The Mad Lads

The Mad Lads

723 fans

The Mad Lads were an American soul music group formed in Memphis, Tennessee. The band was founded in 1963 by John Gary Williams, Julius E. Green, William Brown, and Robert Phillips. Initially known as The Emeralds, they changed their name to avoid confusion with another group of the same name. While still in high school, the Mad Lads signed their first record deal with Stax Records at the end of 1964. Their music featured doo-wop-influenced harmonies, a style more commonly associated with Philadelphia Soul than Memphis. The Mad Lads achieved significant chart success in the mid-1960s with three singles reaching the Top 20 of the Billboard R&B Charts: "Don’t Have to Shop Around" (Number 11), "I Want Someone" (Number 10), and "I Want a Girl" (Number 16). In 1966, John Gary Williams and William Brown were drafted into the military, leading to a hiatus in the band's career. Upon their return, tensions arose within the group, particularly regarding William Brown's reintegration. Despite these challenges, The Mad Lads returned to the charts with "Whatever Hurts You" (Number 31) and "So Nice" (Number 35) in 1968, followed by their final charting single "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" (Number 28) in 1969. After releasing A New Beginning in 1973, the group disbanded. John Gary Williams later re-activated The Mad Lads with new members, resulting in the albums Madder Than Ever in 1990 and Love Songs for Lovers in 2011.

Top tracks

07
Don't Have to Shop Around
The Mad Lads
In Action
02:50
Writer: Allenjones - Love - Shann
12
I Forgot To Be Your Lover
The Mad Lads
The Best Of The Mad Lads
04:41
Writer: William Bell - Booker T. Jones / Composers: William Bell - Booker T. Jones
03
I Want Someone
The Mad Lads
Don't Have To Shop Around (Remastered)
02:42
Composers: Estelle Axton - Deanie Parker
04
Make This Young Lady Mine
The Mad Lads
The Best Of The Mad Lads
02:24
Writer: Booker T. Jones - John Gary Williams / Composers: Booker T. Jones - John Gary Williams
01
I Want Someone
The Mad Lads
In Action
02:41
Writer: E. Axton - Parker
08
I Want a Girl
The Mad Lads
Stax/Volt - The Complete Singles 1959-1968 - Volume 6
02:43
Writer: Brown - Green - Phillips - Williams
11
Get Out of My Life
The Mad Lads
In Action
03:06
Writer: Allen Toussaint
02
Come Closer to Me
The Mad Lads
In Action
02:39
Writer: J. Green - J. Williams - R. Phillips - W Brown
07
By The Time I Get To Phoenix
The Mad Lads
The Best Of The Mad Lads
02:48
Writer: Jimmy Webb / Composers: Jimmy Webb
24
Whatever Hurts You
The Mad Lads
Stax/Volt - The Complete Singles 1959-1968 - Volume 9
03:00
Writer: Allen Jones
07
Don't Have To Shop Around
The Mad Lads
Madder Than Ever
03:26
Composers: Willie David Young
20
These Old Memories
The Mad Lads
Soul Explosion
02:48
Writer: Homer Banks - Allen Jones / Composers: Homer Banks - Allen Jones
02
Don't Have To Shop Around (Live at The 5-4 Ballroom, Los Angeles, CA)
The Mad Lads
Stax Revue: Live In '65!
