ONE-HIT WONDERS YOU NEVER HEARD OF OR TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT? – THE “F” ARTISTS PART-2
Apr 02 '05 (Updated Apr 20 '05)
The Bottom Line A One Hit Wonders artist is any artist that had only one record make it into the Top 40 of the U.S. Pop singles chart
A "One Hit Wonder" is any artist that had only one single on the Pop or Rock singles charts in the U.S. make it into the Top 40. They either never had another single make it into the Top 40 in those categories in the US, or they never released another single at all. Some of these artists may have had one of more singles on the R&B or Country charts also make it into one of those Top 40 charts. They may have had a local or regional hit or two or had one or more Major hits in another country such as the UK. Today I am covering just 1 Hit Wonders in the “F” Artist category. As I stated in my title either you never heard of this artist before today or you may have heard of them many years ago and have not heard their name or any songs by them since. I hope everyone enjoys this Part 2 as much as I did putting it together for you?
FACE TO FACE
This is not the same group that formed in Austin, TX with “Trever Keith”, “Matt Riddle” and “Rob Kurth” in the 90’s. This Punk Rock band formed in Boston, MA in 1980 with “Laurie Sargent” on vocals, “John Midnight Ryder” on bass, “William Billy Beard” on drums, “Angelo Petraglia” and “Stuart Kimball” on vocals, keyboards and guitar. John had previously sung with his wife Anne as a duo and they had a #70 pop hit in 1969 with “I Still Believe In Tomorrow”. The group performed throughout the east for a few years in clubs and any other gigs they could grab. In 1983 they were spotted by executive producer “Dick Wingate” to a contract with “Epic” records. They next moved to Los Angeles and began working with producers “Arthur Baker”, “Michael Baker” and “Jimmy Iovine” on their debut album. In March 1984 they released their self-titled debut album and it peaked at #127 on the Billboard Album chart. Their first single from this album titled 㥶-9-8” debuted on the pop chart on 2 June and later peaked at #38. In October they released their second single from their debut album titled “Under The Gun” and it peaked at #14 on the “Hot dance Music/Club Play chart.
Also this year Laurie sang the vocals for actress Diane Lane in the Action Thriller “Streets Of Fire”. She also sang in the fictitious group “Fire Inc.” in this Movie with “Rory Dodd” and “Holly Sherwood” formed by “Jim Steinman”. This group sang “Nowhere Fast” and “Tonight Is What It Means To Be Young” for the Movie and for the soundtrack album both composed by Steinman. The Movie starred “Ed Begley Jr.”, “Willem DaFoe”, “Richard Lawson”, “Amy Madigan”, “Rick Moranis”, “Bill Paxton”, “Robert Townsend” and others. The soundtrack album was released next on “MCA” records and also included songs by “The Blasters”, “Ry Cooder”, “Fixx”, “Marilyn Martin”, “Marie McKee” and others and it peaked at #32 on the album chart. In 1985 they released “Confrontation” this time produced by “Arthur Baker” and “Ed Stasium” and with a large group of guests artists. Those artists included “Keith Aucoin”, “Nelson Bogart”, “John Cafferty”, “Jeff Calder”, “Bob Gray”, “Steven Van Zandt” and many others but the album sold terribly and never made the charts. “Epic” records decided to drop the group quicker than a Bad Habit.
Wingate left “Epic” moving over to “Mercury” records in 1987 and he once again signed the group to a contract this time with “Mercury”. In February 1988 they released “One Big Day” produced by “Anton Fier” and it peaked at #176 on the album chart. The group finally decided to disband in 1989. Angelo joined “The Immortals” who never had any records on the charts but did record “Techno Syndrome” for the Soundtrack album and Movie “Mortal Kombat”. In 1993 he moved to Nashville, TN and became a full-time songwriter mostly for country artists. Some of the artists that have recorded his songs include “Patty Griffin”, “Emmylou Harris”, “Martina McBride” and “Trisha Yearwood”. Laurie started a solo career and in 1997 released “Heads & Tails” on “Warner Brothers” followed in 1999 by a self-titled album on “Reprise” but both albums failed to make the charts. In 2000 she was one of 9 members of “Orchestra Morphine” that was formed with the last 2 members of “Morphine”. Those 2 members were “Dana Colley” on saxophone and “Billy Conway” on drums. In 2001 Billy, Dana and Laurie formed a trio calling themselves “Twineman”.
