The band's original lineup included Anthony "Wolf" Hawkins, VC L. "The Mighty V" Veasey, and Tyrone Hite; they were later joined by Anthony's brother, Charles. They were first popular as a local and national backup band under various names: Impact, The Fabulous Impacs and the Soul Agents. The group provided backup for Motown recording artists Edwin Starr and The Spinners as well as for Brunswick recording artists Gene Chandler, The Artistics, Billy Butler and The Chilites.