The Dominoes

One of the most important R&B vocal groups of the 1950s, the Dominoes--or as they were sometimes billed, Billy Ward And His Dominoes--originally formed as a gospel unit. They eventually transitioned to a more blues-oriented sound, and enjoyed major R&B hits with "I’d Be Satisfied," "‘Sixty Minute Man," and "Have Mercy Baby." The group boasted both Clyde McPhatter (who left to form the Drifters) and later Jackie Wilson (who replaced McPhatter and sang lead on the 1953 hits "You Can’t Keep A Good Man Down" and "Rags To Riches") among its ranks. Ward would subsequently go on to pursue a more pop-orientated direction, scoring mainstream Top 20 hits with "Deep Purple" and the million-selling "Star Dust."