The Jive Five was a doo-wop and R&B group from Brooklyn, New York, that gained fame in the early 1960s. Their breakout hit “My True Story” helped define the era’s vocal harmony sound. Though often labeled a one-hit wonder, the group had several charting songs and enjoyed a long career marked by reinventions, lineup changes, and even a surprising second act in the 1980s as the voices behind Nickelodeon’s signature jingles.
Despite the passing of time and several members, Eugene Pitt remained the group’s heart and voice until the very end.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist Name | The Jive Five |
| Origin | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Genres | Doo-wop, R&B, Soul |
| Years Active | Late 1950s – 2010s |
| Labels | Beltone, United Artists, Decca, Chess, Columbia, Avco |
| Notable Songs | “My True Story”, “I’m a Happy Man”, “What Time Is It” |
| Key Members | Eugene Pitt, Jerome Hanna, Beatrice Best, Casey Spencer, Frank Pitt |
Forming in Brooklyn
The Jive Five originally came together in the late 1950s in Brooklyn, New York. The founding members were Eugene Pitt, Jerome Hanna, Richard Harris, Thurmon Prophet, and Norman Johnson. Like many doo-wop groups of the time, they started by singing on street corners and at local events. Their natural harmony and Eugene Pitt’s smooth lead vocals set them apart.
In 1961, the group recorded their debut single, “My True Story,” with Beltone Records. Co-written by Pitt and Oscar Waltzer, the ballad about heartbreak and betrayal hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B charts. The song became an instant classic and cemented The Jive Five’s place in doo-wop history.
Changes and Continued Success
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Sadly, the group faced a tragedy early on when Jerome Hanna died in 1962. Andre Coles replaced him, and the group’s lineup began to shift. Pitt and Johnson stayed with the group, later joined by Casey Spencer and Beatrice Best. Though they never replicated the chart success of “My True Story,” The Jive Five continued to release singles through the early and mid-1960s.
Some notable follow-up singles included:
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“Never Never” (#74, 1961)
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“What Time Is It” (#67, 1962)
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“Rain” (1963)
In 1965, under United Artists Records, they returned to the charts with “I’m a Happy Man,” which peaked at #36 on the Hot 100 and #25 on the R&B charts.
Name Changes and Label Hopping
Over time, The Jive Five recorded under several labels, including United Artists, Decca, Musicor, Eric, Avco, and even Chess Records. They also recorded under different names, including “Shadow” and “Ebony, Ivory and the Jades,” depending on the label and marketing direction.
One of their lesser-known but respected singles was “I Want You to Be My Baby” (1970) for Decca. In 1974, as “Shadow,” they recorded a track for Chess. A year later, under Columbia Records, they released music as “Ebony, Ivory and the Jades.”
Reinvention Through Nickelodeon
In the early 1980s, The Jive Five entered an unexpected chapter. Eugene Pitt and the group were hired by branding consultants Fred Seibert and Alan Goodman to create signature a cappella jingles and bumpers for Nickelodeon, the children’s TV network. Their doo-wop harmonies gave the channel a memorable and soulful sound, introducing a new generation of kids to their style. They worked with Nickelodeon for nearly a decade, contributing to the brand’s sound identity.
Reunions and Later Performances
The Jive Five remained active through the 2000s, undergoing multiple reunions and lineup updates. Members during these later years included:
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Eugene Pitt
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Casey Spencer
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Beatrice Best
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Frank and Herbert Pitt (Eugene’s brothers)
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Harold Gill
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Maurice Unthank
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Art and Danny Loria
In 2003, they released a Christmas album titled It’s Christmas. Even into his 70s, Eugene Pitt continued to perform. The group was active as late as 2010, with the same blend of energy and harmony that brought them fame decades earlier.
Sadly, Beatrice Best passed away in 2014, and Eugene Pitt died in 2018. Still, their music continues to live on among doo-wop fans and in nostalgic memories of early Nickelodeon.
Legacy of The Jive Five
Though best known for one massive hit, The Jive Five’s legacy is more than just “My True Story.” They helped define the sound of early 1960s R&B, contributed to pop culture through television, and remained active far longer than many of their peers. With Eugene Pitt as the heart of the group, they never lost the soul that made them special.