Originally calling themselves the Lyres, The Nutmegs formed in 1954. During the first year or so, the band went through multiple lineup changes, but the quintet that people know of today consisted of Leroy Griffin (lead), James "Sonny" Griffin (first tenor) James "Coco" Tyson (second tenor), Billy Emery (Baritone (who was replaced by Sonny Washburn)) and Leroy MacNeil (bass).

Before their national fame, The Lyres (Nutmegs) recorded a song in 1954 called "Ship Of Love" for a New Haven record label J&G. Following the recording, the group then traveled to New York where they met Al Silver, who owned Herald Records. Silver decided to sign the group to his label but changed their name to The Nutmegs in late 1954.

In March of 1955, the group released their first record on Herald: "Story Untold" backed with "Make Me Lose My Mind". By June 4th of that year, the song was popular on the New York charts, peaking at #2. It was also a national hit, reaching #9 on the R&B charts. With the group's new popularity, they decided to re-record "Ship Of Love", releasing it in August of 1955. Like "Story Untold", "Ship Of Love" became a hit in New York, peaking at #5. Unlike the previous recording, this re-recording added sound effects such as a foghorn and bells.

Unfortunately for The Nutmegs, their next releases did not make any charts. It is unclear what caused the group's success to end, but one story mentions that Disc Jockey Alan Freed refused to play the group's records after an "obscene" performance. Still, the group was signed to Herald Records and continued to record music.

Some of their other songs, which are just as fantastic as their hits include "Shifting Sands", "Key To The Kingdom" and "My Sweet Dreams". However, the group now recorded under the name The Rajahs when Sonny Griffin left the group. On top of this, like other doo-wop groups of the time, the group went through some member changes post-1955 as well as switching labels (to local label Klik Records) and recording demos that would not be released until the 1960s.

Despite their rather "quick" popularity in 1955 and Leroy's passing in 1966 (who is buried in Hamden, Connecticut), The Nutmegs remain one of New Haven's greatest doo-wop groups, remembered for their tight harmonies, Leroy Griffin's powerful voice, their mix of pure acapella (doo-wop without instrumentation), and their full orchestra singles.

"A Story Untold"

"A Love So True"