The "5" Royales was a rhythm and blues (R&B) band from Winston-Salem, North… Read Full Bio ↴The "5" Royales was a rhythm and blues (R&B) band from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 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). 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 for secular music. The group paired Pauling with vocalists Jimmy Moore, Obadiah Carter, and Otto Jeffries, with Johnny Tanner singing lead. Later Tanner's younger brother, Eugene, would replace Jeffries. The robust Johnny Tanner sang lead on most of the group's hits, including "Think," although the sweeter-voiced Eugene Tanner stepped to the microphone for the group's best-known song, "Dedicated to the One I Love." "Baby Don't Do It" and "Help Me Somebody" became hits in 1953, but the group soon signed to Cincinnati's King Records. In addition to heartfelt odes like "Dedicated to the One I Love," Pauling also wrote comic and risque tunes, including "Monkey Hips and Rice," later the title of a two-CD anthology of the group's music released by Rhino Records in 1994. Pauling used an extra-long strap for his guitar, sometimes playing it down around his knees for comic effect. The group shared stages with all the major R&B artists of the 1950s, including Sam Cooke and Ray Charles, once substituting for the latter's Raelettes at a show in Durham, North Carolina.
Confusion arose when two groups of Royals began touring, the other led by Detroit R&B legend Hank Ballard. According to members of the "5" Royales, the confusion peaked in 1953 when an unscrupulous promoter booked Ballard's group in Winston-Salem, trying to pass the Detroit band off as its native-son namesakes, much to the chagrin of a local audience. Shortly thereafter, the air cleared when Winston-Salem's Royals became the "5" Royales and Detroit's Royals became the Midnighters. Ironically, both artists would have hits at King working with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame producer Ralph Bass, becoming good friends and routinely competing in battles of the bands at clubs like Atlanta's Royal Peacock in that city's Sweet Auburn section. Ballard's group gained fame for originating "The Twist", later a monster dance craze and hit for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame excludee Chubby Checker, and for its risque series of "Annie" songs, including "Work With Me Annie" and "Annie Had a Baby."
With King, "Think" and "Tears of Joy" became hits for the "5" Royales in 1957, while some of their lesser-known tracks from this period are now critically acclaimed as innovative. Veteran rock critic Dave Marsh chose the 1958 "5" Royales hit "The Slummer the Slum" as one of the top 1001 singles of all time in his book The Heart of Rock and Soul, crediting Pauling with capturing the first intentional use of guitar feedback on record, years before better-known squawks from the Beatles, Yardbirds, and Velvet Underground. In the 1960s, R&B gradually gave way to more polished soul music and the Royales' career waned rapidly.
The "5" Royales broke up in 1965, though various combinations of musicians would tour under the group's name into the 1970s. For a time Pauling continued recording with pianist and frequent Royales collaborator Royal Abbitt as El Pauling and the Royalton. Pauling's brother, Clarence Paul, a former member of the Royal Sons Quintet, found success as a producer and songwriter at Motown Records in the 1960s. Most of the group's members survived well into the 1990s, but not Pauling. After years of struggle with alcohol dependency, he ended up working as a night watchman at a Manhattan church and died of an apparent seizure on December 26, 1973.
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 for secular music. The group paired Pauling with vocalists Jimmy Moore, Obadiah Carter, and Otto Jeffries, with Johnny Tanner singing lead. Later Tanner's younger brother, Eugene, would replace Jeffries. The robust Johnny Tanner sang lead on most of the group's hits, including "Think," although the sweeter-voiced Eugene Tanner stepped to the microphone for the group's best-known song, "Dedicated to the One I Love." "Baby Don't Do It" and "Help Me Somebody" became hits in 1953, but the group soon signed to Cincinnati's King Records. In addition to heartfelt odes like "Dedicated to the One I Love," Pauling also wrote comic and risque tunes, including "Monkey Hips and Rice," later the title of a two-CD anthology of the group's music released by Rhino Records in 1994. Pauling used an extra-long strap for his guitar, sometimes playing it down around his knees for comic effect. The group shared stages with all the major R&B artists of the 1950s, including Sam Cooke and Ray Charles, once substituting for the latter's Raelettes at a show in Durham, North Carolina.
