Otis Williams & The Charms

The vocal ensemble Otis Williams & the Charms, formed in Cincinnati, secured the top position on the R&B charts for nearly ten weeks in 1954 via "Hearts of Stone," a track that endures as one of doo wop's most lasting anthems. Otis Williams, Richard Parker, Donald Peak, Joe Penn, and Rolland Bradley launched their recording efforts with Rockin' in 1953, yet cut "Hearts of Stone" for Deluxe the following year. Further successes followed with "Ling, Ting, Tong," "Two Hearts," "Ivory Tower," and "United," each of which reached the R&B Top Ten between 1955 and 1957. Releases from 1956 and 1957 appeared under the billing Otis Williams & His Charms. Williams subsequently explored country music.