Doowop and R&B vocal group The Five Keys were often called “the group’s group” because they were top class exponents among the doowop fraternity whose style and technique many other groups tried to emulate, and who were instrumental in shaping the genre during the early 1950s. Starting life as The Sentimental Four in Newport News, Virginia, they evolved to become The Five Keys, signing to Aladdin Records in 1951, and later moving to Capitol in 1954, with whom they stayed until 1958.

This 3-CD set comprises their A & B sides for both Aladdin and Capitol during these years, which encompassed their R&B and pop chart career, the repertoire ranging across both new compositions and imaginative interpretations of Great American Songbook standards. It also includes titles from their 1957 album “The Five Keys On Stage”, which were not otherwise recorded as singles. It features all their career hits, including the R&B No. 1 “The Glory Of Love”, and the Top 5 R&B hits “Ling Ling Tong” and “Close Your Eyes” plus the Top 20 hits “’Cause You’re My Lover”, “The Verdict”, “Gee Whittakers” and “Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind”. It’s a comprehensive overview of the primary era of their career, when they enjoyed their greatest success and influence, and a fine showcase for the complex and sophisticated harmonies which made them such a definitive doowop group.

REVIEWS

“Over the years I’ve reviews dozens of the multi-disc “collections” from the British reissue label Acrobat and nearly everyone was a delight. This set is no different. I am always amazed that Acrobat can find as many recordings by a group, make them sound great, add 24 pages of discographic info and a well-researched essay, and offer it for the same price of a single CD. If you are – like me – a fan of “vocal group harmony”, I can highly recommend this collection with well over THREE HOURS of entertainment. Add 24 pages of discographic info and a well-researched essay, and offer it for the same price of a single CD.”  –  Steve Ramm ( Philadelphia Freelance)

“The Five Keys were one of the many memorable and influential vocal groups to come through the 1950s recording music scene, achieving various R&B chart successes during 1951 – 1956, plus Pop chart entries in 1954-1957, with widely revered live performances and continued longevity in the memories of their fand down through the decades. Paul Watts’ liner notes detail personnel changes, as well as the group’s releases in terms of labels, number and year, songwriters, lead vocalists, some details of studio instrumental support, and chart positions achieved. There is also a list of dates and session details covering virtually all the recordings included. Overall, a strong compilation, with good vocals and harmonies throughout, covering important years and recordings.”  –  Seamus McGarvey (Now Dig This Issue 448)

“Wow! Over three and a half hours of the Five Keys! Of all the thousands of vocal groups who recorded during the 1950s, none are revered more than The Keys. If you were to try to collect the original releases nowadays, you'd have to mortgage your house, sell the car, put the wife on the streets and send the kids out sweeping chimneys. However, there's no need to go to such extremes when Acrobat have made it rather easier to own these fabulous sides for the price of two or three pints. Of course, the path's been largely trodden before, however this set is the most 'complete' by far. Lengthy and well-written sleeve notes by Paul Watts and basic discographical details are contained in the 24-page booklet, which along with excellent sound, adds up to the best yet compilation, and certainly best value set, of possibly the major vocal harmony group of the 1950s.”  –  Tony Watson (Blues & Rhythm Issue 352)