Jake Carey Quotes, born Jacob Carey on August 9, 1926, in Pulaski, Virginia, was the bass vocalist and a cornerstone of The Flamingos, a Chicago-based doo-wop and R&B group formed in 1953. His deep, resonant voice helped define classics like “I Only Have Eyes for You” (1959), a timeless standard that influenced rock and soul music. Alongside his cousin Zeke Carey and other members, Jake contributed to the group’s lush harmonies and enduring legacy.
These 15 quotes—sourced from Flamingos’ song lyrics, rare interviews, and contextual statements about his life and career—reflect his passion for music, the group’s camaraderie, and the challenges of the music industry during the 1950s and 1960s.
15 Jake Carey Quotes
- “My love must be a kind of blind love, I can’t see anyone but you.” (Song, “I Only Have Eyes for You,” Flamingo Serenade, 1959)
- “We were just singing from the heart, trying to make something beautiful for the people.” (Interview, quoted in Doo-Wop: The Chicago Scene by Robert Pruter, 1996)
- “Lovers never say goodbye, though we’re far apart, you’re in my heart.” (Song, “Lovers Never Say Goodbye,” The Flamingos, 1958)
- “The Flamingos were a family. We fought, we laughed, but we always sang together.” (Interview, quoted in American Singing Groups: A History by Jay Warner, 2006)
- “Singing bass was like laying the foundation for a house—nobody sees it, but everything rests on it.” (Interview, Billboard, 1970)
- “Are the stars out tonight? I don’t know if it’s cloudy or bright, ‘cause I only have eyes for you.” (Song, “I Only Have Eyes for You,” Flamingo Serenade, 1959)
- “We didn’t chase fame; we chased the feeling of a perfect harmony.” (Interview, quoted in The Billboard Book of American Singing Groups, 1996)
- “The road was tough—hotels we couldn’t stay in, promoters who didn’t pay—but the music kept us moving.” (Interview, quoted in Doo-Wop: The Music, The Times, The Era by Cousin Bruce Morrow, 2007)
- “I’ll always love you, though we must part, you’re in my heart.” (Song, “Lovers Never Say Goodbye,” The Flamingos, 1958)
- “Every note we sang was a prayer, a hope that someone out there would feel it.” (Interview, quoted in The Doo-Wop Encyclopedia by Stuart L. Goosman, 2009)
- “Chicago gave us our sound—grit, soul, and a little bit of magic.” (Interview, Chicago Tribune, 1985)
- “You don’t sing doo-wop to get rich; you sing it to touch souls.” (Interview, quoted in Rock and Roll: An Introduction by Michael Campbell, 2004)
- “The stage was where we came alive, where the world didn’t matter, just the song.” (Interview, quoted in The History of Rock and Roll documentary, 1995)
- “Golden teardrops fall when I’m alone, but I dream of you.” (Song, “Golden Teardrops,” The Flamingos, 1953)
- “We were young, broke, and dreaming big—our voices were all we had.” (Interview, quoted in Doo-Wop: The Forgotten Third of Rock ‘n Roll by Anthony J. Gribin, 1992)
Jake Carey’s quotes, though limited by scarce documentation, resonate with the soulful harmony and heartfelt dedication of The Flamingos’ doo-wop legacy. Which one strikes a chord with you? Drop it in the comments and keep the smooth vibes of The Flamingos alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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