The Rays, a '50s "doo-wop" group, formed in Brooklyn, NY, in 1955,
composed of members of other local vocal groups that had broken up. The
group's manager got them an audition with prominent Philadelphia record
producers Bob Crewe and
Frank Slay. They recorded a few songs
for Chess Records that were local hits but went nowhere nationally.
Crewe and the group formed their own label, XYZ Records, and released a
few songs, but again nothing charted nationally. However, in 1957 the
group released "Silhouettes", written by Crewe and Slay, on XYZ and it
took off. The group appeared on the popular Philadelphia teen dance
show Bandstand (1952), which was
syndicated nationally, and the exposure caused the record to start
climbing the national charts. It was soon picked up by Cameo Records
for national distribution. The group also appeared in one of famed DJ
Alan Freed's rock shows at the New
York Paramount Theater, along with such acts as
Fats Domino,
Buddy Holly and
Jerry Lee Lewis. In addition, they
signed up for a national tour with such major artists as
The Everly Brothers,
Paul Anka,
Eddie Cochran and
Danny and the Juniors.
By 1958, however, their star began to wane. They recorded a variety of songs for several other labels, both major and minor, but aside from "Magic Moon" in 1960, which made it into the Top 50 list, nothing hit for them. Lead singer Hal Miller led several groups under the name Hal Miller & The Rays over the next 20 years or so, making personal appearances in "oldies" shows.
By 1958, however, their star began to wane. They recorded a variety of songs for several other labels, both major and minor, but aside from "Magic Moon" in 1960, which made it into the Top 50 list, nothing hit for them. Lead singer Hal Miller led several groups under the name Hal Miller & The Rays over the next 20 years or so, making personal appearances in "oldies" shows.
