I remember Leon Bibb quite well. His act was similar to Belafonte's in that they both used an accompanist, who sat off to the side, in an unlit section of the stage. Their voices were similar, and so were their repitores. Certainly, Bibb was promoted and presented in an attempt to take advantage of Belafonte's popularity. Recording executives and booking agents hoped there was a space for another black, slack-shirted, romantic singer. They were almost right. Leon Bibb was a very talented performer but the mass market wasn't open enough for two black sex symbols at that time. I, myself, worked as the guitarist for another, less successful, black singer. He, too, was gifted and comely, but, if there wasn't a market for two Belafontes, there sure wasn't room for three. By the way, Bibb's unlit guitarist was the wonderful John Stauber, and what ever happened to him?

mike Miller