AcappellaSoul(2023

The Royal Counts originated in a locker room in Dickinson High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. After lunch each day, to pass extra time away, they would venture to this locker room because they liked the echo. Approximately one week afterwards, their reputation as a "boss group" spread around Dickenson's 3,200 student body. Boys would gather to listen, and to contribute to the little confidence they had. Time after time they were asked, "Why don't you get a name for yourselves?" One of the students forwarded the name "Royal Counts" to Mike Murphy, who suggested it to the others (Herman Hammond, Bill Jones, Ted West, and Charlie Small). Falling for it, they decided to keep it. Shortly afterwards, they began receiving invitations to sing at school dances, and for various organizations outside of the school. Losing their taste for the small echo provided in the locker room, they promoted themselves to the school tunnel. Here they practiced until after 5 P.M., getting their harmony just right. It was by merits of this hard and eager practice that the Royal Counts had earned in Jersey City and throughout the country.