Biography
This US R&B vocal group helped shape the rhythm and blues revolution of the early 50s. The ensemble was formed as the Sentimental Four in Newport News, Virginia, USA, in 1945, and originally comprised two sets of brothers - Rudy West (25 July 1932, Newport News, Virginia, USA, d. 14 May 1998, USA; first tenor) and Bernie West (b. 4 February 1930, Newport News, Virginia, USA; bass), and Ripley Ingram (b. 1929, d. 23 March 1995, Newport News, Virginia, USA; octave tenor) and Raphael Ingram (second tenor). After Raphael Ingram left and Edwin Hall (baritone) and James ‘Dickie’ Smith (b. 1933, USA; second tenor) became members in 1949, the name of the group was changed to Five Keys. At the start of the following year the newly married Hall departed and was replaced by Maryland Pierce, and guitarist Joe Jones was also added to the touring line-up. With Pierce, Smith and Rudy West sharing lead, and Ripley Ingram providing the then...
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