The Definitive "5" Royales : Home Of The Blues & B

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Arguably the greatest of all the R&B groups, the "5" Royales were also the very first to marry blues rhythms and instrumental stylings with the vocal fire of gospel. This daring and controversial innovation hugely influenced James Brown, whose cover of the Royales classic tune Think in 1960 is often cited as the first ever funk release. Royales songwriter Lowman Pauling's unique lead/rhythm guitar playing was a major influence on musicians of the calibre of Steve Cropper and his many followers. On this fine CD set recorded for Ruben Cherry's Home Of The Blues label, we hear the Royales moving into the emerging soul world. The backing was provided by Willie Mitchell's band, the best outfit in Memphis at the time. And don't they still sound wonderful 50 years on?