The '5' Royales

The "5" Royales were an American band that combined gospel, jump blues and doo wop, forming an early and influential step in the evolution of soul music. Most of their big hits were recorded from 1952 to 1953 and written by guitarist Lowman Pauling; some of these songs were later big hits as cover versions, including "Dedicated to the One I Love" (The Shirelles, The Mamas & the Papas), "Tell the Truth" (Ray Charles) and "Think" (James Brown).

Originally the Royal Sons Quintet, the group began recording for Apollo Records in the early 1950s. A six-man group, they soon changed their name to The "5" Royales, with the quotes meant to clear up confusion. "Baby Don't Do It" and "Help Me Somebody" became hits in 1953, but the group soon signed to King Records. With King, "Think" and "Tears of Joy" became hits in 1957, while some of their lesser known tracks from this period are now critically-acclaimed and considered innovative for their time. In the 1960s, their career slowed down considerably, and they broke up in 1965.