The Soul Twisters on Romat Records

Soul Twisters Pitt Sound Studio promo photo

The Soul Twisters had two singles on Romat Records out of Greenville, North Carolina. Their first was “Swinging (On a Grape Vine)”, written by J.R. Daniels, Florence Farmer and E. Perkins, and “Soul Fever” by J.R. Daniels and J. Early.

It was recorded at Pitt Sound Studios in Greenville and produced by James Perkins. The Soul Twisters had a second 45 on Romat, #1004, “Doing Our Dance” / “If It Takes A Year”.

I didn’t anything about the group until James Early and Johnny Ray Williams left comments.

James Early wrote to me:

I joined the band after it started. James Perkins, Samuel Perkins, and Ernest Perkins can tell you more about its beginning.

James Perkins was manager during the time of these recordings….not drummer!

The members of the group on the 45s were:

Johnny Daniels – lead vocal on “Doin’ Our Dance”, background on “If It Takes a Year” and guitar player on all songs.

Fred Farmer – lead vocal on “If It Takes a Year” and background on “Doin’ Our Dance”. He is deceased.

Johnny Williams of Farmville, NC was drummer on all songs.

Joe Daniels was bass player on all songs.

I was on the two 45s as keyboard player.

We all called Roy Mathews (studio owner) “Zeke” jokingly.

I have a sleeve of the 45s with the picture of the group at that time.

We played beach, soul and could adapt to any audience. We played all surrounding areas. We had a female vocalist (Ella Daniels) that could take a dance crowd [off] their seats to pay attention.

The Soul Twisters was the first group I played in. I played an Olympia organ and a Fender Jazz bass. Chapter Three (later name used for our band) did not make any records or tapes.

I played in other groups Jazz Plus, Blues Plus and Poison. I have done and still doing studio sessions with other artist and groups.

James “Bro” Early

Romat was run by Roy Matthews, its first release was the Sound System, which I reviewed here a few months ago.

11 thoughts on “The Soul Twisters on Romat Records”

  1. Hey Chas. I’m really pleased to see all of this keen North Carolina stuff posted on your site. TOBACCO A-GO-GO was a labor of love when I released them in the 80’s. I was really trying to capture the feel of NC pop/psych/etc music in those days, rather than to do just another comp of snotty punk and psych. Re: the Soul Twisters…I never found them. I did interview Roy Matthews, proprietor of Romat, before he died. “Them kids (the Sound System) always wanted to record way too loud! Didn’t know nuthin’ about the studio!” That was a fun time.
    Ken

  2. JUST SAT DOWN WITH JAMES HARVEY PERKINS THE DRUMMER WITH THE SOUL TWISTERS. HE IS NOW 73 YEARS OLD. HE LIVES IN GREENVILLE, NC. I GOT TO LISTEN TO SOME OF HIS RECORDINGS.

    RICK

  3. James “Bro” Early, mentioned as a band member (bassist) and co-composer of the Soul Twister’s second ROMAT single has remained active in music production through out his life time.
    Among his varied business interests, James has remained active in music composing, publishing, and (in particular) artist development/management ventures for regional national, and “label driven” endeavors.
    He stopped by recently to inspect progress in the renovations of Greenville’s historic studio with plans for several forthcoming projects.
    Very much enjoy your site.
    Sonny Johnson
    AARS

  4. A friend showed me this post and enjoyed the web site.
    To clarify things a bit, the drummer for the Soul Twisters was actually Johnny Ray Williams of Farmville, NC.
    James Perkins was manager during the time of these recordings….not drummer!
    We all called Roy Mathews (studio owner) “Zeke” jokingly.
    Thanks for your interest and effort in making this web site.
    Happy to provide further information regarding Greenville NC’s “Soul Twisters”, and and “The Chapter 3” (later name used for our band).

  5. I was the drummer for the Soul Twisters during that time period. My hometown of Farmville, NC. I am currently residing in Bridgeport, Connecticut. James Early told me that you were looking for a record that I may have. I still play drums, but mostly I DJ. I have a photo shot of the group. I can be reached at 203-366-6723 or 203-394-1073.

  6. I spoke with my dad which he told me that he never spoke with you….. so please remove the blog about speaking with him. I’m in Atlanta and will be check on you…. his music should not be on your site without him oking this.

  7. Spoke with Bro Early this evening and he was surprised and dissapointed that the Soul Twisters’ music had been removed from this wonderfull resource. He noted he would attempt to resolve the matter asap and assist with restoring their tracks to your wonderful site for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.
    Thank you again Chas for what you do.
    SJ

  8. No one has to have any promission from your dad. He is not on any of the songs as musicians nor writers. I dont know if he was interviewed or not. Please check with your dad about this matter. The Soul Twister your dad started consisted of Samuel Perkins, Ernest Perkins, Donald Redmman, Cee Boy, and Pee Wee. Roy Mathews produced and published these songs. Ernest Perkins was the only orignal Soul twister at this time. Your Father was manager at that time and later left the group. Please put if it Takes a year back on please whoever sponsored this site. This has been good recognition for the group Especially If it takes a year written and sung by Fred Farmer who is now deceased. I was supposed to have a sit down and talk about this group and lost your e-mail address please contact me at 252-531-1553
    I would be glad to sit down with you. Im still in contact with all the living members and have pictures you requested.

    Thank You
    James Early

  9. James Perkins nor his son has no rights to any of the songs recorded by the SOUL TWISTERS. He did not play, sing or write any of the material on the Songs. Please continue to do as you are doing especially the If it takes a year. You e-mailed me to set up an interview I would be Glad to please call me at 252-531-1553. I also have the pictures you were looking for. Im James Early the keyboard/bass player for the group on the recording. Thank you for your interest and I commend you for what you are doing.

    James Early

  10. The Group The SOUL Twisters,Was to me about soul,enjoying and having a good time. It was down home in the park,at the mall,also at many concerts,different cities and town.The Soul Twisters had it goin on,My cousin Fred Farmer to him this band was his heart and all of Greeenville and the members of the band,My family and many others are greatful for this website. Special thanks to all the Farmer kids of Fred esp,Stevie Yes your dad was a respectful man,But he was and will always be remembered as a “GREAT MAN” rest in peace Fred

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.