5 royales

Biography

The '5' Royales were a pioneering American rhythm and blues vocal group originating from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Formed in the early 1940s as the gospel-based Royal Sons Quintet, they transitioned to secular music in the early 1950s, adopting the name 'The 5 Royales.' Their blend of gospel, jump blues, and doo-wop made them a foundational influence in the development of soul and rock and roll. The group was led by the powerful vocals of Johnny Tanner and the innovative songwriting and guitar work of Lowman 'Pete' Pauling, whose compositions often became hits for both the group and other artists.[1][3][4]

The 5 Royales achieved major R&B chart success in the early 1950s with songs like 'Baby Don’t Do It' and 'Help Me Somebody,' both written by Pauling. Their music retained a strong gospel influence, which set them apart from many contemporaries and paved the way for the emotional directness of later soul music. The group recorded for several major labels, including Apollo and King Records, and their repertoire included both heartfelt ballads and witty, risqué tunes. Their song 'Dedicated to the One I Love' became a pop standard, later covered by the Shirelles and the Mamas & the Papas, while 'Think' and 'Tell the Truth' were also widely influential and covered by artists such as James Brown and Ray Charles.[1][2][3]

Despite not always achieving commercial success, the 5 Royales' impact on American music was profound. Their innovative guitar work, vocal harmonies, and songwriting influenced a generation of musicians, including James Brown, Steve Cropper, and Eric Clapton. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, cementing their legacy as architects of soul and rock and roll.[1][5]

Fun Facts

• Lowman 'Pete' Pauling was known for using an extra-long guitar strap, sometimes playing his guitar down around his knees for comic effect.[1]
• The group once substituted for Ray Charles's Raelettes at a show in Durham, North Carolina.[1]
• Clarence Pauling, an original member, later became a key Motown producer and was instrumental in the careers of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.[3]
• The 5 Royales were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, decades after their initial influence.[1][5]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Gospel tradition - The group's early years as the Royal Sons Quintet were rooted in gospel music, which shaped their vocal style and emotional delivery. (Early gospel recordings as the Royal Sons Quintet) [1940s–early 1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Lowman 'Pete' Pauling - Principal songwriter, guitarist, and founding member; wrote most of the group's hits. (All major 5 Royales recordings) [1940s–1965]
• Johnny Tanner - Lead vocalist on most hits; central to the group's sound. (All major 5 Royales recordings) [1940s–1965]
• Clarence Pauling (Clarence Paul) - Founding member; later became a Motown producer. (Early 5 Royales recordings) [1940s–mid-1950s]
• Eugene Tanner - Replaced Otto Jeffries; lead on 'Dedicated to the One I Love.' ('Dedicated to the One I Love') [1950s–1965]

Artists Influenced

• James Brown - Modeled his first vocal group after the 5 Royales and covered their song 'Think.' ('Think', early vocal group work) [1950s–1960s]
• Steve Cropper - Stax guitarist cited Lowman Pauling as a key influence on his guitar style. (Stax recordings) [1960s–1970s]
• Eric Clapton - Cited Pauling as a guitar influence. (General guitar work) [1960s–present]
• The Shirelles - Covered 'Dedicated to the One I Love,' making it a pop hit. ('Dedicated to the One I Love') [1960s]
• The Mamas & the Papas - Covered 'Dedicated to the One I Love,' further popularizing the song. ('Dedicated to the One I Love') [1967]
• Ray Charles - Covered 'Tell the Truth,' originally written by Lowman Pauling. ('Tell the Truth') [1960]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Think (Dedicated To You)
2. Dedicated To The One I Love (Dedicated To You)
3. Catch That Teardrop (I Love Music - Only Original Recondings)
4. Baby, Don't Do It (All Righty! (The Apollo Recordings 1951-1955))
5. Right Around The Corner (Dedicated To You)
6. Catch That Teardrop (Dancing by Myself - Lost in Nothern Soul)
7. The Slummer the Slum (R&B Greats: Think)
8. Crazy Crazy Crazy (All Righty! (The Apollo Recordings 1951-1955))
9. I Do (All Righty! (The Apollo Recordings 1951-1955))
10. Thirty Second Lover (Dedicated To You)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia