Originally known as The Travelers, the band was formed by Tom Doody ("Toad"), Gerry Stone ("Stonehenge"), Dave Purple ("Grape") of The Prowlers, Denny Conroy from Possum River, and Jim Fairs from The Roosters, Jim Pilster ("J.C. Hooke", so named because he was born without a left hand and wore a hook), and Bill Hughes.

[2] After the Cryan' Shames signed with Bob Monaco, the promotion manager for Destination Music, their first single was supposed to be George Harrison's song "If I Needed Someone"; however, due to publication issues, it was not released (although it was included on their debut album).

Their album, Sugar and Spice, was recorded in just two days, but it was strengthened by cover versions of contemporary popular songs like "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" and "Hey Joe".

Jim "J.C. Hooke" Pilster and Tom Doody (Toad) are the only remaining original members in the current lineup.

Two members of The Cryan' Shames have died: bassist Dave Purple in June 2001,[6] and his replacement, Isaac Guillory, on December 31, 2000.

In 2023, the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Rt 66 in Joliet, IL inducted the Cryan’ Shames into its Hall of Fame.