Simplify the following text for a Grade 5 native English-speaking person.
Original: Gaining fame in his early years as a member of the R&B vocal group Billy Ward and His Dominoes , he went solo in 1957 and recorded over 50 hit singles that spanned R&B , pop , soul , doo-wop and easy listening .
Simplified: He was a member of the R&B vocal group Billy Ward and His Dominoes . On his own , beginning in 1957 , he recorded over 50 hit singles .