The Ravens were an R&B vocal group. They were formed in 1945 by Jimmy Ricks and Warren Suttles. They were structurally similar to The Ink Spots, especially in their combination of high tenor (Maithe Marshall) and deep bass (Ricks). However, their material was more varied and included elements of pop, jazz, R&B and gospel styles.
The group's greatest successes were in the late 1940s including covers of "Ol' Man River" (1947) and "Count Every Star" (1950). They had continued success into the 1950s, but Suttles left the group in 1954 and Ricks left in 1955. The group continued on for some time thereafter, with various changes in personnel, but it was never as successful or influential as before.
Ricks went on to a solo career, and was the vocalist for the Count Basie orchestra. He died on July 2, 1974.
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