White founded and managed the Crusaders in the late 1960s and eventually cut three records with them. In 1975, his band released “Surely (Someone Needs Love),” a polished ballad that sold well in the local market. By the 1980s, White regrouped with the Elite Band, an R&B and beach music outfit that he leads to this day.
Johnny White has been the featured vocalist of two prominent Durham groups.
The Dynamic Crusaders, seen here in an early promotional photo, were also known at various points as the Mighty Crusaders and the Mighty Crusaders Orchestra. Membership included (back row, left to right) Ernest Thompson, Charles Norman, and Willis Norman, and (front row, left to right), Harold Jeffreys, Clarke Egerton, Jr., Reginald Bynum, and James “Tweet” Toomer.
Membership of Johnny White’s Elite Band, founded in the 1980s, included Larry Duncan, previously of the Modulations, and Bobby Moody, who previously played with Duracha.
Johnny White & The Mighty Crusaders Orchestra
"Physical, Healthy And Trim" b/w
"Physical, Healthy And Trim (Instrumental)"
(Valle-Dalle VD-175; late-1960s)
Possibly the only Durham soul recording with a flute solo, this funky R&B number is said to be Johnny White’s debut on vinyl.
Johnny White & The Mighty Crusaders Orchestra
"Physical, Healthy And Trim" b/w
"Physical, Healthy And Trim (Instrumental)"
(Valle-Dalle VD-175; late-1960s)
Possibly the only Durham soul recording with a flute solo, this funky R&B number is said to be Johnny White’s debut on vinyl.
Johnny White & The Mighty Crusaders Orchestra
"Surely (Someone Needs Love)" b/w
"Surely (Someone Needs Love) (Instrumental)"
(Valle-Dalle VD-001; 1975)
Johnny White’s biggest commercial success with the Mighty Crusaders, “Surely” is a polished ballad that sold well in the region upon its release in 1975.
Johnny White & The Mighty Crusaders Orchestra
"Surely (Someone Needs Love)" b/w
"Surely (Someone Needs Love) (Instrumental)"
(Valle-Dalle VD-001; 1975)
Johnny White’s biggest commercial success with the Mighty Crusaders, “Surely” is a polished ballad that sold well in the region upon its release in 1975.
Johnny White & The Mighty Crusaders Orchestra
"I've Enjoyed" b/w "I've Enjoyed"
(Valledalle VAL 001; 1977)
The third of three Johnny White 45s for Valle-Dalle Records, a label owned by WSRC-FM DJ Chuck Harris, “I’ve Enjoyed” remains the least known despite its dance floor appeal.
Johnny White & The Mighty Crusaders Orchestra
"I've Enjoyed" b/w "I've Enjoyed"
(Valledalle VAL 001; 1977)
The third of three Johnny White 45s for Valle-Dalle Records, a label owned by WSRC-FM DJ Chuck Harris, “I’ve Enjoyed” remains the least known despite its dance floor appeal.
Johnny White & The Elite Band
"You" b/w "Beach Music"
(Elite; 1985)
Larry Duncan, previously of the Modulations, penned this 1985 selection for Johnny White’s Elite Band, an outfit that still plays to this day.
Johnny White & The Elite Band
"You" b/w "Beach Music"
(Elite; 1985)
Larry Duncan, previously of the Modulations, penned this 1985 selection for Johnny White’s Elite Band, an outfit that still plays to this day.
discography
