The Crows

About

The Crows was an R&B group from Harlem that is credited for ushering in the rock and roll era with its signature doo wop style. The six-piece vocal group formed in 1951 and started off singing harmonies on sidewalks for pedestrians to hear. At a performance at New York City's Apollo Theater's Wednesday night talent show, talent agent Cliff Martinez took notice to the group's smooth sound and brought The Crows to producer George Goldner, who had just started his new label, Rama Records. The Crows was the first band signed to the label, and during its first recording session in 1953, produced the hit "Gee." The song, penned and composed in a few minutes by member William Davis, rose to number two and number 14 on the R&B and pop charts respectively. Despite the success of "Gee," the band released a string of unsuccessful followup singles and ultimately became known as a one-hit wonder. The lack of a strong sophomore effort paired with the inability to perform live shows regularly led to the band's breakup in 1955.