FIVE CHECKS, The

Homebase: Seattle
Stats: 1953-1957
Misc Notes: Doo-wop quintet formed at Garfield High School by Ronnie Height, George Griffin (alto), (lead tenor), Dave Lewis (baritone), Larry Lombard (second alto), and Hank Rollins (bass). They rehearsed in Lewis basement, and his guitar-playing father, Eddie Lewis, guided them and taught them how to sing chords. They debuted at a school assemble, and went on to perform at various schools all across town. Local promoter, Leonard Russell, booked them into shows at the town's Palomar and Orpheum theaters and the Trianon Ballroom. Lewis and Griffin also formed the locally influential Dave Lewis Combo. Height went on to a solo singing and recording career in California beginning in 1959. Griffin toured with Lionel Hampton's band, then recorded a few singles in Seattle around 1961, and then led a blues band in California for many years. [ Photo (Left-to-right): Rollins, Lombard, Lewis, Height, and Griffin.]

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