Band

The 5 Royales

Mapped through Soul music influences; 6 albums in the Staimusic archive.

The 5 Royales
Biography

The 5 Royales: history and sound

The 5 Royales are an artist whose work is majorly rooted in musical history. As pioneers of the stunningly soulful sound of 'doublerhythm and blues', they've established a solid repertoire and a popularity that's crossover through the genres — from gospel, R&B to rock. From smooth ballads to fiercely funk numbers, five recordings held aloft some of their best songs and albums, boasting magical harmonies, tantalising tunes and wrangling guitaring. These stellar works showcased an exceptional mix of styles, influence and calling for recognition as great musicians around the globe— so head over to The 5 Royales record today!
The 5 Royales: A Musical Biography of the Soulful Group
The 5 Royales is a legendary American vocal group that played a crucial role in the evolution of rhythm and blues, doo-wop, and soul music. Formed in 1946, the band recorded several hit songs during their career that influenced the musical landscape of America. From their unique vocal harmonies to their extraordinary instrumentation skills, the 5 royales have left an indelible mark in music history. In this article, we will take you through the musical biography of the 5 royales, their best songs, music genre, famous concerts and a critic of their work.
Musical Biography:
The 5 royales began as a gospel group in the early 1940s, consisting of brothers Johnny and Eugene Tanner, cousins Lowman Pauling and Charles Curtis, and another family relative James Moore. The group eventually evolved towards secular R&B, and in 1945, they got their first record deal with Apollo Records. In 1952, the group became known as the 5 Royales and signed with King Records. They recorded a string of hits, including Dedicated To The One I Love, Think, and Tears of Joy. Thereafter, the 5 royales continued to record for various labels until they disbanded in 1965.
Music Genre:
The 5 royales have been credited with creating the blueprint for soul music with their blend of gospel, blues, and doo-wop. Their raw sound, earthy grooves, and soulful harmonies were ahead of their time and have inspired many legendary musicians, such as James Brown, Eric Clapton and Steve Cropper. Their signature sound was characterized by Pauling's guitar riffs and flawless instrumentation and the group's vocal harmonies that were always tight and well-blended.
Best Songs:
The 5 Royales' catalog is packed with numerous hits that span two decades. However, some of their best and most influential songs include the soul classic Baby Don't Do It, the bluesy Help Me Somebody, and the proto-rock 'n' roll hit, Laundromat Blues. Another notable song is Dedicated To The One I Love, which became a top 20 hit for The Shirelles and later enjoyed more success with The Mama's and The Papa's version.
Famous Concerts:
Famous Concerts:
Part of the 5 royales' legacy is the high-energy live shows they were known to put on. Their stage act was characterized by energetic choreography, Pauling's dazzling spins with his guitar, and the group's coordinated moves. One famous concert they performed was at the Apollo Theater in 1957, where they shared the stage with Sam Cooke and the Drifters. This event played a significant role in exposing the group to a wider audience and garnered critical acclaim from audiences and music critics alike.
Critic:
The 5 royales' legacy in music lies in their repertoire of expressive, soulful, and thought-provoking songs that captured the essence of the human experience. Their music spoke honesty, authenticity, and had a rawness that was rare among most contemporary artists at the time. For a group that was ahead of their time, it is no surprise that their influence can still be heard today in artists who are keeping the soulful spirit of their music alive.
The 5 royales, with their unique blend of gospel, blues, and doo-wop, have become a key player in the history of American music. They pushed the musical boundaries and opened the doors to a new genre that would shape the landscape of soul music for years to come. Through their live performances and hit songs, they have undoubtedly left their mark in music history, inspiring generations of artists. The 5 royales' music will always be celebrated for its originality, grooves, and soulful harmonies, and we will remain forever grateful for the contribution they made to American music.
Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

When I Get Like This
The 5 Royales When I Get Like This
Baby Take All Of Me
The 5 Royales Baby Take All Of Me
Miracle Of Love
The 5 Royales Miracle Of Love
Someone Made You For Me
The 5 Royales Someone Made You For Me
Get Something Out Of It
The 5 Royales Get Something Out Of It
My Sugar Sugar
The 5 Royales My Sugar Sugar