Singer Fred Parris of the Five Satins Dead at Age 85

Singer Fred Parris, famous for singing "In the Still of the Night," with the 1950s harmony group The Five Satins, is introduced by his grandchildren Brandon Parris, 7, background left, and Savannah Parris, 9, during a visit to Hanover Elementary School in Meriden, Conn., on June 16, 2005. (Chris Angileri/Record-Journal via AP)

NEW YORK—Fred Parris, the lead singer of the 1950s doo-wop group the Five Satins and composer of the ballad “In the Still of the Night,” has died at age 85.

Parris died Jan. 13 after a brief illness, according to his music manager, Pat Marafiote. Parris and his wife Emma lived in Hamden, Connecticut, not far from his native New Haven.

Formed as the Scarlets while Parris was in high school, the Five Satins had minor hits with “To the Aisles” and “Shadows” among others, and Parris continued to tour over the following decades even as the Satins’ popularity faded and backing singers came and went.

The Five Satins were elected into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2003.