They began as street corner serenaders in their neighborhood while in the ninth grade and called themselves "The Ermines". Herman Santiago and Jimmy Merchant (the only two surviving members) sang second tenor and lead.

They sang the hits of the day and practiced their harmony in hallways, parks at lunch time during school & court yard stoops.

With the help of the group, Jimmy Merchant made up a slow song from a letter given to the group from a friend who saw potential. The letter was entitled "Why Do Birds Sing So Gay" .

Soon they were joined by Frankie Lymon, a highly gifted 12 year old from the block where they all lived. Frankie gave them the added note and quality that they needed in the background vocals and lead.

The group was discovered by Richard Barrett of "The Valentines". He arranged an audition with Rama Records head George Goldner who instantly saw the "star power" of the group with Frankie singing lead.

A few short months later, in January 1956, music history was made when they changed their name to "The Teenagers" and they released their original song "WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE"

THIS GROUP STILL HAS THE STAR QUALITY & ENERGY THEY HAD BACK IN THE FIFTIES WITH GREAT CHOREOGRAPHY AND HARMONY TO MATCH. A GREAT ADDITION TO ANY PACKAGE OR STAND ALONE MARQUEE VALUE.

The group was installed in both THE ROCK n ROLL HALL OF FAME in 1993 & THE VOCAL GROUP HALL OF FAME in 2000.