The Five Keys were an American rhythm and blues vocal group who were instrumental in shaping this genre in the 1950s.

[3] Raphael Ingram left in 1949 and Maryland Pierce (March 25, 1932 – July 22, 2021)[4][5] and Thomas 'Dickie' Threatt became members in his place.

[3] They were signed to Aladdin Records in 1951, and in 1952 Rudy West left to join the United States Army, and he was replaced by Ulysses K. Hicks.

When Hicks died of a heart attack in Boston in 1955, Rudy West returned to the group.

[8] Dickie Threatt, lead tenor from 1958 to 1961, died on October 9, 2007, in Newport News, Virginia.