1. 10-9-8/Heaven On Earth - Debut on 06/02/84, Peaked at #38
THE FALCONS
“The Falcons” were an R&B group formed in 1955 in Detroit, MI. The original members were “Eddie Floyd”, “Robert Bob Mandaro”, “Arnett Robinson”, “Tom Shelter”, and “Willie Schofield”. This first incarnation of the group was integrated as both Bob and Tom were both white. They signed their first contract with “Mercury” records this year and over the next few years released several records for them but none of them made the charts. They began performing in clubs, bars and other places all throughout the Detroit area and made a few appearances on the strip in Las Vegas, NV. In 1957 both Mandaro and Shelter joined the US Army and they were replaced by “Joe Stubbs” (the brother of “Levi Stubbs” of “The Four Tops”) and “Lance Finney”. In 1958 Robinson left the group and was replaced by “Sir Bonny Mack Rice”. Floyd’s uncle “Robert West” owned the small independent Detroit label “LuPine” records and was not only responsible for bringing Finney and Stubbs into the group but also became the group’s manager. They next signed a contract with the small independent label “Flick” records located on Woodward Avenue in Detroit.
They next recorded “You’re So Fine” with “Goddess Of Angels” on the B-side and it debuted on the singles charts on 20 April 1959. It quickly became a huge hit and “Flick” records couldn’t handle the demand so they leased the single to “United Artists” records that at the time was using the name of “Unart” on their labels. The record quickly raced up the charts peaking at #17 on the pop side and peaking at #2 on the R&B chart. On 3 July they began a one-week stay on the same card with “The Coasters” at The Apollo Theatre in New York City. In August they released “You Must Know I Love You” with “That’s What I Aim To Do” on the backside. The record failed to garner much in sales and became their final recording for “Flick” records. They were quickly signed to a new contract with “Unart” records. Their first single on “Unart” was “You’re Mine” with “Country Shack” on the backside in October but it failed to make the singles charts. Their next few releases for “United Artists” all failed to chart and in 1960 Stubbs left the group and later joined “The Contours” then he left them to join “The Originals” for 3 years before joining 𣺜 Proof Aged In Soul”.
“The Contours” would have their biggest hit “Do You Love Me” in 1962 before Joe joined them and “The Originals” would have their big hits after Joe had departed the group such as “Baby, I’m For Real” and “The Bells”. 𣺜 Proof Aged In Soul” had only 1 top 40 pop hit in “Somebody’s Been Sleeping” that peaked at #8 in 1970. Stubbs was replaced in “The Falcons” with “Wilson Pickett” who was just 19 years old before he went solo and became a huge R&B star. Stubbs would rejoin the group and depart several more times during the next 3 years. Wilson’s first record with the group also on “Unart” was “Pow! You’re In Love” but it too failed to make the charts. They next added “Willie Schofield” to the group and they left “Unart” and signed a new recording deal with West’s “LuPine” label in 1961. They released “I Found A Love” backed by “Swim” that made its’ chart debut on 31 March 1962. The record was credited to “The Falcons & Band (Ohio Unlimited)” and peaked at #75 on the pop chart and went to #6 on the R&B chart. “Ohio Unlimited” became their back-up band for a short time before deciding to go out on their own and changing their name to “The Ohio Players”.
“The Falcons” released a few albums on “Lupine” like “The Soul Of The Falcons”, “I Found A Love”, “The Falcons Story”, “The Falcons Story Part 2” and “The Falcons Story Part 3” but they all failed to chart. They would have records released on “Atlantic”, “Carl”, “Chess”, “Falcon”, “Philips” and “Relic” and none of them made the charts. Finally in late 1963 Floyd and Pickett both left the group to pursue solo recording careers. Eddie’s biggest hits would be “Knock On Wood” in 1966 and “Bring It On Home To Me” in 1968. Wilson’s biggest hits were “Land Of 1000 Dances” in 1966, “Funky Broadway” in 1967, 𤂲-5789 (Soulsville USA)” in 1966 and “Don’t Knock My Love” in 1971. After Eddie and Floyd left the group they stayed together for only a few more months then they officially disbanded. West decided he wanted to keep the group name alive so he told “The Fabulous Playboys” whom he also managed that they were now being called “The Falcons”. This new version of the group recorded first on “United Artists” and then on “Big Wheel” records. Their only charting record was “Standing On Guard” with “Can’t Help It” on the B-side on “Big Wheel” that peaked at #29 on the R&B chart in 1967. They released several more records on “Big Wheel” none of which charted and in 1972 they split-up.
1. You’re So Fine/Goddess Of Angels - Debut 04/20/59, Peaked at #17
2. I Found A Love/Swim – Debut 03/31/62, Peaked at #75
THE FIESTAS
This R&B/Doo-Wop vocal group was formed in Newark, NJ in 1958. The founding members were “Tommy Bullock” lead vocals, “Sam Ingalls” baritone vocals, “Preston Lane” bass vocals and “Eddie Morris” tenor vocals. The group was first signed to a contract by the owner of “Old Town” records “Hy Weiss”. Weiss had heard the group sing “So Fine” in the bathroom next to his office that was run out of the cloak room of the Triboro Theatre in Harlem, New York City. Hy had formed the “Old Town” record company with his brother Sam in New York City in August 1953. Most of the artists signed to their label were from the New York City area with the most well known of these being the Doo-Wop group “The Solitaires”. Ty signed the “The Fiestas” in early 1959 and the group next hired “Jim Gribble” as their manager. Jim already managed “Frankie Avalon”, “The Classics”, “The Jarmels”, “The Mystics”, “The Passions” and a very young “Paul Frederick Simon”. Paul teamed up with his long time friend “Art Garfunkel” to first form the duo of “Tom & Jerry”. They began using the names of “Tom Graph” and “Jerry Landis” but later went back to using their real names to form “Simon & Garfunkel”.
On 27 March they made their first major public appearance at the Apollo Theater in New York City. Other artists on the card this night were “Big Maybelle”, "Frances Burnett", "The Channels", "Eugene Church", "The Ebonairs", "The Genies", "Sam Hawkins", “Buddy Johnson”, "Marv Johnson" and "The Wanderers". They released their debut record “So Fine” backed by “Last Night I Dreamed” that debuted on the charts on 6 April. It peaked at #11 on the pop chart and peaked at #3 on the R&B singles chart. “So Fine” was composed by Blues/R&B singer/songwriter “Johnny Otis”. Johnny composed many songs over the years for himself, his group “The Johnny Otis Show” and many other artists. Some of the songs he composed were “Every Beat Of My Heart” first released by “Jackie Wilson” in 1951, “Willie & The Hand Jive” first released by “The Johnny Otis Show” in 1958 and “Dance With Me Henry (Wallflower)” first released by “Georgia Gibbs” in 1955. “The Fiestas” released 3 more singles this year and their debut album but none of them made the charts. They were “Grandma Gave A Party” / “I’m Your Slave” then “Our Anniversary” / “I’m Your Slave” and “Good News” / “That Was Me” and the album was “Oh So Fine”.
From 1960 through 1966 they released 14 singles on “Old Town” records but only one of these made the charts. On 25 August 1962 they released “Broken Heart” with “The Railroad Song” on the B-side and it peaked at #81 on the pop chart. From 1966 on they released records on many different labels including “Ace”, “Arista”, “Atlantic”, “DHC”, “Chimmeyville”, “Collectables”, “Cotillion”, “RCA”, “Respect”, “Strand”, “T. K. Disco” and “Vigor” in the US and others in other countries but none of them made the charts. In 1970 they recorded one single using the name of “The Fabulous Fiestas”. The single was “One Hurt Deserves Another” with “Keep It In The Family” that was released on both “DHC” records and “RCA” records but it too failed to chart. In the late 70’s after over 10 years of releasing records and not having a single one make the charts they finally split-up. . “The Fiestas” only charting records on the singles pop chart are listed below.
1. So Fine/Last Night I Dreamed - Debut on 04/06/59, Peaked at #11
2. Broken Heart/The Railroad Song – Debut on 08/25/62, Peaked at #81
FILTER
This Industrial Rock Duo was formed in 1993 in Cleveland, Ohio. The two members were “Richard Patrick” on bass, drums and vocals and “Brian Liesegang” on drums, guitar and keyboards. Richard was born on 10 May 1968 and is the brother of Movie actor “Robert Patrick”. In the late 1980’s Richard was a revolving member of the “Nine Inch Nails” on the road. “Nine Inch Nails” was in reality a one-person industrial rock (group) for recordings of “Michael Trent Reznor” who formed his one-man group in 1988. Richard played guitar on the “Nine Inch Nails” debut album “Pretty Hate Machine” released in September 1991. Some sources indicate that Richard was also temporarily in the short-lived R&B/Dance Club band called “The Exotic Birds” in 1990. Brian was born on 10 February 1969 and met Richard during the “Nine Inch Nails” Lollapalooza tour in 1991 in Chicago. He was the assistant engineer on the groups’ 6-track 1992 “Broken” EP and their album “The Downward Spiral” in 1994. Brian and Richard next formed their own group in 1994 and began work on their debut album in the basement of a small brick home in Chicago.
