Lowman Pauling

Lowman "Pete" Pauling (14 July 1926 – 26 December 1973; Winston-Salem, North Carolina) was an American songwriter, guitarist, and founding member of the influential rhythm and blues vocal group The "5" Royales.

Often cited as a critical figure in the transition from gospel to secular R&B, Pauling's innovative guitar style and songwriting prowess significantly shaped the sound of early rock and roll.

Early Life

Pauling was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Lowman Pauling Sr., a coal miner, and his wife Arsula. Raised in a musical household, his foundations were deeply rooted in the church. During his youth, his parents divorced, leading him to briefly live in West Virginia with his father before returning to North Carolina. He began his musical journey performing with his brothers, Clarence and Curtis, in a gospel ensemble known as the Royal Sons Quintet, which was backed by their father. The group gained regional popularity through appearances on local radio stations such as WSJS and WAAA, laying the groundwork for their eventual transition to secular music.

Career

In the early 1950s, the group signed with Apollo Records and rebranded as The "5" Royales. Pauling emerged as the group's creative force, serving as their primary songwriter and guitarist. He penned a string of successful hits, including the chart-topping "Baby Don't Do It" and "Help Me Somebody". His raw, distorted guitar playing on tracks like "The Slummer the Slum" and "Think" predated the funk and soul genres, directly influencing later icons such as Steve Cropper and James Brown.

Pauling’s most enduring composition, "Dedicated to the One I Love", became a massive hit for both The Shirelles and The Mamas & the Papas. The group later recorded for King Records, where they continued to release material that bridged the gap between doo-wop, soul, and rock and roll until their disbandment in the mid-1960s.

Personal Life

Pauling remained close to his roots in Winston-Salem throughout his life, even as his career took him across the country. He struggled with health issues in his later years. On 26 December 1973, Pauling died in Brooklyn, New York, reportedly after suffering a seizure while working as a custodian at a synagogue. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in his hometown of Winston-Salem.

His legacy was cemented decades later when The "5" Royales were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 as an "Early Influence," acknowledging Pauling's pivotal role in the development of modern soul and rock guitar.