THE ’’5’’ ROYALES - ’’DEDICATED TO THE ONE I LOVE’’ (1957)

The “5“ Royales was a rhythm and blues (R&B) band from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S., that combined gospel, jump blues and doo wop, marking an early and influential step in the evolution of soul music. Most of their big R&B hits were recorded from 1952 to 1953 and written by guitarist Lowman “Pete“ Pauling; later cover versions of the band’s songs hit the Top 40, including “Dedicated to the One I Love“ (the Shirelles, the Mamas & the Papas), “Tell the Truth“ (Ray Charles), and “Think“ (James Brown & The Famous Flames). Brown modeled his first band after the “5“ Royales, and both Eric Clapton and legendary Stax guitarist Steve Cropper cite Pauling as a key influence. Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger covered “Think“ on his 1993 solo album Wandering Spirit. Originally the Royal Sons Quintet, the group began recording for Apollo Records in the early 1950s, changing its name to the Royals after abandoning gospel