The Cairos

Washington, D.C.'s the Cairos recorded one record for Raynoma Liles, Gordy Singleton, and Eddie Singleton's Shrine label. Miss Ray, Barry Gordy's second wife, started Shrine with her new hubby after both bounced from Motown. Shrine (located in D.C.) issued the peppy "Stop Overlooking Me" b/w "Don't Fight It" in 1966; it flopped just like the other 18 singles bearing the Shrine logo. Keni St. Lewis, Tommy Montier, Famon Johnson, Gerald Richardson, and Wilford Ruffin were the Cairos. Their only other appearance was backing (uncredited) Shrine artist Shirley Edwards on "Dream My Heart" b/w "It's Your Love," also in 1966. Famon Johnson's voice is familiar to music lovers worldwide; with William Britt, he provided the backing vocals on Billy Stewart's (also a D.C. native) "I Do Love You" (1965), and probably "Sitting in the Park," cut the same day. St. Lewis developed his songwriting skills at Shrine, supplying the Epsilons and the D.C. Blossoms with material. He was with the Enjoyables before and after the Cairos, and later chirped with the Dreams (aka Frankie Karl & the Dreams) on their D.C. Sound Limited recordings from 1968-1970. St. Lewis found his niche as a songwriter. Collaborating with fellow Washingtonian Freddie Perren who, as a member of the Corporation, helped to make the Jackson Five superstars, St. Lewis co-wrote some monsters. The illustrious list encompasses Michael Jackson's "Farewell My Summer Love"; the Sylvers' "Boogie Fever," "Cotton Candy," and "Hot Line"; and Tavares' "Don't Take Away the Music," "Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel," and "Whodunit." Gerald Richardson also sang with the Enjoyables. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide