New York City's Undiscovered Vocal Group - The Fellas.

The Fellas were formed in the winter of 1989. Initially known as VISION, the group consisted of founding members, Joe Rivera III (lead vocals/1st tenor), Luis Mercado (lead vocals/baritone), Ricardo Wright (lead vocals/1st tenor) and Andrew 'Drew' Rhoden (lead vocals/2nd tenor). After becoming tired of very few shows coming for the group, Luis decided to leave the group. The remaining trio auditioned various singers until the person of Anthony Cooper, Jr. became the right fit in July 1991. Anthony was a colleague of Ricardo's at the National Black Theater in Harlem.

Along with a new member came along a search for a new name for the group. Ricardo Wright came up with the name, The Fellas, in the back seat of Andrew Rhoden's car. Ricardo blurted out "the Fellas". As Drew and Joe turned to the back seat with twisted eyebrows, Ricardo continued: "Look guys, folks will never forget our name. People will come to our show and when it's over they'll be saying 'them boys were bad what was them fellas' name again? Wait that's it! They're The Fellas' See, they'll never forget who were are".

The Fellas were patterned after the Temptations, where everyone could step out front and sing lead, without compromising the harmony. Not wanting to be known as an "oldies" group or a tribute group, The Fellas were armed with original material catered to the adult audience. Artists that influence The Fellas (besides Motown acts) were Rachelle Farrell, Will Downing and Phil Perry, to name a few.

The Fellas would hone their skills and introduce new material at Brooklyn's Two Steps Down. Other venues The Fellas played were Sweetwaters, The Waterside Café, Club Savage and Perks in Harlem. Theater work began to increase and that took Ricardo and Anthony away from the group on occasion as well as out of town in Feb 1992. Adding to that situation was group members were having different ideas on which direction the group should go. Over the next several months the group would see new faces with Joe Rivera III as the main fixture as well as rotating members like Ricardo, Andrew & Anthony. In February 1993, Joe's wife passed away from a brain tumor. The group would get together to sing afterwards but the drive was no longer there. In a tribute to his late wife, Joe composed This Love.

Today in 2009, each member has settled down and moved on with families of their own. Members of the Fellas still keep in touch with one another as well as with Luis Mercado. Perhaps after nearly 20 years a comeback may occur? Keep your ears open in 2010.