These five American musicians were instrumental in forming The Chords, a vocal group that achieved fame with their 1954 hit "Sh-Boom." Their doo-wop sound, characterized by tight harmonies and a playful energy, became a foundational element of early rock and roll. "Sh-Boom" is widely considered one of the first rock and roll records to cross over from the R&B charts, significantly impacting popular music in the mid-20th century.