Lowman Pauling

American guitarist & songwriter, founding member of the groundbreaking R&B/rock vocal group The "5" Royales.
Born July 14, 1926 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Died December 26, 1973 in New York City, New York.

Pauling's writing credits include: "Dedicated to the One I Love," [1961, The Shirelles, 1967, The Mamas and the Papas], "Think" [1960, James Brown], "Tell the Truth" [1960, Ray Charles]. Other "5" Royales hits written by Pauling are their two number one R&B hits "Baby Don't Do It"& "Help Me Somebody," as well as "Crazy, Crazy, Crazy," "I Do," "Tears of Joy," and "Too Much Lovin'."

An important, underrated, & heavy guitarist, Pauling is a cited influence by Steve Cropper, among others. On the 1958 "5" Royales hit "The Slummer the Slum," Pauling is captured leading the way with the first intentional use of guitar on record.
While performing his custodial duties at a Brooklyn synagogue, Pauling died December 26, 1973.
Brother of the notable Clarence Paul.