Jay & the Americans

Along with the Four Seasons, Jay & the Americans were one of the key groups that kept the vocal group sounds of the 1950s alive in the '60s. They gave the traditions of doo wop harmony an update that lent them a more contemporary sound as pop music changed in the '60s, while still upholding a clean-cut show biz persona that was a contrast to the more rebellious styles of the day. The anchor of the group's style was lead singer Jay Black; he wasn't their original frontman, but the operatic range and brio of his instrument were the cornerstones of hits like "Cara Mia," "Only in ...