They singed a contract with “Warner Brothers” subsidiary label “Reprise” records. On 25 April 1995 their 11-track debut album “Short Bus” debuted on the charts. The album also included contributions by “Matt Drvenkar” on vocals, “Kevin Hanley” on guitar, “Scott Kern” on drums and vocals and “Mike Peffer” on drums. It peaked at #59 on the pop album chart and peaked at #3 on the Heatseekers album chart. They next began The Short Bus Tour and they hired “Frank Cavanaugh” on bass guitar, “Geno Lenardo” on live guitar and “Matt Walker” to play drums. Their debut single "Hey Man Nice Shot" / "White Like That" on “Reprise” made its’ chart debut on 5 August. It peaked at #76 on the pop chart, peaked at #19 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and peaked at #10 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. They released 3 other single CD’s this year but they all failed to chart. On 27 August 1996 Walker left the group to join “The Smashing Pumpkins”. Matt would only be with “The Smashing Pumpkins” until 5 December the following year. He would go on to play drums in the following groups “Tribal Opera”, “Cupcakes”, “Veruca Salt” and “Impossible Recording Machine”.
“Steven Gillis” who had composed the song “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” that was a #28 pop hit in 1971 for “Yvonne Elliman” replaced Walker in “Filter” as their new drummer. Also this year Patrick produced the song "Hey Man, Nice Shot" for the Drama "Cable Guy" and for its’ soundtrack album. This Movie starred "Diane Baker", "Jack Black", "Matthew Broderick", "Jim Carrey", "Andy Dick", "Janeane Garofalo", "Leslie Mann", "Eric Roberts", "George Segal", "Amy Stiller", "Ben Stiller", "Owen Wilson" and others. Patrick also wrote the song "Jurrassitol" for the Movie and soundtrack album of "The Crow: City Of Angels" this year. This Action Thriller starred "Richard Brooks", "Vincent Castellanos", "Holley Chant", "Thomas Jane", "Mia Kirshner", "Vincent Perez", "Iggy Pop" and others. They released "Jurrassitol" from the Movie as a single this year and it too failed to make the charts. In 1997 Brian left the group and Patrick wrote the song "(Can't You) Trip Like I Do" for the Movie and soundtrack album of "Spawn". This Action Fantasy starred "Melinda Clarke", "Miko Hughes", "John Leguizamo", "Theresa Randle", "Martin Sheen", "Michael Jai White" and others.
The single from this Movie was released next on “Epic” records and it peaked at #29 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. 4 other single CD’s by the duo were also released this year on “Reprise”, “Groove on” and “Maxi” but they all failed to chart. Patrick next produced the music for the Movie and soundtrack album for "The X-Files" in 1998. This Action Sci-Fi Film starred "Gillian Anderson", "Blythe Danner", "William B. Davis", "David Duchovny", "Martin Landau", "Mitch Pileggi" and others. They released their sophomore album “Title Of Record” with 11-tracks on “Reprise” on 24 August 1999. It peaked at #75 in the UK at #30 on the US pop album chart and peaked at #13 on the US Top Internet album chart. The album not only included bass and vocals by Patrick but had Cavanaugh on bass, Geno on bass, mandolin and sitar, “Elliot Cain” on trumpet, “Steven Gillis” on drums and percussion, “Jim McGraff” on percussion, “Eric Remschneider” on cello, “Chris Simmons” on percussion and “Miss Wutt” on vocals. In September “Reprise” released 3 different versions of their next CD single “Welcome To The Fold”. It peaked at #17 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart and peaked at #8 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
On 27 November they would have what would become their biggest hit make its’ debut titled “Take A Picture”. The CD single made it onto 10 different Billboard charts peaking at #12 on the pop chart and going to #1 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play singles chart and also peaked at #25 in the UK. On 11 January 2000 they performed on the "Late Show With David Lettermen" on CBS TV. David’s other guests’ this night were "Shawn Presser" and "Woody Harrelson". On 18 January they released a 6-track Maxi-CD sampler titled “Take A Picture” on “Reprise” but it failed to chart. It was followed up by a 4-track Maxi-CD titled “The Best Things” that appeared on 4 different Billboard charts peaking the highest at #6 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play singles chart. "The Best Things" would appear in the Movie and on the soundtrack album of "The Crow: Salvation" this year. This Action Thriller starred “William Atherton”, “Kirsten Dunst”, “Eric Mabius”, “Dale Midkiff”, “Jodi Lyn O’Keefe”, “Fred Ward” and others. Shortly after recording is completed for their 3rd album they add “Alan Bailey” on guitar to the group and begin a new two-month tour.
