Five Americans
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Five Americans was a 1960s band, most famous for the song "Western Union".[1]
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[edit] History
The 5 Americans was a 60's band out of Dallas Texas. For a short while after their hits "I See The Light", "Western Union" "Sound of Love" and " Zipcode" they enjoyed the high life, touring and making money. However, their manager was allowed complete control of the money. However, after his death in 1996 all rights to their songs where returned to the original group.
The Five Americans had at least 5 chart records in or close to the top 40.
The Five Americans did see money from royalties in the form of a monthly check. Although the money was not paid the correct and traditional way, in royalties, it was paid anyway.
The Five Americans broke up in 1969 and went their separate ways. Their manager, an insurance millionaire stayed in Dallas until his death, at which time all royalties reverted to the members of the group.
Mike Rabon had a successful touring career afterwards and released two albums that sold well. He later returned to college and acquired a master's degree in public school administration and has been in the Oklahoma school systems for 28 years.
John Durrill, the keyboardist, wrote "Dark Lady" for Cher and "Misery and Gin" for Merle Haggard and was also a member of the touring band The Ventures. He now lives in Los Angeles.
Norman Ezell (guitar) is a teacher and minister in northern California.
Jim Grant, bassist for the group, died November 29, 2004.
Jimmy Wright (drummer) is living in Oklahoma and is semi-retired.
[edit] Original Group Members
- John Durrill
- Norm Ezell
- Jim Grant
- Mike Rabon
- Jimmy Wright
[edit] Charted singles
- I See the Light -- HBR 454 (Billboard #26, 1/66)
- Evol-Not Love -- HBR 468 (Billboard #52, 4/66)
- Western Union -- Abnak 118 (Cashbox #3, Billboard #5, 3/67)
- Sound Of Love -- Abnak 120 (Billboard #36, 5/67)
- Zip Code -- Abnak 123 (Billboard #36, 8/67)
- Stop Light -- Abnak 125 (Billboard #132, 11/67)
- 7:30 Guided Tour -- Abnak 126 (Billboard #96, 1/68)
- Virginia Girl -- Abnak 134 (Billboard #133, 3/69)
[edit] Charted albums
- I See The Light -- HBR 9503 (Billboard #136, 4/66)
- Western Union -- Abnak 2067 (Billboard #121, 7/67)
[edit] References
- ^ Jim Dawson, Steve Propes (2003). 45 RPM: The History, Heroes & Villains of a Pop Music Revolution. ISBN 0879307579.
