The Cadets were a doo-wop and R&B group known for their energetic vocal style and storytelling charm. Emerging from Los Angeles in the late 1940s, they shifted from gospel to secular music, ultimately making their mark with the 1956 novelty hit “Stranded in the Jungle.” Though their time in the spotlight was brief, their influence endures through their recordings and later reunion performances.
| Group Name | The Cadets |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | The Jacks |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Genres | Doo-wop, R&B, Rock and Roll |
| Years Active | 1950s; reunion in late 1990s |
| Labels | Modern Records, RPM Records |
| Classic Lineup | Willie Davis, Aaron Collins, Will “Dub” Jones, Austin Taylor, Lloyd McCraw, Glendon Kingsby |
| Major Hit | “Stranded in the Jungle” (#15 Hot 100, #4 R&B, 1956) |
| Notable Alias | The Jacks (RPM Records) |
| Associated Acts | The Flairs, The Coasters, The Teen Queens |
| Known For | Spoken-word and harmony blend in “Stranded in the Jungle” |
From the Soul Seekers to The Cadets
The group began as a gospel ensemble called the Santa Monica Soul Seekers in the late 1940s. Original members included Lloyd McCraw, Willie Davis, Austin “Ted” Taylor, Aaron Collins, Glendon Kingsby, and Will “Dub” Jones.
Their break came in 1955 when they auditioned for Modern Records. After the audition, the label signed them but requested a shift to secular music. Glendon Kingsby chose to remain in gospel, but the rest agreed. Modern gave them the name The Cadets.
To capitalize further, Modern released some of their songs on its subsidiary label RPM Records under the alias The Jacks—essentially marketing the same group under two names.
Early Recordings and First Charting Hit
The Cadets’ first single was a cover of Nappy Brown’s “Don’t Be Angry”, sung by Collins. Its B-side was “I Cry,” performed by Taylor. But the breakthrough came with their cover of The Feathers’ “Why Don’t You Write Me?”, sung by Davis. Released under the alias The Jacks, it reached:
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#3 on the R&B chart
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#82 on the Billboard Hot 100
This was followed by a string of recordings released under both group names. Despite the dual branding, they only toured and performed as The Cadets.
Lineup Changes and Studio Activity
By the end of 1955, Lloyd McCraw left and was replaced by Pete Foxx. Austin Taylor exited for a solo career and was replaced by Prentice Moreland. These changes didn’t slow the group, and they continued to record actively, becoming known for their rich harmonies and dynamic interplay.
Breakthrough Hit: “Stranded in the Jungle”
In 1956, The Cadets released what would become their signature song—“Stranded in the Jungle”. Originally by The Jayhawks, their version stood out for its mix of spoken word, tight harmony, and humor.
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Dub Jones delivered the dramatic, spoken-word verses
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Willie Davis and Aaron Collins handled the melodic refrain
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Prentice Moreland gave the song its iconic comic touch with the line:
“Great googly moogly, let me outta here!”
The song climbed the charts:
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#15 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#4 on the R&B chart
Its mix of storytelling and vocal layering made it a doo-wop classic and one of the most memorable novelty hits of the decade.
Continued Work and Eventual Disbandment
After “Stranded in the Jungle,” the group continued to record songs as both The Cadets and The Jacks, including “Dancin’ Dan,” “Let’s Make Up,” and “So Wrong.” But they never repeated their earlier success on the charts.
Still, they were a popular touring act throughout the late 1950s. Their live shows included songs from both discographies, sometimes confusing audiences unaware of the name-switching.
By 1957, the group officially disbanded. Members went their separate ways, launching new careers or joining other notable groups.
Life After The Cadets
Here’s what happened to key members after the group’s breakup:
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Will “Dub” Jones joined The Coasters in 1958, where he became known for songs like “Yakety Yak” and “Charlie Brown.” He remained with them for nearly a decade.
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Aaron Collins and Willie Davis joined The Flairs in 1961.
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Austin Taylor pursued a solo career in soul and blues, gaining moderate success in the 1960s and 1970s.
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Pete Foxx became a music teacher and guitar instructor in Los Angeles.
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Aaron Collins’ sisters, Betty and Rose, formed The Teen Queens, a vocal duo known for their hit “Eddie My Love,” also released through Modern/RPM.
Reunion and Final Performances
In the late 1990s, the surviving members of The Cadets reunited, joined by Tommy Turner. They made a notable appearance on the PBS special Doo Wop 51 in 2001, rekindling interest in their music and history.
Sadly, not all members lived to see this revival:
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Will “Dub” Jones died of a stroke in 2000.
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Willie Davis passed away in 2011.
Despite these losses, The Cadets’ legacy continued to be honored through television, oldies compilations, and live performances by rotating lineups.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Though The Cadets are often labeled a “one-hit wonder,” their influence runs deeper:
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“Stranded in the Jungle” is regularly featured on oldies and doo-wop playlists.
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Their dual identity as The Jacks and The Cadets reflects a savvy—if confusing—label strategy that speaks to the era’s rapid recording output.
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Their members contributed to some of the most influential doo-wop, rock and roll, and soul groups of the 20th century.
The song’s unique blend of spoken-word drama and melodic choruses helped bridge novelty records and mainstream doo-wop, influencing both genres.
Trivia and Fun Facts
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The Cadets’ cover of “Stranded in the Jungle” is considered one of the earliest crossover novelty hits in rock and roll.
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Their recording of “Why Don’t You Write Me?” under the alias The Jacks was done to prevent market saturation using the same band name on two labels.
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The group only toured under the name The Cadets, even when performing Jacks material.
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The Teen Queens, led by Aaron Collins’ sisters, were also signed to Modern and RPM, making the Collins family a mini music dynasty.
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“Stranded in the Jungle” has been covered by multiple bands, including The New York Dolls, further cementing its cult status.
Conclusion
The Cadets carved out a place in music history with their creativity, harmonies, and a knack for drama and humor. From gospel roots to novelty hits, they rode the wave of mid-century doo-wop and left behind a legacy that’s more than just “Stranded in the Jungle.” With ties to other legendary groups and a catalog worth revisiting, The Cadets remain a charming chapter in America’s vocal group era.