On 1 July 2002 “Reprise” releases a 3-track CD single "Where Do We Go From Here" / "It's Gonna Kill Me (live)" / "(Can't You) Trip Like I Do". The CD single appeared on 5 different Billboard charts peaking the highest at #11 on both the Hot Dance Music/Club Play singles chart and on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. On 29 July they performed live on the “Much Music” channel. They release their 3rd album on 30 July titled "The Amalgamut” with 12-tracks that also includes a parent advisory because of explicit lyrics. It peaked at #68 in the UK and peaked at #32 on the US pop album chart. On 8 August on “Late Night With Conan O’Brien” on NBC TV. They next began a tour of Germany and on one concert appearance the group “Korn” also performed. In September “Reprise” releases "American Cliché" a 1-track CD single from their 3rd album and it peaked at #40 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. They toured Canada this month but on 30 September Richard left the following message on the band’s official web site. He stated “I want to apologize to all my friends and fans for having to cancel these upcoming shows, but right now I'm concerned about my health and want to get back into the best physical and mental condition to go back on the road next year.
In November “Reprise” released a 5-tract CD single sampler "You Walk Away" / "Columind (remix)" / "So I Quit (remix)" / "Columind (LP version" / "So I Quit (LP version)" but it failed to chart. In December Richard moved to Southern California and set up his new recording studios “Abyssinian West” on his property. On 19 March 2003 Richard left the following message on his web site. “To everyone in the US Armed Forces and the Forces of the Allied coalition. All politics aside - I just wanted to show my support and let you know that I hope for your safe return. I am eternally grateful and indebted for what you guys have to do. I'm with you all the way.” In August Richard along with “Wes Borland”, “Danny Lohner” and “Josh Freese” recorded the song “Awakening” for the soundtrack album and Movie “Underworld” Directed by “Len Wiseman”. This Horror Film starred “Kate Beckinsale”, “Shane Brolly”, “Robby Gee”, “Erwin Leder”, “Bill Nighy”, “Michael Sheen”, “Scott Speedman” and others. In January 2004 Richard performed with “Camp Freddy” at the Sundance Film Festival.
In March the soundtrack album and Movie “The Girl Next Door” made their debuts that included the song “Take A Picture” by “Filter”. This Romantic Comedy starred “Timothy Bottoms”, “Elisha Cuthbert”, “Paul Dano”, “Emile Hirsch”, “Chris Marquette”, “Timothy Olyphant”, “James Remar” and others. Currently Richard is still composing songs for he hopes to be his newest album release sometime this year. Even though this group had had a lot of releases over their 12-year history only 2 singles made the pop charts and only 1 of those made it into the top 40 so technically they are still considered a one-hit wonder in one respect. . “Filter’s” only charting records on the singles pop chart are listed below.
1. Hey Man Nice Shot/White Like That – Debut 08/05/95, Peaked at #76
2. Take A Picture/Take A Picture (live version) - Debut 11/27/99, Peaked at #12
LARRY FINNEGAN
“Larry Finnegan” was born “John Lawrence Finneran” in New York City on 10 August 1938 although some sources indicate in 1939 and some indicate 1940. Larry first started to work toward becoming a Movie actor at the same time self-teaching himself how to play several different instruments. He soon discovered that he not only could play instruments and sing but he could also compose music. He and his brother Vincent first composed the song “Dear One” in 1961. He next recorded the song as a demo tape and took it around to several different record companies. “Hy Weiss” the owner and president of “Old Town” records loved the song and quickly signed him to a contract. Larry recorded “Candy Lips” for the B-side of the record and it made its’ debut on the singles chart on 24 February 1962. It quickly rose up the US pop chart eventually peaking at #11. On 27 March he was the only guest on the ABC TV show “American Bandstand” where he performed “Dear One”. Three follow up singles were also released this year "It's Walkin' Talkin' Time" / "Pretty Suzy Sunshine”, "Knock On Wood" / "Oh Lonesome Me" and "There Ain't Nothin' In This World" / "I'll Be Back, Jack" on “Coral” records but all 3 failed to make the charts.