Confusion arose when two groups of Royals began touring, the other led by Detroit R&B legend Hank Ballard. According to members of the "5" Royales, the confusion peaked in 1953 when an unscrupulous promoter booked Ballard's group in Winston-Salem, trying to pass the Detroit band off as its native-son namesakes, much to the chagrin of a local audience. Shortly thereafter, the air cleared when Winston-Salem's Royals became the "5" Royales and Detroit's Royals became the Midnighters. Ironically, both artists would have hits at King working with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame producer Ralph Bass, becoming good friends and routinely competing in battles of the bands at clubs like Atlanta's Royal Peacock in that city's Sweet Auburn section. Ballard's group gained fame for originating "The Twist", later a monster dance craze and hit for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame excludee Chubby Checker, and for its risque series of "Annie" songs, including "Work With Me Annie" and "Annie Had a Baby."
With King, "Think" and "Tears of Joy" became hits for the "5" Royales in 1957, while some of their lesser-known tracks from this period are now critically acclaimed as innovative. Veteran rock critic Dave Marsh chose the 1958 "5" Royales hit "The Slummer the Slum" as one of the top 1001 singles of all time in his book The Heart of Rock and Soul, crediting Pauling with capturing the first intentional use of guitar feedback on record, years before better-known squawks from the Beatles, Yardbirds, and Velvet Underground. In the 1960s, R&B gradually gave way to more polished soul music and the Royales' career waned rapidly.
The "5" Royales broke up in 1965, though various combinations of musicians would tour under the group's name into the 1970s. For a time Pauling continued recording with pianist and frequent Royales collaborator Royal Abbitt as El Pauling and the Royalton. Pauling's brother, Clarence Paul, a former member of the Royal Sons Quintet, found success as a producer and songwriter at Motown Records in the 1960s. Most of the group's members survived well into the 1990s, but not Pauling. After years of struggle with alcohol dependency, he ended up working as a night watchman at a Manhattan church and died of an apparent seizure on December 26, 1973.
Say It
The "5" Royales Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'Say It' by these artists:
2gether Girl, I can't understand you You're like reading a big fat…
3 S Quiet and silent You've been acting different in private Tha…
5.7 Two strangers, who live so far away One moment, is really…
A.B. Quintanilla Say it once, say it twice, or a million times…
A.B. Quintanilla III Presents Kumbia Kings I don't wanna share that side of my bed I don't…
A.B. Quintanilla Y Los Kumbia Kings Say it once, say it twice, or a million times…
ÄáÅ·Ne-Yo Close the doors Lay down No, no, no, not like that Like this…
AB Say it once, say it twice, or a million times…
Abc Oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah I was lost in paradise, I…
Allyson Karrin Say it over and over again, over and over again, Never…
Amelia Moore You call me I'm busy What do you want to talk about You…
Amoss & Thorne They say that falling love is wonderful It's wonderful, so t…
Anne-Caroline Alba [feat. Joanna] Dude that's fucking creepy yo! I don't have anything to say…
Apollo Rising I can't tell if i'm dreaming Cause you can't …
B.A.R. Say it now I don't wanna say it now But you're with…
B.Ford I don't wanna share that side of my bed I don't…
Bad JuJu He said listen to me young man We've gotta follow the…
Bahjat Always on my mind I know I tell you all…
Battery Wake up, throw on your clothes, Another day of feeling…
