The guys auditioned for the seminal music team of Leiber and Stoller, who gave the group its name in 1960. In the manner of the time, Leiber and Stoller wanted to extend this to "Binky Jones and the Americans", but Traynor declined to be known as "Binky Jones" his whole career. He instead offered up "Jay", a family nickname, and it suited everyone.
They first hit the Billboard charts in 1962 with the tune "She Cried". Later covered by several other artists, the track's highest charting was #5, inspiring the group. The next two singles didn't fare nearly as well, however, and John Traynor left the band. David Black (né David Blatt) of The Empires took his place (after first agreeing to adopt the name Jay Black), and Empires guitarist Marty Sanders also joined. Black sang lead for the rest of the group's existence.
They returned to the charts in 1963 with "Only In America", a song originally meant for The Drifters. Other notable hits for the Americans were "Come a Little Bit Closer" in 1964, which hit #3, and "Cara Mia" in 1965, which hit #4. The Americans also recorded a commercial for H.I.S. Slacks, and a public service announcement for the Ad Council, featuring a backing track by Brian Wilson and Phil Spector.
In 1968, they recorded an album of their favorite oldies remade fresh, called Sands of Time, and its single was "This Magic Moment", which also came through the Drifters. That track proved to be the last Top Ten record for the group. However, the band's follow-up album, titled 'Wax Museum', yielded the #19 hit "Walkin' In The Rain". First recorded by The Ronettes, the emotive love song has remained a classic on oldies themed stations along with the group's earlier work.
Their next singles failed to chart, nonetheless, and the band grew apart. The demand for live appearances remained. While the other members moved on to solo musical careers in 1973, Jay Black continued to perform as "Jay and the Americans" or "Jay Black and the Americans" until the 1980s, with a variety of musicians, including Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, who would later found Steely Dan. ."
The group reunited in the 1990s for special performances, most notably the 45 Years of Motown special on PBS.
in 2006, Jay Black filed for bankruptcy due to gambling debts, and his ownership of the name "Jay & The Americans" was sold by the bankruptcy trustee to Sandy Deanne (Yaguda), Black's former band mate and original member of Jay & The Americans for $100,000 to pay Black's debts. With the name purchase, former members Deanne, Howard Kane, and Marty Sanders reunited, and recruited a sound-alike singer from Chicago, coincidentally nicknamed "Jay." Thus, John "Jay" Reincke became the third "Jay" and the band returned to playing both national and international music venues. Their show covers the history of Jay and The Americans, acknowledging all three Jays and featuring all of the top hits in their original arrangements.
David Blatt still tours under his stage name, "Jay Black". Kenny Vance is currently the lead singer of Kenny Vance and the Planotones, a neo-doo wop band that he formed in the 1970s. After leaving the group, John Traynor recorded a handful of songs on the Coral label, including "I Rise, I Fall" in 1964. None were hits, but "I Rise, I Fall" became a minor hit for Johnny Tillotson. The label billed Traynor as "JAY formerly of Jay and the Americans." Traynor now tours with Jay Siegel's Tokens.
Walking In The Rain
Jay & The Americans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And someday someway woo I'll meet him
He'll be kind of shy, and real good lookin' too
And I'll be certain he's my guy by the things he'll like to do
Like walking in the rain (like walking in the rain)
And wishing on the stars (and wishing on the stars) up above
And being so in love
When he's near me, I'll kiss him,
And when he leaves me woo I'll miss him
Though sometimes we'll fight, I won't really care
And I'll know it's gonna be alright 'cause we've got so much we share
Like walking in the rain (like walking in the rain)
And wishing on the stars (and wishing on the stars) up above
And being so in love
(Johnny) no no he'll never do
(Bobby) no it isn't him too
They would never no they'd never never ever ever love
Walking in the rain (like walking in the rain)
And wishing on the stars (and wishing on the stars) up above
And being so in love
Oh oh oh where can he be oh oh
The lyrics to Jay & The Americans' "Walking In The Rain" convey the longing for a special someone, with the singer describing the qualities she desires in her ideal partner. She wants him and needs him, and believes that their meeting will come in due time. She envisions him as being shy and good-looking, and she'll know that he's the right one when she sees that they share the same interests and enjoy doing things together. Specifically, she mentions that they'll enjoy walking in the rain, wishing on the stars above, and being in love.