On 13 April 1963 his final release on “Old town” was "Pick Up The Pieces" / "A Kiss And A Dozen Roses" that also failed to chart. In the meantime his records on such labels as “HMV” records, “London” records and “Sonet” records were big hits in Europe. His records hit the biggest in “Germany”, “Scandinavia”, “Scotland” and “Switzerland” and were luke-warm hits in the UK. In 1964 Larry signed a new contract with “Ric” records and released 2 singles on that label this year. First was "Dear One, Part Two" with "Baton Rouge" on the flip side in May. In December he released "The Other Ringo (A Tribute To Ringo Starr)" backed by "When My Love Passes By" but they both failed to chart in the US. In 1965 he formed “Svensk” records in Sweden where he would issue 9 singles, 1 EP and 3 albums over the next 4 years. He also signed a contract with “Vogue” records in Germany where he released 3 German language records over a 3-year period. In 1966 Larry decided to move to Switzerland but returned to the US in 1969. He had invested most of his money in the US Stock market but by 1970 had lost almost all of it.
He was living quietly in his home in South Bend, IN until on 22 July 1973 he died of a brain tumor. One source I found on the Internet indicates the year of death to in fact be 1977 but I believe 1973 to be true. Larry can truly be called a one-hit wonder, because “Dear One” was the only record by him to make any chart in the US.
1. Dear One/Candy Lips - Debut 02/24/62, Peaked at #11
FIREFLIES
This all white Doo-Wop group was formed in Philadelphia, PA by “Gerry Granahan” born in Pittston, PA on 17 June 1939 who was a singer, producer and songwriter. Gerry as a teenager worked on WPTS radio in Pittston as a radio sports announcer. He grew quickly tired of this and began playing music and singing with a good impersonation of the voice of “Elvis Presley”. In 1955 at the age of 17 he moved permanently to New York City. He was so good that he was hired by “Hill & Range” who were the publishers who handled Elvis’ singing demos. He signed a contract with “Atlantic” records subsidiary label “Atco” in early 1957 where he recorded under the name of “Jerry Grant”. His other releases this year on “Atco” never made any of the charts and he next met “Tommy Volando” the owner and president of the new “Sunbeam” records. Because he was still under contract with “Atco” he signed a contract with Tommy on his “Sunbeam” label using his real name. He next signed with a small independent label of “Mark” records and released “Love’s Young Dream” for that label. Since he was stilled signed to “Atco” he used his real name but it failed to make the charts.
He next co-wrote the song “Click-Clack” with “Dave Alldred” the drummer of the group “Rhythm Orchids”. After recording the Demo he gave it to “Dick Clark” who was hosting the show “American Bandstand”. Clark along with his friend “Tony Mammarella” who were the co-owners of the new “Swan” records label wanted to release the song. Gerry still being under contract to both “Atco” as “Jerry Grant” and “Sunbeam” using his real name did not know what to do. Tony told him to use another fictitious name to release the single under and suggested the name of “Dicky Doo & The Don’ts” named after Clark’s son “Dicky Doo Clark”. Gerry decided he needed a real group to back him up for appearances so he hired “Harvey Davis” on bass, “Ray Gangi” on guitar, “Al Ways” on sax and Alldred on drums. On 13 January 1958 they debuted the song on “American Bandstand” on ABC TV. The single debuted on the charts on 10 February. The flip side of the single was “Did You Cry” and it later peaked at #28 on the US pop chart. They appeared on "The Dick Clark Saturday Night Beechnut Show" on ABC TV on 15 March. Other guests this night were "Frankie Avalon", "Huey Piano Smith & The Clowns" and "Andy Williams".
On 5 May they released "Nee Nee Na Na Na Na Nu Nu" and it peaked at #40 on the US pop singles chart. The B-side of the record titled "Flip Top Box" charted separately making its’ debut on 9 June and later peaking at #46 on the chart. Also on 9 June “Sunbeam” released the novelty song “No Chemise, Please” under Gerry’s real name. The flip side was “Girl Of My Dreams” and the record peaked at #23 on the US pop singles chart. Gerry released 4 more singles this year on “Sunbeam” but none of them made the charts. They appeared for a second time on “American Bandstand” on 11 September with the only other guest this day being “Clair Nelson”. On 29 September "Leave Me Alone (Let Me Cry)" with "Wild Party" by “Dicky Doo & The Don’ts” made its’ debut. It would later peak at #44 on the pop singles chart. “Sunbeam” released 2 other singles this year in "Baby Wait" / "Completely" by "Gerry Granahan" and "Nobody Else Can Handle This Job But Me" by "Gerry Granahan" with "I'm Ready As I'll Ever Be" by "Eddie Fontaine" on the flip side. Neither of these singles made any of the charts.
