The Ravens were among  the pioneers of the R&B doo-wop genre during the 1940s and ’50s.

Starting to record in 1946 and having all their hits between 1948 and 1952, along with the The Orioles, they were also one of the early R&B vocal groups to name themselves after birds, later followed by The Larks, The Crows, The Penguins, The Cardinals, The Wrens and others.

While most groups had a tenor lead voice, their lead vocalist was the hugely influential bassist Jimmy Ricks, who was the group’s prime mover throughout their career, inspiring many bass singers in doo-wop and beyond.

This 103-track set includes the A- and B-sides of just about all their releases during these years on the Hub, National, Columbia, Okeh, Mercury, Jubilee, Argo and Top Rank labels, although there was not space for the Jimmy Ricks solo singles from this time.

It features all their 11 R&B chart entries, of which all but two made the Top 10, including their Top 5 hits Send For Me If You Need Me, Write Me A Letter and Rock Me All Night Long.

It’s a comprehensive overview of their career, and a thoroughly enjoyable showcase for their highly distinctive talents and vocal styling.