04:02
Writer: Willie David Young / Composers: Willie David Young
01
So Nice
The Mad Lads
The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Lads
02:40
Writer: Bettye Crutcher - Marvell Thomas / Composers: Bettye Crutcher - Marvell Thomas
06
You Mean so Much to Me
The Mad Lads
In Action
02:31
Writer: J. Green - J. Williams - R. Phillips - W Brown - W. Parker
05
Michael the Lover
The Mad Lads
In Action
02:29
Writer: C.Matthews - L. Brownlee
08
Gone! The Promises Of Yesterday
The Mad Lads
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971
03:41
Writer: Calvin Arnold - Warren / Composers: Calvin Arnold - Warren
06
Cry Baby
The Mad Lads
The Best Of The Mad Lads
03:44
Writer: Bert Berns - Norman Meade / Composers: Bert Berns - Norman Meade
31
I'll Always Love You
The Mad Lads
Come Back Darling
02:02
Writer: Ivy Joe Hunter - William Mickey Stevenson / Composers: Ivy Joe Hunter - William Mickey Stevenson
13
Land of 1000 Dances
The Mad Lads
Southern Soul Hits
03:33
Writer: Christopher Kenner / Composers: Christopher Kenner
06
I Want A Girl
The Mad Lads
Don't Have To Shop Around (Remastered)
02:45
Writer: William Brown - Julius Green - Robert Phillips - John Gary Williams / Composers: William Brown - Julius Green - Robert Phillips - John Gary Williams
07
Patch My Heart
The Mad Lads
Don't Have To Shop Around (Remastered)
02:32
Writer: Isaac Hayes - Steve Cropper / Composers: Isaac Hayes - Steve Cropper
12
So Afraid
The Mad Labs
Come Back Darling
02:27
Composers: Winston Riley
10
No Strings Attached
The Mad Lads
The Best Of The Mad Lads
02:32
Writer: Estelle Axton - Deanie Parker / Composers: Estelle Axton - Deanie Parker
05
Destination
The Mad Lads
Don't Have To Shop Around (Remastered)
04:55
Writer: Dale Warren - Joan Albright / Composers: Dale Warren - Joan Albright

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  • Discography
Albums
Love Songs for Lovers
08-12-2010
Love Songs for Lovers
01
A Lover's Wish
The Mad Lads
Love Songs for Lovers
04:13
02
The More You Give
The Mad Lads
Love Songs for Lovers
04:59
03
Meaning Love
The Mad Lads
Love Songs for Lovers
03:14
04
Hooked On Love
The Mad Lads
Love Songs for Lovers
04:39
05
Never Never
The Mad Lads
Love Songs for Lovers
04:17
06
Safe In Our Love
The Mad Lads
Love Songs for Lovers
04:11
07
April Showers
The Mad Lads
Love Songs for Lovers
04:57
Access the complete album info (10 songs)
Don't Have To Shop Around (Remastered)
This Compilation ℗ 1995 Fantasy, Inc.
01-01-1995
Don't Have To Shop Around (Remastered)
01
Don't Have To Shop Around
The Mad Lads
Don't Have To Shop Around (Remastered)
02:51
Writer: Allen Jones - Richard Shann / Composers: Allen Jones - Richard Shann
02
I'm Afraid Of Losing You
The Mad Lads
Don't Have To Shop Around (Remastered)
03:55
Writer: Darryl Carter - Helen Washington / Composers: Darryl Carter - Helen Washington
03
I Want Someone
The Mad Lads
Don't Have To Shop Around (Remastered)
02:42
Composers: Estelle Axton - Deanie Parker
04
Pass The Word (Love's The Word)
The Mad Lads
Don't Have To Shop Around (Remastered)
06:02
Writer: John Gary Williams - William Brown - Dale Warren / Composers: John Gary Williams - William Brown - Dale Warren
05
Destination
The Mad Lads
Don't Have To Shop Around (Remastered)
04:55
Writer: Dale Warren - Joan Albright / Composers: Dale Warren - Joan Albright
06
I Want A Girl
The Mad Lads
Don't Have To Shop Around (Remastered)
02:45
Writer: William Brown - Julius Green - Robert Phillips - John Gary Williams / Composers: William Brown - Julius Green - Robert Phillips - John Gary Williams
07
Patch My Heart
The Mad Lads
Don't Have To Shop Around (Remastered)
02:32
Writer: Isaac Hayes - Steve Cropper / Composers: Isaac Hayes - Steve Cropper
Access the complete album info (13 songs)
Madder Than Ever
℗ 1990 Volt Records, Distributed by Concord.
18-05-1990
Madder Than Ever
01
Sooner Or Later
The Mad Lads
Madder Than Ever
04:24
Composers: Fred Pittman
02
Shoulda Never Let Go
The Mad Lads
Madder Than Ever
04:31
Composers: Rosemary Woods
03
Is It Love
The Mad Lads
Madder Than Ever
04:15
Composers: Kent Brown - Ricardo Leigh
04
Nothing
The Mad Lads
Madder Than Ever
04:02
Composers: Fred Pittman
05
Take A Chance
The Mad Lads
Madder Than Ever
03:37
Composers: John Gary Williams
06
She May Not Be Mine
The Mad Lads
Madder Than Ever
03:41
Composers: Fred Pittman
07
Don't Have To Shop Around
The Mad Lads
Madder Than Ever
03:26
Composers: Willie David Young
Access the complete album info (8 songs)
The Best Of The Mad Lads
This Compilation ℗ 1991 Fantasy, Inc.
