Abrim, Ivory, Cleophus, and Raymond Tilmon formed
the Detroit Emeralds in the '60s. They were actually a Little Rock vocal group. They had some success with "Show Time" for Ric-Tic in 1968, but by 1970 were down to a trio, with Abrim and Ivory Tilmon and
James Mitchell. They stayed that way for a long run on Westbound that yielded R&B hits "Do Me Right," "You Want It, You Got It," and "Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms)" in 1971 and 1972, as well as "You're Gettin' a Little Too Smart" in 1973. They expanded the roster to a quartet in 1977, but with three new members. Abrim Tilmon was now joined by
Paul Riser,
Johnny Allen, and
Maurice King. Their backing band from 1971 to 1973 was
Chapter 8. Though many regard "Feel the Need" as their best song, it was far from a hit, although it was their last chart entry in 1977.
James Mitchell and Marvin Wills teamed to form an offshoot group,
the Floaters, in 1977.
Carl Johnson was Abe Tilmon's replacement in
the Emeralds, with Abe Tilmon forming his own
Detroit Emeralds. Each group stayed active on the oldies and cabaret circuit during the '70s and '80s.
Michael Henderson, then a 13-year-old, was one of their members for a short time. ~ Ron Wynn