The group first formed in 1957 around the Moorer family: Gilbert (born Gilbert Moorer, Jr., August 20, 1941,
Birmingham,
Alabama, died August 28, 2008), his brother Alvis (born Alvis V. Moorer, January 18, 1940, Birmingham, Alabama, died August 21, 2011), and their sister Betty. They first performed as Betty Moorer and the Esquires. When their sister and lead singer left, the group shortened its name to The Esquires, and Gilbert became lead singer. Millard Edwards, a bass, also sang during this period as did Shawn Taylor. They went through many lineup changes over their first decade, which saw them aiming mostly for local recognition. In 1966, they moved to
Chicago,
Illinois, They then attempted to sign with
Constellation Records, but the record label went under at the end of 1966; they signed instead with Bunky Records, Constellation's successor. Alvis Moorer died on August 21, 2011, at the age of 71. Sam Pace died after a long illness on January 7, 2013, at the age of 68. Edwards, who lives in Chicago, is now the only surviving member of the band from its recording days. ==Members==