Initially formed in South Carolina in 1957 as The Royal Charms, Maurice
Williams’ doo wop / R&B vocal group changed their name to The Gladiolas and The
Excellos before finally settling on the name Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs in
1959. They are best Originally inspired by gospel music, Maurice Williams and
childhood friend Earl Gainey had turned to R&B by the time they had embraced doo
wop music. The group’s members came together while still in high school and the
early line up also included Norman Wade, Willie Jones, and William Massey. Their
first brush with success came whe...