The “5” Royales

Recording the bulk of their material in 1952 and 1953, the “5” Royales combined Gospel music with early R&B. Their guitarist and lead songwriter; Lowman Pauling may have been one of the first true guitar stars of the Rock and Roll era. Many of their songs would be covered later and often fans were unaware of the original recordings. As one of the few stars of the early 50’s not yet in, they have not been completely forgotten by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They have been nominated twice in the past ten years which does indicate that they are on the committee’s radar thus future enshrinement looks more possible for them than the other early 50’s stars on this list.

The Bullet Points:

Eligible Since:

1981

Country of Origin:

U.S.A. (Winston Salem, NC)

Why They Will Get In:

Two nominations and historical significance works in their favor.

Why They Won’t Get In:

Their place in history seems to be overlooked

Nominated In:

2002 and 2004 Class

Essential Albums:

Monkey Hips and Rice: The “5” Royales Anthology (Released in 1994)

Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:

Dedicated to the One I Love (Single, 1952)

Crazy, Crazy, Crazy (Single, 1953)

Think (Single, 1953)

Let Me Come Back Home (Single, 1953)

Just As I Am (Single, 1954)