Beastie Boys Say it To the heart of the matter, the mic I…
Beastie Boys琀 Say it To the heart of the matter, the mic I…
Bing Crosby & The Ken Darby Singers They say that falling in love is wonderful It's wonderful, s…
Blue and the Face Push ahead I've been waiting for a taste I don't connect And…
Blue October It's all about steam It's all about dreams It's all about ma…
Booty Luv Why so serious? You’re looking ridiculous Trying to act so…
Booty Luv (Nero Remix) Why so serious? You look ridiculous Tryin' to act so cool …
Borderland State Rearranging what I meant to you File it away, so it…
Britt Nicole Okay, so I'm gonna say it I'm not afraid to say…
Bronze Whale say you never let me go say you never le me…
Casey Conroy I left it in my head space Keep it in mind…
Chic Gamine I just wanna be closer (alright) Just a little closer (that'…
Chrishan | www.Marvin-Vibez.in I will be all that You called me to be Using…
CINIMIN Only you don't wanna say it we don't have to…
Clouds Say it Tell him how I'll always be your favorite Even when…
Coltrane (John) They say that falling love is wonderful So wonderful, so the…
Connee Boswell Say it isn't so Say it isn't so. Everyone is saying you…
Conro Need you Why can't you say it? Why can't you say it? My…
Crankdat feat. Sara Skinner I'm melting with the sunrise into the softness of your…
D.R.I. Go Ahead And Say It! What Have You Got To…
Dani Zam I don't mean to doubt you I just feel unsure around…
Daniel Skye I'mma lay it down like nobody ever laid it down…
David Lynch Say it baby Night on the street It's a silver moon Going ou…
Defences Save your lies I've always tried to keep things vague Not…
Dom Ryan Turn me up I mean I really just be saying how…
DVBBS & Space Primates I was only hiding 'cause I wanna be found Did you…
Ed Sheeran Just keepin' it honest You wouldn't want a young man if…
Ektor Oh, baby Apaga la luz, que esta noche es solo para…
Elaine Can you say it to me baby Can I hear you…
Electric Gaudi And how can I mind The way you go It's up to…
Elijah N I've never been so loud before. Just tryin' to make you…
Emily Warren I'm ruining moments, I'm losing my focus Gauging damage you …
Empty Crush I'm sorry I missed those things That made you happy in…
Enrique Iglesias Don't tell me If you're leaving in the morning I don't want…
Enrique Iglesias/Musicfire.in Don't tell me If you're leaving in the morning I don't wan…
Eric Saade You're amazing I adore your every move Infatuated, by ever…
Evans Blue Say it Explain yourself, go on Just hang yourself No one tak…
EXO SC 솔직하게 say it yo Oh what you saying (what you saying) Oh…
Famous for a Century You always In heartbreak Could find the words to say In our …
Flume Feeling the song, party done Shadows walking home Walking wi…
Flume & ILLENIUM Feeling the song, party done, shadows walking home Walking w…
Flume feat. Tove Lo Feeling the song, party done Shadows walking home Walking wi…
Flume feat. Tove Lo Flume Tove Lo Feeling the song, party done, shadows walking home Walking …
Flume featuring Tove Lo Feeling the song, party done, shadows walking home Walking w…
Four Star Mary Say it Say it so I won't waste away I've played it Played…
Frank Sinatra They say that falling in love is wonderful It's wonderful, s…
Frank Sinatra & Tommy Dorsey Say it over and over again, Over and over again,…
Frank Sinatra & Tommy Dorsey Orchestra They say that falling in love is wonderful It's wonderful, s…
Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Say it over and over again, Over and over again,…
Frank Sinatra Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra Tommy Dorsey Say it over and over again, Over and over again,…
Frank Sinatra with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Say it over and over again, Over and over again,…