They appeared again on "The Dick Clark Saturday Night Beechnut Show" on 10 January 1959. Other guests this night were "LaVern Baker", "Bobby Darin", "Morton Downey Jr." and "Annette Funicello". They next released on 2 February "Teardrops Will Fall" backed by "Come With Us" that peaked at #61 on the pop chart. In May “Swan” released "Ballad Of A Train" with the flip side of "Dear Heart, Don't Cry" but it failed to chart. Gerry next moved to Philadelphia and helped form the all white Doo-Wop group the “Fireflies” as their director, producer and manager. The members of the group were “Ritchie Adams” who was born “Richard Ziegler” on guitar and vocals, “Paul Giacalone” on drums and vocals, “Lee Reynolds” on bass guitar and vocals and “John Viscelli” on saxophone and vocals. Gerry presented the group to the executives of “Ribbon” records who liked them so much they signed them immediately. Their first release was “You Were Mine” that had been previously written by Paul. The record debuted on 7 September with “Stella Got A Fella” on the B-side and it later peaked at #21 on the pop singles chart.
“Herman Kallman” the President of “Ribbon” records made the following statement at an official press conference. “In The Fireflies I feel I have a group that is talented, personable but above all who are a group of gentlemen. I am truly proud to be associated with these boys. I might say at this time that plans are in progress for their new release which was cut awhile back. It’s a grand song done with heartfelt emotion by the boys, a hit that will establish The Fireflies as a top recording act.” "The Fireflies" next appeared on "The Dick Clark Saturday Night Beechnut Show" on 10 October. Other guests this night were "Eddie Cochran", "The Isley Brothers", "Teddy Randazzo" and "Sammy Turner". They began a one-week gig at The Apollo Theatre in Harlem New York City on 30 October. Some of the artists that appeared on this weeklong show were “Count Basie”, “Miles Davis”, “Little Willie John”, “Carmen McRae”, “Lloyd Price”, “The Shirelles”, “Sarah Vaughan”, “Jackie Wilson” and many others. They followed this up with a second appearance on "The Dick Clark Saturday Night Beechnut Show" on 12 December.
“Sunbeam” released their final record by Gary this year in "A Ring, A Bracelet, A Heart" with "AYou're Adorable" on the B-side but it failed to chart. “Ribbon” released the second single by “The Fireflies” in "I Can't Say Goodbye" with "What Did I Do Wrong" on the B-side that debuted on 25 January 1960 but it stalled at #90 on the pop chart. Also in January “Swan” released its’ final record previously recorded by “Dicky Doo & The Don’ts”. The single was "Wabash Cannonball" and on the B-side was "The Drums Of Richard A. Doo” which was an instrumental with the University Of West Texas Marching Band but it too failed to chart. In March “The Fireflies released "My Girl" with "Because Of My Pride" on the flip side. This record failed to chart at all and “Ribbon” decided to drop them. Also this year “United Artists” records released 2 albums by “Dicky Doo & The Don’ts” in “Madison & Other Dances” and “Teen Scene” and these too failed to make the charts. “The Fireflies” next signed a contract with “Canadian American” records also knows as “Can Am” records. Gerry also signed a solo deal with “Can Am” as well.
Gary released 3 records on “Can Am” in 1961 but none of them made any of the singles charts. The singles were "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" / "In My Heart", "Where's The Girl" / "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "I'm Afraid You'll Never Know" / "King Size". “The Fireflies” released only one record this year on “Can Am” in "Marianne" / "Give All Your Love To Me" and it failed to chart as well. “The Fireflies” next signed a contract with “Taurus Universal” records and before the end of the year released their debut album titled "You Were Mine" but it too failed to chart. They released only one record in 1962 with "You Were Mine (For Awhile)" / "Could You Mean More" that failed to chart. In 1963 Gerry produced the album "My Boyfriend's Back" for "The Angels" on “Smash” records and it peaked at #33 on the US pop album chart. “The Fireflies” released "My Prayer For You" / "Good Friends" and it too failed to chart. They continued with their 1 record release a year on “Taurus” when in 1964 their only release was "Runaround" / "Tonight" that failed to chart.
