The Fellas

Travel back to the 1960's and 1970's as THE FELLAS take the stage with class & style. Our show incorporates smooth choreography and tight harmonies, as it was done years ago. Be prepared for audience participation; you might even SHARE the microphone with THE FELLAS.

The Fellas can provide the following to suit your entertainment needs:
• 30 minute, 45 minute or 60 minute sets
• 1 set or 2 sets
• Perform live with our band
• Perform live with your band
• Provide charts and music to the client’s band
• Perform with tracks

CLASSIC SOUL brought to you by THE FELLAS

The Fellas were formed in the summer of 1991. The group consisted of founding members, Joe Rivera III (lead vocals/1st tenor), Ricardo Wright (lead vocals/1st tenor), Andrew 'Drew' Rhoden (lead vocals/2nd tenor) and Anthony Cooper, Jr. (lead vocals/baritone/bass).

The Fellas are patterned after the Temptations, whose style allows anyone to step out front and sing lead, without compromising the harmony and incorporate smooth choreography. Not wanting to be known as an "oldies" group, The Fellas are also armed with original material catered to the mature audience. Artists that influenced The Fellas (besides Motown acts) are The O'Jays, The Manhattans, The Spinners, Rachelle Farrell, Marvin Gaye, Will Downing and Phil Perry, to name a few.

Today in 2018, original member Joe Rivera III continues to perpetuate Classic Soul music, along with JoQuae DeVonish, a member of the latter lineup of the Fellas, Roman Barksdale and Donald "Baby Ray"Moyer. Classic Soul returns from New York City.

ROMAN BARKSDALE - Roman got his first break in the industry as a member of Black & Latino Rap group THE MEAN MACHINE out of New York City. They were signed to the same record label as THE SUGARHILL GANG in the late 1970's. Roman brought his crooning skills to THE MEAN MACHINE. In 1984 he and Joe Rivera III co-founded R&B band PERFECTION. During the group's 2 year history, PERFECTION was the houseband on the record 'Don't Let Them Starve' produced by Arthur Crier, Eugene Thompkins and Jay Siegel (lead singer of THE TOKENS of 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' fame). In 2011 Joe & Roman have reunited to bring back Classic Soul.

JoQUAE DeVONISH - JoQuae began singing at a very early age. At the age of 10 he sang with the group Soul Direction and had his first stage (link hidden) a young man, in the early 90's JoQuae met Joe Rivera III through mutual friend, Anthony Warr in 1993. This was when he began to sing with the Fellas. Soon afterwards the members of the group went on to lead their lives and in 2009 The Fellas reconnected. JoQuae currently sings lead & first tenor.

DONALD 'Baby' RAY MOYER - Growing up on a farm in North Carolina, Baby Ray loved (link hidden) high school he joined the choir and his love for singing and performing. After touring in Japan, he relocated to NYC. It was there, he was drawn to sultry sounds of doowop, leading him to sing with groups such as The Paragons and The Jarmels, whose songs included one of the 10 ten Billboard hits, 'A Little Bit Of Soap. It was original member Ray Smith who dubbed Moyer, 'Baby Ray'. As a member of The Jarmels, "Baby Ray' appeared on a PBS Doowop Special. The Fellas are excited to have him on board. 'Baby Ray' sings lead, baritone, 2nd tenor and 1st tenor background vocals..

JOE RIVERA III - Joe started his career in high school where he co founded an acapella group. After high school he played keyboards and sang lead in a few local R&B bands. In 1991, Joe cofounded The Fellas with Ricardo Wright. The group disbanded in 1993. Afterwards Joe went on to sing with NYC doowop group Earl Lewis & The Channels from 1995 to 2009. In November 2009, the Fellas regrouped with Joe doing leads and singing 1st tenor, 2nd tenor and baritone backup vocals. He also scores out all music for the group. Joe was inducted into the DooWopp Hall of Fame in 2007 as a member of Earl Lewis & The Channels.

Among professional references are: Joe Herndon - bass singer for The Temptations, Joe Bataan - Undisputed King of Latin Soul, Paul Williams, Jr. - performing member of The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards, Bobby Jay - former NYC Disc Jockey (WCBS-FM) and current Sirius XM Disc Jockey, Albert 'Ceasar' Berry - founding and performing member of The Tymes, Jimmy Merchant - founding and performing member of The Teenagers (now The Legendary Teenagers) and Barbara Harris - founding member and lead singer of Barbara Harris and The Toys.