The singers are from Kinston, North Carolina. They developed a distinctive style of a cappella gospel singing. <br /><br />Their names are William Brown, Julius Davis, Louis “Panella” David, and Lewis Herring. <br /><br />William Brown was lead tenor. <br /><br />Julius Davis was second tenor. <br /><br />Louis "Panella" David sang baritone. <br /><br />Lewis Herring was a bass singer. <br /><br />Before enjoying success as singers, they worked at various jobs--as farmers, as truck drivers. <br /><br />They first gathered as a group in the early 1930s. <br /><br />A local talent contest gave a prize to the group, and the singers gained more and more attention. <br /><br />In 1938 when they performed at the Spirituals to Swing Concert. <br />
