nick Marinelli (lead), Bob
Kerr (baritone), Ernie Dernai (first tenor), and Dan
Guise (baritone). They fashioned themselves after
the top Motown acts and began doing talent
shows and dances. They befriended members of
the Reflections ("Just Like Romeo and Juliet"),
also from Livonia, who encouraged them to
audition for Ed Wingate's Golden World/Ric Tic
Records, where they recorded. Rhys is credited
with renaming them the Shades of Blue, and
taking their master to Impact Records. The
Shades of Blue were all in college when "Oh How
Happy" shot up the charts, cracking the Top
Twenty and nesting at number 12 pop in 1966. They quickly assembled management and a band, and
hit the road for a year, appearing on Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars and at other venues. Subsequent
releases charted but not very high. "Lonely Summer," written by Edwin Starr, had all the charm of
"Happy" but stalled at number 72; and "Happiness," composed by John Rhys, slotted six rungs lower at
number 78. While they made money on the road, they didn't see any royalties and felt cheated after
talking with other artists. So, by 1969, approximately three years after they started recording, they called
it quits. Most of the members still live in the Detroit area, working in various jobs.
hit the road for a year, appearing on Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars and at other venues. Subsequent
releases charted but not very high. "Lonely Summer," written by Edwin Starr, had all the charm of
"Happy" but stalled at number 72; and "Happiness," composed by John Rhys, slotted six rungs lower at
number 78. While they made money on the road, they didn't see any royalties and felt cheated after
talking with other artists. So, by 1969, approximately three years after they started recording, they called
it quits. Most of the members still live in the Detroit area, working in various jobs.