One of Stax's less well-known and less typical acts, the Astors recorded 5 singles for the label between 1961 and 1967. More doo-wop-influenced than most Southern soul groups, the Astors actually found much of their audience in Philadelphia, a town that always favoured soul harmony vocals. Rawer in presence and execution than most artists on the Stax roster, the Astors recorded too sporadically to establish a distinctive imprint.

The members of the group grew up in Memphis, Tennessee and were organised in 1958 by a neighbourhood pianist who held auditions for a singing group at his home.

The group, then known as the Duntinos, quickly made a name for themselves at local venues and were taught their trade by Rufus Thomas while touring with his band.

After briefly moving to Buffalo, NY, the group returned to Memphis to do some backing vocals for Thomas and his daughter Carla.

The group recorded their first release in 1961 under the name the Chips (after producer Chips Moman). In 1963, the name ws changed again to the Astors. In 1965, Stax released their most successful recording, Candy, written by Steve Cropper and Isaac Hayes.

In the late summer of 1965, the group travelled to Los Angeles with the first Stax Revue to perform in Watts.

The group broke up around 1967.