The Showpushers began life as the DuVells in the early 1960s with founding members Hopie, Plookie, Melvin, Clifton, and George. Clifton recalls, "We used to play ball at the recreation center all the time. One day
Plookie caught me on the court and told me he was putting together a singing group. We got some other guys from the neighborhood together and it wasn't long before we were doing shows around town." Six months later the group was becoming a household name in their region.
Their first big show was at the Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration in Cheyenne, WY. Soon after the appearance, George left the group. He was replaced by Jeffery Walker and the group changed their name from the DuVells to the Showpushers. We stole the name from Antwone Dupree and the Showpushers, after we saw the name on a marquee," says Davis. "we liked it better."
With a new name and a new leader, Hopie became music director; the guys began practicing more intently. Their next big show was at Elk's Hall, where they were paid with money on the floor. As Cliff puts it, "People would throw money on the stage and that's how we got paid." Later that year they played the World Renowned Showcase and "had a line around the building," for people waiting to see them. This led to a regular gig at the Carter Lake Club.
They would also play the Fairmont Hotel, Tech High, WNO, and the Stone Cold Picnic, which helped them become a recognizable name in and around the Omaha area. Around this time they added (Pan ) Justice on bass , Bobby Griffo and Shabaka on Horns.
In the late 60's four of the singers relocated to Des Moines, IA. Cliff recalls how hard it was being on the road: there was no money and no place to stay, "However the group persevered and found a band to back them at their first show. The night of the show, however, the band did not show u. Not to be deterred, though, the guys went ahead and performed the show accapella. They would go on to do other shows at Cornett Blu, UAW Halls, Machinist Lounge, and a rousing performance at the Drake Relays.
But it wasn't enough, so they returned home to Omaha to regroup. Shortly afterwards they would move again. This time to Minneapolis, MN. Here they had much more success. Eventually putting together another band and some., including guitar player Ernie Clark, Drummer Jimmy "Big Time" Ranson. 3 horn players (Melvin and Mark Carter on trumpets, and Michael Johnson on Saxophone). Congo player Frankie McMillian, pianist Hoppie Branson, and female vocalist Doris Johnson. They also gained a manager, Tony Hill and road manager, James Whitner. And a lights and sound guy Clarence Whitner. With this new group in tow, they were able to play all the major clubs and hotels in the city. They garnered enough clout to eventually open for the Chi-Lites.
They would play another show with them. (Their rivals at the time were the Amazors.)
It was around this time that Jeffrey Walker would leave the group for other pursuits. Fortunately, an able and ready Craig Taylor would step in setting the stage for a new and different style for the group.
After performing 21 one-nighters in Minnesota, Des Moines, and Omaha, the group put together there own extravaganza, The Return of the Showpushers, a show that played to packed house at the Paxtin Hotel. In fact the show was so successful "We had to turn people away." says Davis.It was standby room only for the whole week they were back in Omaha playing area clubs.
After this amazing streak, the group decided to try its hand once again on the road. This time they relocated down South to the hotbed of growing urbanism known as Atlanta, GA. The plan was to take some time and start recording their music. What happened was they ended up homeless and sleeping in their cars for a week., while searching for a place to live. A break came when Kenny Secret, president of Morehouse College at the time came to their side."He got us our first show down there at Morris Brown College," recalls Davis.
The group then did a competition, where 10 acts competed for a chance to open for the legendary Curtis Mayfield. They won! "It was an honor to meet and to perform with him," Davis admits.
After that experience gave them much needed exposure they would go on to play all the Black institutions in Atlanta , from Clark, to Spellman, to Atlanta University. They finally acquired a house where all 17 members lived and practiced. Soon after they would tour the Butter Milk Bottom which included the chitlin circuit of Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, and other parts of Georgia.
The group then decided to pull-up stakes again and ended up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They quickly got a show at Langston College opening for perennial faves The Staples Singers. This was in the early 1970's. The move was short-lived, however, as the group returned to the ATL. While there they recorded a 45 single "No More Tomorrow" and "Regret". Without a deal, they passed up a few copies themselves and were rewarded with consistent radio play in and around the home of Coca-Cola.
Armed with this demo, they attempted to gamer a recording contract with Stax Records, the deal never materialized. They decided to go back to what they did best hit the road and perform. They ended up in San Rafael, CA where they performed shows with the likes of Jackie Wilson, and later The Whispers & the Show Children. This took them all around California, as they played clubs and spots from L. A. to Sacramento. They hung around the Bay area for another year or so, where they had a regular gig at the Showcase LOunge, until a few of the players became homesick.
The group later returned to their hometown of Omaha where they disbanded and went their separate ways. Some of the members continued to pursue music and made varying degrees of contributions. While others simply got involved in other aspects of living. However, they will always be remembered for the way they set the MidWest ablaze with their showmanship and professionalism, as well as their astounding vocal talent.
