The Vanguards of Indianapolis were the most successful of Lamp Records’ many artists, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 with two 45’s, “Somebody Please” and “Too Late To Love”. They released a total of nine 45’s, mostly in the early 1970’s, and relocated to Los Angeles for a time, breaking up after a national tour.  In addition to recording for Lamp, they also had releases on Shirley Records, L&M Records, and Whiz Records. They were often backed up instrumentally by The Ebony Rhythm Band.

They appear on the Lamp Records compilation LP released in 2018 by Now-Again Records, including a bonus album that compiles most of the group’s output. “Somebody Please” has been covered several times, and appears on various soul compilations.  While the two “hit” 45’s are frequently found, some Vanguard’s 45’s are quite scarce.