01-01-1984
The Best Of The Mad Lads
01
So Nice
The Mad Lads
The Best Of The Mad Lads
02:39
Writer: Bettye Crutcher - M. Thomas / Composers: Bettye Crutcher - M. Thomas
02
Make Room
The Mad Lads
The Best Of The Mad Lads
02:50
Writer: John Gary Williams - Booker T. Jones - Bettye Crutcher / Composers: John Gary Williams - Booker T. Jones - Bettye Crutcher
03
Seeing Is Believin'
The Mad Lads
The Best Of The Mad Lads
04:12
Writer: Freddie Briggs - Darryl Carter - Michael Williams / Composers: Freddie Briggs - Darryl Carter - Michael Williams
04
Make This Young Lady Mine
The Mad Lads
The Best Of The Mad Lads
02:24
Writer: Booker T. Jones - John Gary Williams / Composers: Booker T. Jones - John Gary Williams
05
Love Is Here Today And Gone Tomorrow
The Mad Lads
The Best Of The Mad Lads
02:46
Writer: Booker T. Jones - Bettye Crutcher / Composers: Booker T. Jones - Bettye Crutcher
06
Cry Baby
The Mad Lads
The Best Of The Mad Lads
03:44
Writer: Bert Berns - Norman Meade / Composers: Bert Berns - Norman Meade
07
By The Time I Get To Phoenix
The Mad Lads
The Best Of The Mad Lads
02:48
Writer: Jimmy Webb / Composers: Jimmy Webb
Access the complete album info (14 songs)
A New Beginning
℗ 1973 Stax Records, Distributed by Concord.
01-01-1973
A New Beginning
01
Pass The Word (Love's The Word)
The Mad Lads
A New Beginning
06:03
Composers: Dale Warren - William Brown - John Gary Williams
02
I'm So Glad I Fell In Love With You
The Mad Lads
A New Beginning
02:14
Writer: Bobby Manuel - William Brown - John Gary Williams
03
Seeing Is Believin'
The Mad Lads
A New Beginning
05:56
Composers: Darryl Carter - Fred Briggs - Michael Williams
04
I'll Still Be Loving You
The Mad Lads
A New Beginning
03:42
Composers: Darryl Carter - Freddy Briggs
05
Gone! The Promises Of Yesterday
The Mad Lads
A New Beginning
03:44
Composers: Dale Warren - Arnold Kent
06
I Forgot To Be Your Lover
The Mad Lads
A New Beginning
04:47
Composers: William Bell - Booker T. Jones
07
I'm Afraid Of Losing You
The Mad Lads
A New Beginning
03:54
Composers: Darryl Carter - Helen Washington
Access the complete album info (8 songs)
The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Lads
℗ 2019 Craft Recordings, a division of Concord Music Group, Inc.
