Vocal quartet from Detroit, MI. Formed in 1952 as The Royals (2) with: Henry Booth, Charles Sutton, Lawson Smith and Sonny Woods. Late 1953, Hank Ballard replaced Lawson Smith as the lead singer. In 1954, the group's name changed to The Midnighters, who released a series of singles between 1954 and 1958. Then in 1958-1959 they became Hank Ballard & The Midnighters.When the group disbanded in 1965, they later formed again with Frank Stadford, Walter Miller and Wesley Hargrove. After Lawson's departure, the band members were Henry Booth (lead and tenor), Charles Sutton (lead and tenor), Hank Ballard (baritone), and Sonny Woods (bass). In 1972 the band charted with one R&B Billboard hit as Hank Ballard and the Midnight Lighters.Awards: 1990; R&R Hall of Fame.