Clio Express: Talking Music - The 5 Royales

The "5 "Royales stayed with their gospel roots more than almost any rhythm and blues vocal group. But, throughout their twenty year career, it was the the influence of the courts, not the pulpit, that plagued the group The "5" Royales began as the Royal Suns in 1942, a locally popular gospel quintet based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The original members include brothers Lowman, Curtis and Clarence Pauling, along with William Samuels and Otto Jefferies.. In 1943 Jimmy Moore replaced Clarence Pauling just as the quintet was gaining a regional reputation in the Carolinas. By 1950 Obediah Carter and Johnny Tanner had replaced William Samuels and Curtis Pauling. In april 1952, the group sent a demo to Apollo Records, which had a fine reputation for its gospel records. Apollo was interested in the group, but not for gospel recordings. They were looking for a group that could compete with the Dominoes, the Orioles, and the Cardinals. The group was reluctant to change from gospel to secular music fearing alienating the religious community. It was at this time that they changed there name to the "5" Royales. A great conversation ahead.