Biography

The group formed in Brooklyn, New York, in 1954 as "The Genies", with Eugene Pitt, Jerome Hanna, Richard Harris, Thurmon Prophet (also known as Billy Prophet), and Norman Johnson.[2] The group, by then renamed "The Jive Five", found chart success in 1961 with "My True Story" on Beltone Records, which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot R&B Singles chart for three weeks. They were part of the popular "Kid's Choice" awards for their recording of the famous Nic-Nic-Nic theme for Nickelodeon. Between 2000 and 2006 the line up was led by Pitt on lead vocals, Bea Best, Art Loria (formerly of The Belmonts and Earls), Danny Loria and Harold Gilly. Maurice Unthank took over as band leader. The group released a single in 2016 entitled "It's Christmas", written by Pitt and the Loria's. It was credited to 'Eugene Pitt and the Jive Five' and featured Pitt, Best, Gill, Unthank, and the Loria's. Dan Loria also took on booking duties and management for the group.. Eugene Pitt, as one of the founding members with Artie and Danny Loria, was active performing and recording with The Doo Wop All Stars between 1990 and 2006. Since the passing of Pitt, Dan Loria still manages all affairs for the rights to licence all Jive Five/ Eugene Pitt recordings, likeness and image of the group for the everlasting legacy of the Jive Five, In conjunction with Star Pitt (Eugene Pitts Daughter) and business associate Stevie Dunham.