The Elgins - Jimmy Smith, William Devase, Darry Lewis, Kenny Sinclair, and Oscar McDonald - were formed in 1959.

They were very much like the R & B groups of that era, featuring bass, tenor, and doo-wop harmony in the background. Oscar and Jimmy attended high school together in Beaumont, Texas. Jimmy, on occasion, laments the fact that he came in second place in several talent contests in Texas to Johnny Nash, of "I Can See Clearly Now" fame. Darryl, Kenny, and William attended high school in southern California. Darryl and Kenny were original members of the Six Teens, of "A Casual Look" fame. After leaving the Six Teens, Kenny hooked up with William to sing in various groups while in high school. Cappie, as Darryl is affectionately called by close friends, reunited with Kenny, his brother Earl, and William. He brought Jimmy into the group to sing lead. This quintet recorded "Lonely Hearts Club" under the name of The Elements. Soon thereafter, Earl left the group to devote more time to pursuing an acting career. Jimmy brought Oscar McDonald into the group and The Elgins were born. Their first recording of "Uncle Sam's Man" established the group on the west coast. The Elgins recorded several tunes. Most notably, "Extra Extra", "My Illness", "Casey Cop" (Flip side of "Uncle Sam's Man"), "Finally", " Your Lovely Ways", and "Lost My Love In the Big City".