The O'Kaysions, a pop band from Kenly, North Carolina, formed in 1959. The group initially went by the name The Kays and achieved their breakthrough with "Girl Watcher" in 1968. This single reached number 5 on the Billboard Pop charts and number 6 on the R&B charts, earning a gold record status from the RIAA in December of that year. The song was first released on the North State label before being picked up by ABC Records for national distribution. The O'Kaysions followed this success with their full-length album The O'Kaysions in 1969. In 1987, "Girl Watcher" was reworked as "I'm A Wheel Watcher" and used to promote the TV game show Wheel of Fortune, performed by Kool & The Gang. In November 2003, the original lineup (with the exception of Pittman) reunited for a one-time show at the Alabama Theater in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where they received a CBMA Hall of Fame Award. Wayne Pittman, an original member, continued performing with different line-ups until his death at age 76 on July 7, 2021.
