As students at Southeastern State College in Oklahoma in the early 1960s, Mike Rabon (vocals and guitar), Norman Ezell (guitar), Jim Grant (bass), John Durrill (organ), and Johnny Coble (drums) began playing at clubs and frat parties as The Mutineers.
The group moved to Dallas with new drummer Jimmy Wright and landed a manager, a record contract, and a new name – The Five Americans.
They toured extensively and appeared on national TV shows, releasing memorable singles including I See The Light, Sound of Love, Zip Code, Evol-Not-Love, 7:30 Guided Tour, and their biggest hit, Western Union.
The group released four albums between 1966 and 1968: I See The Light, Western Union, Progressions and Now and Then.
Management issues and other factors led to the group finally calling it quits in 1969, with various members producing solo work and joining other groups.
Bassist Jim Grant passed away in Dallas in 2004, Norman Ezell died in California in 2010, and drummer Jimmy Wright passed away in Denison, Texas, in 2012.
Mike Rabon
Vocals, guitar Norman Ezell
Guitar Jim Grant
Bass John Durrill
Organ Jimmy Wright
Drums
Video
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