Frank Sinatra with Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra They say that falling in love is wonderful It's wonderful, s…
Frank Sinatra/Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra Say it over and over again, Over and over again,…
Frank Sinatra;Tommy Dorsey Say it over and over again, Over and over again,…
Freddie & The Freeloaders Then, bitch, go down a bit If you down for it,…
Gatti800 Blah Yah yah yah I was down now I'm flyest Airplane mode pil…
Genesis Say it's alright Joe, I need another drink To blow on the…
George Makridis Tryin' my best to take it slowly To play it cool…
Girl In Red Standing in the open light Within the swelter of the night I…
Glenn Miller SAY IT Glenn Miller Say it over and over again Over and ove…
Glenn Miller & His Orchestra Say it over and over again Over and over again Never stop…
Glenn Miller & His Orchestra Feat. Ray Eberle Say it over and over again Over and over again Never stop…
Glenn Miller and his Orchestra Say it over and over again Over and over again Never stop…
Glenn Miller Orchestra Say it over and over again Over and over again Never stop…
Griffin Peterson Come right out, And say it now I want to know just…
Groove Amigos that moment all my cards turned around its falling but you…
Hi-Fi's of the 90's They say that falling in love is wonderful It's wonderful, s…
Houndmouth Say it like you mean it Say it like you do She…
Izzamuzzic Mia - So you think there's something to say? Vincent -…
J.J. Barnes Break it down from nothing Turn it into something Figure on …
J.P. Robinson Quiet and silent You've been acting different in private Tha…
Janus No one can harm you worse than words Said inside of…
Jared Sagal You only call me, when you want me When you've got…
Jeffrey P. Ross "You kiss me but its only on the cheek, Your lips…
Jennifer Hudson Go girl! I've been playing the fool for too long Giving the…
Jerk What did you say? I couldn't hear ya from the…
Jessica Williams They say that falling love is wonderful It's wonderful, so t…
Jimmy Dorsey Is it true what they say about Dixie? Does the sun…
Jimmy McHugh Say it over and over again Over and over again Never stop…
John Coltrane Quartet and John Coltrane They say that falling love is wonderful It's wonderful, so t…
Joseph Milauskas Dying tree, fantasy Come talk to me How did you get this…
Karrin Allyson Say it over and over again, over and over again, Never…
Kaskade feat. Mindy Gledhill From where I stand, I can see the stars, Surrounding us…
Kate Lomas Take a ride Monday night And I'm a train-wreck Summer sings …
Kids In the Kitchen What did you say? I couldn't hear ya from the…
Kids&Us They say September no it's May Bro stay talking don't…
Kim Boyce Say it Go on and say it You tell me Kelly is…
Kodamilo I'm switching time zones But I know that I'll be…
Kumbia Kings Say it once, say it twice, or a million times Say…
Kurt Elling They say that falling love is wonderful It's wonderful, so t…
Kyle J-E 我一向 最爱讲话 未犹豫未怕 这一晚 你也放胆好吗 尽兴告白 如怕丑吸口气试一下 别太困惑 然後要放声讲出你心底话 Sa…
Laii You got problems I don't wanna wait for ya Do you…
Lawsy (That boy Max made the beat, no cap) (I'm too old…
LIVVIA Sitting close to me I’m reading what you’re wanting Feel you…
Mad at Gravity for all the times that I apologized with humbled head and…
Maggie Rogers Standing in the open light Within the swelter of the night I…
Malz Monday [Verse 1] Damn you supposed to be my lady But I ain’t…
Mark Maxwell Oh say it (Like that) Oooooh say it (Like that) Oh say…
Meet Me @ The Altar I'm a bitch and my band is an industry plant Least…
Milli Say It say it ถ้าเธออยากไปด้วยกัน Say it say it ถ้าอยากตามมา…
Mindy Gledhill/Kaskade From where I stand, I can see the stars, Surrounding us…