01-01-1969
The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Lads
01
So Nice
The Mad Lads
The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Lads
02:40
Writer: Bettye Crutcher - Marvell Thomas / Composers: Bettye Crutcher - Marvell Thomas
02
Make Room (In Your Heart)
The Mad Lads
The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Lads
02:49
Writer: John Gary Williams - Allen Jones - Bettye Crutcher / Composers: John Gary Williams - Allen Jones - Bettye Crutcher
03
Cry Baby
The Mad Lads
The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Lads
03:43
Writer: Norman Meade - Bert Russell / Composers: Norman Meade - Bert Russell
04
I Just Can't Forget
The Mad Lads
The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Lads
02:30
Writer: Booker T. Jones - Deanie Parker / Composers: Booker T. Jones - Deanie Parker
05
These Old Memories
The Mad Lads
The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Lads
02:45
Writer: Homer Banks - Allen Jones / Composers: Homer Banks - Allen Jones
06
By The Time I Get To Phoenix
The Mad Lads
The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Lads
02:49
Writer: Jimmy Webb / Composers: Jimmy Webb
07
No Strings Attached
The Mad Lads
The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Lads
02:30
Writer: Linda Andrew - Estelle Axton - Randle Catron / Composers: Linda Andrew - Estelle Axton - Randle Catron
Access the complete album info (12 songs)
In Action
℗ 2004 Atlantic Recording Corp. Manufactured & Marketed by Warner Strategic Marketing
01-01-1966
In Action
01
I Want Someone
The Mad Lads
In Action
02:41
Writer: E. Axton - Parker
02
Come Closer to Me
The Mad Lads
In Action
02:39
Writer: J. Green - J. Williams - R. Phillips - W Brown
03
I'm Learning (In the Ways of My Love)
The Mad Lads
In Action
02:47
Writer: B. Jones
04
You're My Inspiration
The Mad Lads
In Action
03:15
Writer: Carole King - Gerry Goffin
05
Michael the Lover
The Mad Lads
In Action
02:29
Writer: C.Matthews - L. Brownlee
06
You Mean so Much to Me
The Mad Lads
In Action
02:31
Writer: J. Green - J. Williams - R. Phillips - W Brown - W. Parker
07
Don't Have to Shop Around
The Mad Lads
In Action
02:50
Writer: Allenjones - Love - Shann
Access the complete album info (12 songs)
Singles
These Simple Reasons
℗ 1965 Atlantic Recording Corporation, a Warner Music Group Company. Marketed by Rhino Entertainment Company, a Warner Music Group Company.
01-01-1967
These Simple Reasons
01
These Simple Reasons
The Mad Lads
These Simple Reasons
03:01
Writer: John Gary Williams - Julius Green - Quincy Billops - Robert Earl Phillips
Mr. Fix It
℗ 1965 Atlantic Recording Corporation, a Warner Music Group Company. Marketed by Rhino Entertainment Company, a Warner Music Group Company.
01-01-1967
Mr. Fix It
01
Mr. Fix It
The Mad Lads
Mr. Fix It
02:24
Writer: Alvertis Isbell - Isaac Hayes
What Will Love Tend To Make You Do
℗ 1965 Atlantic Recording Corporation, a Warner Music Group Company. Marketed by Rhino Entertainment Company, a Warner Music Group Company.
01-01-1966
What Will Love Tend To Make You Do
01
What Will Love Tend To Make You Do
The Mad Lads
What Will Love Tend To Make You Do
03:14
Writer: John Gary Williams - Julius Green - Robert Earl Phillips - William C. Brown III
Tear-Maker
℗ 1965 Atlantic Recording Corporation, a Warner Music Group Company. Marketed by Rhino Entertainment Company, a Warner Music Group Company.
01-01-1965
Tear-Maker
01
Tear-Maker
The Mad Lads
Tear-Maker
02:39
Writer: Isaac Hayes - John Ralph Bailey - William C. Brown III
Featured in
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971
This Compilation ℗ 1993 Stax Records, a division of Concord Music Group, Inc.
30-09-1993
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971
01
I Was Born To Love You
Shirley Walton
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971
02:59
Writer: Booker T. Jones - David Porter - Shirley Walton / Composers: Booker T. Jones - David Porter - Shirley Walton
02
Precious, Precious
Isaac Hayes
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971
02:43
Writer: Isaac Hayes / Composers: Isaac Hayes
03
Send Peace And Harmony Home
Shirley Walton
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971
02:46
Writer: Alvertis Isbell - Eddie Floyd - Booker T. Jones / Composers: Alvertis Isbell - Eddie Floyd - Booker T. Jones
04
Soul Limbo
Booker T. & the M.G.'s
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971
02:23
Writer: Steve Cropper - Booker T. Jones - Donald "Duck" Dunn - Al Jackson, Jr. / Composers: Steve Cropper - Booker T. Jones - Donald "Duck" Dunn - Al Jackson, Jr.
