The band's second manager Ram decided to build the group around Williams's distinctive and versatile voice and his ability to bring life to Ram's songs. Within a year, Alex Hodge and Jefferson were also out and replaced by Paul Robi and a woman, Zola Taylor. The details of baritone Hodge's departure are muddy; author Peter A. Grendysa says Alex Hodge was fired by Ram in October 1954 after having been accused of possession of marijuana. Bookers and the record company were told that Hodge was let go for bouncing a 15-dollar check. The resulting line-up, the one remembered for some of the group's timeless hits, lasted until 1960.