The singer's desire for this special kind of love is so strong that she's willing to put aside any disagreements they might have, knowing that their connection is too valuable to let go of. She's prepared to kiss him when he's near, and will deeply miss him when he's away. The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of continuing to walk in the rain, wishing on the stars, and being in love as they build their relationship.
Overall, "Walking In The Rain" conveys a sense of hope and longing for a deep connection with someone who shares your interests and views. It celebrates the idea of nurturing a relationship and building something special together.
Line by Line Meaning
I want him, and I need him,
I desire him and depend on him.
And someday someway woo I'll meet him
At some point in time in a way that's fateful, I'll encounter him.
He'll be kind of shy, and real good lookin' too
He'll possess shyness as well as great physical appearance.
And I'll be certain he's my guy by the things he'll like to do
I'll be sure he's my man based on his preferences and interests.
Like walking in the rain (like walking in the rain)
Activities like strolling in the rain signify our bond.
And wishing on the stars (and wishing on the stars) up above
Hopeful projections for our future by yearning on stars positioned above us.
And being so in love
The state of being greatly enamored.
When he's near me, I'll kiss him,
Whenever we're in close proximity, I'll express my love with my lips.
And when he leaves me woo I'll miss him
When he departs, I'll long for him.
Though sometimes we'll fight, I won't really care
Disagreements may arise, but it won't impact my love for him.
And I'll know it's gonna be alright 'cause we've got so much we share
I'll have the assurance that our relationship will endure due to the strong emotional bond we share.
And being so in love
The state of being greatly enamored.
(Johnny) no no he'll never do
Johnny is not a suitable match for me.
(Bobby) no it isn't him too
Bobby is also an inadequate match for me.
They would never no they'd never never ever ever love
Neither of them has the potential to reciprocate my love.
Walking in the rain (like walking in the rain)
Activities like strolling in the rain signify our bond.
And wishing on the stars (and wishing on the stars) up above
Hopeful projections for our future by yearning on stars positioned above us.
And being so in love
The state of being greatly enamored.
Oh oh oh where can he be oh oh
Where could my ideal partner be?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARVIN P GAYE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
lovesmusic36
So very sorry to hear about Jay Black's passing. What an amazing voice he had! This song was one of my favorites. When I think of all the great songs of 1969, this one is right up there! Sincere condolences to his family.
Plumr Moe
I agree with everything you said. His voice was really amazing! My condolences to his family.
lovesmusic36
@Plumr Moe When my mother and I would listen to "Cara Mia" and he'd hold that very long note, my mother would say that he could hold a note longer than the bank...!
Robert Cooperman
Thank you. Jay (David) was my second cousin and very close to my mother (his first cousin).
5stringvocal
Jay had one of the best voices ever recorded. Jay, Gary Puckett, & Gary Morris, are my top 3 favorite voices of all time.
lovesmusic36
@5stringvocal Yes, he certainly did! Gary Puckett also for sure. I'd like to add a female to the group. How about Marilyn McCoo of the 5th Dimension?
Alan Lorenz
Without a doubt, my favorite Jay and the Americans tune
blueroses
Rest in Peace, Jay. "The voice" of an angel is now with the angels.
Mike Brown
I love 😊his songs😊 and voice wish I was young again soon much I would do different
philip tucci
Absolutely beautiful masterpiece, one of the very best groups of all time, solid gold standard of excellence, great music & memories of life, Jay Black was a phenomenal talent