New mural honors pioneering music group The '5' Royales

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place Saturday for a new mural in Winston-Salem that will honor The "5" Royales, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group whose musical influence was overlooked for years.

The group out of Winston-Salem grew to prominence in the 1950s. Carolina Music Ways Program Director and Board Chair Elizabeth Carlson says they were instrumental in the development of rock 'n' roll. It's why she worked alongside family members of the group to see them honored.

"I just felt always that, especially in their hometown, that it was important for people to realize that these people who grew up in rather humble circumstances went on to do great things that impacted literally the world," Carlson says.

Darryl Pauling is the son of the late Lowman Pauling, the guitarist and a songwriter in the group. He says he learned just how truly influential his dad and other members were after their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

"One of the wishes of my mother before she passed, was to have the group name be relevant and kept out there," Pauling says. "And she charged me with doing that. I didn't know how to do it, but through prayer, everything came around. So, man, I'm on cloud nine."

Pauling says the mural is an excellent tribute that he hopes can inspire a younger generation throughout Winston-Salem.

"It's a testament of the group and the city's willingness to embrace them like they have," he says. "I mean, it's fantastic."

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the mural will take place at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at 740 Trade Street Northwest.