Category Archives: Rona

The Velours “She’s My Girl” and “Woman For Me” on Rona

Velours Rona 45 She's My GirlThe Velours cut this one single, “She’s My Girl” / “Woman For Me” on Rona R-010. Both sides sound like they were recorded with a studio audience. “She’s My Girl” is uptempo r&b that only lacks a guitar break. I’d like to know who was the vocal group doing the background vocals, which really help the sound. I’ve seen December 1964 as the release date. The group was based in either Dallas or Fort Worth, Texas.

St. Romain wrote the songs, with Rona Pub. Co. handling the publishing. I believe this is Mike St. Romain, who was related to Kirby St. Romain, possibly his brother?

I can tie Michael St. Romain to the Velours from Jerry Zenick’s Disc ‘n’ Data column on November 23, 1972 in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which profiled the band Saint Romain:

Romain’s Club Style Is Conducive to Success

Formerly known as Quest, the group [Saint Romain] recently completed a stint at Dallas’ Club Climax, where the name switch was announced.

The new handle is very apropos because the driving force of the quintet is Mike St. Romain. A dynamic singer, forceful guitarist and consummate impersonator, the Dallas native has been a professional for over a decade. After touring with the Dick Caravan of Stars at 14, Romain formed his own group, The Velours. Long stints in the Virgin Islands and on the West Coast greatly widened and polished his style. After the unit disbanded in 1968, Romain put together Quest.

Present band members are bassist Phil James … drummer Gary Talbert, who played with the Human Beings when they released “Nobody Can”; pianist George Christopher, and side [sic] guitarist Michael Marchman, who handles the arranging tasks.

An early version of Quest included Darrel Howard of the Chants, and John Broberg and Neal St. John of the Upper Class.

This is not the same Velours as the group who cut singles on Onyx and Cub, among other labels.