05
I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)
Eddie Floyd
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971
02:45
Writer: Eddie Floyd - Alvertis Isbell - Booker T. Jones / Composers: Eddie Floyd - Alvertis Isbell - Booker T. Jones
06
It's Been A Long Time Coming
Delaney & Bonnie
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971
02:17
Writer: Delaney Bramlett - Bonnie Bramlett / Composers: Delaney Bramlett - Bonnie Bramlett
07
What A Man
Linda Lyndell
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971
02:41
Writer: Dave Crawford / Composers: Dave Crawford
Access the complete album info (216 songs)
Classic Soul Essentials
2018 Warner Music Group - X5 Music Group
15-06-2018
Classic Soul Essentials
01
Mustang Sally
Wilson Pickett
Classic Soul Essentials
03:07
Writer: Bonny Rice - Sir Mack Rice / Composers: Bonny Rice - Sir Mack Rice
02
I Take What I Want
Sam & Dave
Classic Soul Essentials
02:34
Writer: Dave Porter - Hodges - Isaac Hayes / Composers: Dave Porter - Hodges - Isaac Hayes
03
Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing
Aretha Franklin
Classic Soul Essentials
03:49
Writer: Nickolas Ashford - Valerie Simpson / Composers: Nickolas Ashford - Valerie Simpson
04
What a Man
Laura Lee
Classic Soul Essentials
02:53
Writer: Dave Crawford / Composers: Dave Crawford
05
Never Like This Before
William Bell
Classic Soul Essentials
02:39
Writer: Booker T. Jones - David Porter - Isaac Hayes / Composers: Booker T. Jones - David Porter - Isaac Hayes
06
Shake
Otis Redding
Classic Soul Essentials
02:39
Writer: Sam Cooke / Composers: Sam Cooke
07
You Bring Out the Best In Me
The Natural Four
Classic Soul Essentials
04:19
Writer: Leroy Hutson - Michael Hawkins / Composers: Leroy Hutson - Michael Hawkins
Access the complete album info (24 songs)
Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968
℗ 1991 Atlantic Records, manufactured and marketed by Rhino Entertainment Company, a Warner Music Group company
16-04-1991
Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968
01
Fool in Love
The Veltones
Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968
01:57
Writer: Arnold - Moman
02
'Cause I Love You
Carla & Rufus
Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968
02:50
Writer: R THOMAS
03
Gee Whiz, Look at His Eyes
Carla Thomas
Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968
02:20
Writer: Carla Thomas
04
You Make Me Feel so Good
The Chips
Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968
02:11
Writer: Curtis Johnson
05
A Love of My Own (Single)
Carla Thomas
Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968
02:32
Writer: Carla Thomas
06
Last Night
The Mar-Keys
Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968
02:37
Writer: C. Axton - C. Moman - F. Newman - G. Caple - J. L. Smith - The Mar-Keys
07
I Didn't Believe
Rufus and Friend
Stax-Volt: The Complete Singles 1959-1968
02:12
Writer: Rufus Thomas
Access the complete album info (244 songs)
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 3: 1972-1975
This Compilation ℗ 2014 Stax Records, a division of Concord Music Group, Inc.
01-01-2014
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 3: 1972-1975
01
Yum Yum Yum (I Want Some)
Eddie Floyd
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 3: 1972-1975
02:49
Writer: Eddie Floyd - Rice / Composers: Eddie Floyd - Rice
02
Carry On
Jean Knight
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 3: 1972-1975
02:56
Writer: B. Denimal / Composers: B. Denimal
03
Do Your Thing (Remastered 1991 Album Version)
Isaac Hayes
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 3: 1972-1975
03:20
Writer: Isaac Hayes / Composers: Isaac Hayes
04
I've Been Lonely For So Long
Frederick Knight
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 3: 1972-1975
03:22
Writer: Jerry Weaver - Posie Knight / Composers: Jerry Weaver - Posie Knight
05
Nothing Is Everlasting
Annette Thomas
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 3: 1972-1975
02:57
Writer: Charles May / Composers: Charles May
06
Hearsay
The Soul Children
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 3: 1972-1975
03:35
Writer: John Colbert - Norman West / Composers: John Colbert - Norman West
07
Angel Of Mercy
Albert King
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 3: 1972-1975
04:20
Writer: Homer Banks - Raymond Jackson / Composers: Homer Banks - Raymond Jackson
Access the complete album info (213 songs)