right", Matthews appointed Williams the group leader, and the group's name was changed to Otis Williams & The Distants. During this period, both the Primes and Distants were influenced by other vocal groups including The Miracles. Other inspirations included the Cadillacs, Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers

break into the music business. The group settled at Detroit where they changed their name to the Primes under the direction of Milton Jenkins. The Primes soon became well known around the Detroit area for their meticulous performances.[6] Jenkins later created the "sister group", The Primettes, later