Mojofly I never wanted nobody Coz all I want is you Even when…
Moldover Spell wonder, (wonder) That is incorrect now spell guide, (g…
Mowglis I wanna believe in your love again Despite what anybody says…
Mr. Maxted Whoa... ohh ohh ohh... Heeyyy... hey hey... Whooaa whoa whoa…
Music A.M. 我一向 最爱讲话 未犹豫未怕 这一晚 你也放胆好吗 尽兴告白 如怕丑吸口气试一下 别太困惑 然後要放声讲出你心底话 Sa…
N-Dubz I ain't gunna lie You were number one then But I don't…
Ne-Yo Close the doors Lay down No, no, no, not like that Like this…
NewDad No, I don't want to say it 'Cause you won't want…
neyo Close the doors Lay down No, no, no, not like that Like this…
Nick Isham The way your eyes catch mine Seen it before, I can't…
Nicole Jaskot You could tell me that I'm crazy, yeah No, no cnd it's…
Nicole Vaughn It's not so hard to hear the whispers If you don't…
October Blue It's all about steam It's all about dreams It's all about ma…
Oliv Blu Say It, boy come on and say it What's been going…
P.H.I.L.T.H.Y. Show tonight I hit all the notes that I know you…
Papik & Alan Scaffardi Rain After the Sun Let the Blue get in your heart Fall apart…
Parker Lennon And I say it And I say it And I say it And…
Phantoms Try not to think about you, but I'm drunk and Ain't…
Piri I know it seems like to me Somethin' so real that…
piri & tommy Hey why do girls have no personality? Because they ain't got…
piri & Tommy Villiers I know it seems like to me Somethin' so real that…
Pure-N-Heart I ain't gunna lie You were number one then But I don't…
Queen The harder we play The faster we fall When we think that…
R. Djordan Say it now I don't wanna say it now But you're with…
Ray Eberle Say it over and over again Over and over again Never stop…
Ray Goodman & Brown Ayy baby I don't like the way you got me feelin'…
Re-Style Say say it anyway if you want to 'Cuz I don't…
Rihanna You should tell me what's buggin' you And I'm a tell…
Robyn & Royksopp You look so hot in an oversized tee I love how…
Roxanne Potvin Say it Come on, baby Please, baby Even if it hurts me …
Ryan Trey Yeah Eyy Tryna get closer And i now that your open Yeah Eyy …
S.Sharp Your colors are never brighter Than in the flowing rain Musc…
Sasami Say it, say it Another day lost Why don't you let it…
Say It - Tory Lanez - Say It - Tory Lanez Just keepin' it honest You wouldn't want a young nigga If I…
Soda You never had to put your heart on the line You…
Space Primates I was only hiding 'cause I wanna be found Did you…
Stonebwoy Stonebwoy eeeeia yaaaah Demarco Eeiii Forget honey Ah be su…
Sunny Jain Siyah fahm jaan ehem hai, bolo. (Black life matters, say it.…
T-Pain Pull up to my crib in ya black Range Rova I…
T.H.E. 我一向 最爱讲话 未犹豫未怕 这一晚 你也放胆好吗 尽兴告白 如怕丑吸口气试一下 别太困惑 然後要放声讲出你心底话 Sa…
TC & I Two strangers, who live so far away One moment, is really…
Teddy Pendergrass Can we be more than just friends? (Can we baby?) Would…
Terra Naomi feat. Federico Pistono I see the lights are turning and I look outside The…
the andrews sisters What a shame the night is ending, cross my heart…
The Clouds Say it three times don't tell a soul Drink a whisper…
The Dead Bolts If you got somethin' on your mind you gotta say…
The Geek x Vrv ai ai ai oooh yeah that what you say that you say aaah ooh w…
The Glenn Miller Orchestra Say it over and over again Over and over again Never stop…
The John Coltrane Quartet They say that falling love is wonderful It's wonderful, so t…
The Kids from C.A.P.E.R. 我一向 最爱讲话 未犹豫未怕 这一晚 你也放胆好吗 尽兴告白 如怕丑吸口气试一下 别太困惑 然後要放声讲出你心底话 Sa…
The Underdog If you want me, come and get me Everything needs a…
Third Eye Blind If I tell you what I really want You'd just say…
Those Damn Crows I heard the rumours start today Sadistic lies from you they…
Tiff Jimber Standing on the street When I heard your new in Brooklyn My…
