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.
Words
Jay & The Americans Lyrics
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I don't want to wait a day
I've been working toward tomorrow
But it's always a peak away
So I'm counting yes I'm counting all my blessings in my hand
Work and love, my father for giving all he can
And I'm taking out a marble for each one that I abuse
Cause if words do the walking we'll be getting nowhere soon
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Rest your tired eyes
Sing you a sweet song about a starry night
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Bless your tired eyes
Would you rather leave it broken than try to compromise
I've seen early mornings and I
I've worked through sleepless nights
I have tasted good fortune and I've seen the other side
So I'm resting yes I'm resting this weary body in this bed
I know you're longing deep red love without regret
Now here we are old strangers that I can't deny
But if words do the walking
It'll be a lonely ride
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Rest your tired eyes
Sing you a sweet song about a starry night
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Bless your tired eyes
Would you rather leave it broken than try to compromise
The lyrics of "Words" by Jay & The Americans express a sense of urgency and impatience in the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. The singer is weary of waiting for a better future and is eager to seize the present moment, acknowledging that tomorrow always seems just out of reach. Despite working hard and striving for improvement, there is a feeling of stagnation and frustration, with success and contentment appearing distant.
The singer reflects on the importance of appreciating the blessings in their life and acknowledges the sacrifices made by their father. Each blessing is symbolized by a marble, and the singer recognizes the impact of their actions on these precious gifts. The lyrics convey a sense of accountability and a desire to be more mindful in their interactions and choices, understanding that mere words without meaningful actions can lead to a lack of progress and fulfillment.
The chorus of the song offers a moment of solace and comfort, urging the listener to find rest and peace despite the challenges and uncertainties they face. The imagery of a starry night and a sweet song creates a sense of tranquility and reassurance, serving as a reminder to appreciate the beauty and serenity present in the midst of turmoil. The lyrics emphasize the importance of self-care and reflection in navigating life's complexities.
The final verses of the song delve into themes of love, regret, and reconciliation. The singer reflects on past experiences, acknowledging the highs and lows they have encountered. The lyrics convey a longing for deep, genuine love without the burden of regrets, and a recognition of the complexities that arise in relationships. The song touches on the challenges of communication and connection, cautioning against the pitfalls of leaving things unresolved or broken without attempting to find common ground and understanding through compromise.
Lyrics © Amuxe Publishing
Written by: Alexander Klare-Ayvazian
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind