A New York, USA-based doo-wop vocal group formed in 1950 as the Dovers and then the Five Willows, this quintet is best remembered for the up-tempo rocker "Church Bells May Ring", a song that still enjoys airplay on US nostalgia-orientated radio stations. The group originally comprised Bobby Robinson, brothers Ralph and Joe Martin (b. Joseph Martin, 12 February 1935, Harlem, New York City, New York, USA, d. 19 February 2005, New York City, New York, USA), Rich Davis and John "Scooter" Steele, although Robinson was replaced as lead by Tony Middleton in 1952. Relying on bass singer Steele's vocal acrobatics to give them an identity, they were signed to small labels PeeDee and Allen before recording two singles for Herald, and finally, their hit for Melba. The shuffle "Church Bells May Ring" (originally called "Church Bells Are Ringing") was released in early 1956 and the chimes on the track were played by a then unknown Neil Sedaka. A more successful version of the track was taken into the US Top 20 at the same time by the white group Diamonds. Various line-ups of the Willows continued to record for such labels as Eldorado, Gone, Club, Warwick and Heidi, and the group finally retired in 1965. Middleton and Davis used the name in the 70s and 80s to tour the revival circuit. The Willows recorded no albums, but their one hit, which peaked at number 62 pop and number 11 on the R&B charts, is featured on numerous anthologies.

Listen to The Willows at Finetune.

• Chruch Bells May Ring
• Church Bells May Ring

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