The Silhouettes were an American doo-wop group whose musical journey is often defined by their enduring hit "Get A Job," released in 1957. Emerging from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the group was formed in 1956 and originally comprised of lead singer Bill Horton, tenor Richard Lewis, baritone Earl Beal, and bass Raymond Edwards. The quartet initially called themselves The Thunderbirds but changed their name following a recommendation from their manager to The Silhouettes, a nod to their ability to cast striking vocal harmonies much like the distinct outline of a silhouette.
The Silhouettes' blend of tight harmonies and catchy rhythms typified the doo-wop genre, especially in the Northern soul scenes of the American East Coast. Although "Get A Job" – with its iconic “sha na na na” refrain – was their claim to fame, The Silhouettes continued to record throughout the late 50s and early 60s, leaving tracks like "Crying Over You" and "Headin' for the Poorhouse." Their sound encapsulated the ethos of urban America, with narratives that often reflected the working-class experience. The group's legacy sees a revival in nostalgia for the doo-wop era, with compilations like "Doo Wop, Philly's Style!" keeping the spirit and music of The Silhouettes alive for new generations.
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