“Ling Ting Tong ---The “Original” Five Keys---LIVE---1983 

Here are the Five Keys again with their first release on the Capitol Label from late 1954. After 17 excellent, soulful releases on the Aladdin label in the early 50s (including National R n ’B #1, “The Glory of Love”), the group landed at Capitol Records. The new label had them try an unusual rock n’ roll novelty song to move them away from their R n’ B roots. Maryland Pierce recreates his original lead, and is backed by Rudy West, Ramon Loper (who replaced Dickie Smith), Ripley Ingram, and Rudy’s brother, Bernie. I am sincerely sorry if this song is hurtful to our Asian viewers. It was intended only as a silly, comic piece, and, when we listened to it and danced to it in the 50s, we just focused on the beat-not the lyrics.