Tiwa Savage Say It say it out Say it all say it If it's…
Tommy Dorsey Say it over and over again, Over and over again,…
Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra Say it over and over again, Over and over again, Never sto…
Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra & Frank Sinatra Say it over and over again, Over and over again,…
Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Frank Sinatra Say it over and over again, Over and over again,…
Tony Castellano Tell me how you wanna ride? Slow Kiss on your neck,…
Topp Dogg [HanSol] da dalkenne, I siseone [B-Joo] What are you doing? …
Tory Lanez Just keepin' it honest You wouldn't want a young nigga If I…
Tory Lanez & Ed Sheeran Just keepin' it honest You wouldn't want a young nigga if…
Tory Lanez & Sevyn Streeter Just keepin' it honest You wouldn't want a young nigga If I…
ToryLanez Just keepin' it honest You wouldn't want a young nigga If …
Tove Lo Feeling the song, party done, shadows walking home Walking w…
Trill3r Say it now I don't wanna say it now But you're with…
T‐Pain Pull up to my crib in ya black Range Rova I…
Underdog If you want me, come and get me Everything needs a…
Voice Of The Beehive You cover me with kisses. You always walk me home.…
Voice of Theory Oh-ohoh-ohoh oh-ohoh-ohohoh oh-ohoh-ohoh Am I givin enough,…
Vol.1 - Frank Sinatra They say that falling in love is wonderful It's wonderful, s…
War on Women Daddy, Daddy if I was raped would you wanna know…
Waveboy & Lucas T. When this night is over My journey will also end And all…
WAYV 消失一瞬間 Leave in the morning Girl 誰安靜的睡了 迷濛的雙眼看不清界線 Woo 到不了終點…
William Singe Just keepin′ it honest Wouldn't want a young brother if I…
Xavier Omär & Sango I held my feelings back from you Didn't wanna be bad…
Youngn Lipz Ooh, na na yeah Ooh, na na yeah Say it like you…
Ðiviиe Goody goody goody said you missed me, said its been…
♪ booty luv Why so serious? You look ridiculous Tryin' to act so cool …
♫ Evans Blue Say it Explain yourself, go on Just hang yourself No one …
蕾安娜Rihanna You should tell me what's buggin' you And I'm a tell…
세훈 & 찬열 솔직하게 say it yo Oh what you saying (what you saying) Oh…
탑독(Topp Dogg) [Hansol] da dalkenne, I siseone [B-Joo] What are you doing? …
Blue October It's all about steam It's all about dreams It's all about ma…
We have lyrics for these tracks by The "5" Royales:
Baby Don't Do It If what you say is true that you and I…
Baby, Don't Do It If what you say is true that you and I…
Dedicated to the One I Love While I'm far away from you my baby I know…
I While I'm far away from you my baby I know…
Think Think, think, think, think Think of about the sacrifices Th…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
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@RichZFishes
One of my two favorite vocal groups of all time. Both hail from North Carolina.
@larrymac919
I got hooked into the 5 Royales 60 years ago. They never did anything bad. One of the greatest R&B groups to ever come along.Won many a dance contest to their version of "Think "some of the best harmonizing ever.......
@efudd6262
Has that great "Slummer the Slum" guitar work!
@pauljoseph8691
This has a New Orleans beat and rhythm and pretty hot vocals with a lot of James Brown
@remedya.paulin2327
Sing it COUSIN! Play that Guitar, COUSIN!!! ❤💯
@lynnwalker9015
Lowman Pauling was one of the best guitarists EVER.
@michaelmarcus5890
Prolific and great group.
@acenturyofblackmusic1655
that guitarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
@Freakster1970
Have you heard the recent Steve Cropper album? It's a tribute to the Royales. It's got a great vibe to it much like the 5 Royales used to have.
@BarKafka
Wonderfully nasty guitar.