Also this year Gerry had a bit part in the Movie "Racing Fever". He also helped write the Music score for this Movie. This Sports Drama starred "Barbara Biggart", "Dave Blanchard", "Maxine Carroll", "Charles G. Martin", "Joe Morrison", "Ruth Nadel", "John Vella" and others. The group after going 5 years without a charting record finally split up in 1965. A side note is a few places on the Internet claim that “The Fireflies” released “Blacksmith Blues” on “Hamilton” records. The truth is they never recorded anything for “Hamilton” and the song in question was recorded and released by “The Fireballs” with “Tuff-A-Nuff” on the flip side. In 1967 Gerry produced the album "TV's Teen Star" for "Patty Duke" on “United Artists” records. Ritchie went on to be the producer of the album “This Is Love” by “The Archies” in 1971 and of the album “Best Of Jay & The Techniques” in 1995. He also produced and provided back-up vocals to the album “Absolutely The Best Of The Archies” in 2001. He has composed more than 375 songs with his 2 biggest songs being “Tossin’ & Turnin’” that went to #1 for “Bobby Lewis” in 1961 and “After The Lovin’” that peaked at #8 for “Engelbert Humperdinck” in 1977.
In 1996 Gerry produced the albums "Best Of Patty Duke: Just Patty" and "Best Of The Angels". In 1999 the former leader of “The Fireflies” who was “Paul Giacalone” decided to reform the group with all new members. He first selected “Marco Gueli Jr.” as lead vocalist from Greenlawn, NY. Marco had composed his first song at the age of 13 and in 1975 he formed a local band in Long Island, NY called “Reunion” that stayed together until 1991. He hired “Fred Simmons” as the groups’ second tenor and also on lead vocals. Fred is from Staten Island, NY who was the lead vocalist for a local band called “New York Bandstand” for 15 years. Paul also selected “Vic Puma” from Staten Island, NY as 1st tenor. In the 1980’s he was in the local group of “Déjà Vu” and was also for a time in “New York Bandstand”. In the 1990’s he was a member of “The Capris” and was also a member of “The Chimetones” until Paul hired him to join the other 3 in 2001. The latest member “Bobby Villano” on baritone and lead vocals from Staten Island, NY came on board in 2003. He had previously performed in the local group called “Just Friends” and was also a member at one time of “New York Bandstand”.
This new lineup is currently touring throughout the US and last appeared on 16 January 2005 in “Bowzer’s Ultimate Doo-Wop Party” in Uncasville, CT. They will be appearing next on 19 March in New Jersey followed by a huge show on 30 April called “The 1st Annual Doo Wop Celebration” at Kellenberg High School in Uniondale, NY. The other acts on the show include “The Chantels”, “Cleveland Still and The Dubs”, “The Del Vikings” and “Shep's Limelights”. Anyone in New York City that would like to attend the address is 1400 Glenn Curtis Blvd.
Uniondale NY where all tickets are $30.00 and for ticket information you can call 516-826-8433. From 2000 through 2004 Gerry produced 10 albums for various artists. “The Fireflies” only charting records on the singles pop chart are listed below.
1. You Were Mine/Stella Got A Fella – Debut 09/07/59, Peaked at #21
2. I Can’t Say Goodbye/What Did I Do Wrong – Debut 01/25/60, Peaked at #90
THE FIRM
This Hard Rock supergroup was formed in 1984 with guitarist “Jimmy Page”, guitarist and vocalist “Paul Rodgers”, bassist “Tony Franklin” and drummer “Chris Slade”. Page was born “James Patrick Page” and had previously been a member of “Coverdale/Page”, “The Honeydrippers”, “Led Zeppelin”, “The Primitives” and “The Yardbirds”. Rodgers played with “Bad Company” and the group “Free”. Slade previously played drums for “Manfred Mann’s Earth Band” and “Uriah Heep”. Jimmy had just finished recording the album “No Quarter: Jimmy Page & Robert Plant Unledded” with his friend “Robert Plant” also formally of “Led Zeppelin”. The album was released on “Atlantic” records and debuted on the charts 8 November later peaking at #4 in the US and at #7 in the UK. The album was a result of the live concert they put on for MTV’s “Unplugged” series in August that was also made into a video. They performed 17 songs during the concert and 13 of them appeared on the album but all 17 appear on the DVD. “The Firm” was signed to a contract with “Atlantic” records and began work on their first album this year going by the name of “The McGregors”.
On 29 November they began their first tour together and started using the name of “The Firm”. The groups’ self-titled debut album was released in January 1985. It would later peak at #17 on the US pop album chart and at #15 in the UK. Their first single release from this album was "Radioactive" with "Together" on the B-side on 9 February. It peaked at #28 on the pop singles chart and at #1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. It was quickly followed up on 4 May by "Satisfaction Guaranteed" backed up with "Closer" also from their debut album. It later peaked at #73 on the pop singles chart and at #4 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. "Closer" charted separately on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and peaked at #19 there. In January 1986 the band released their sophomore album “Mean Business”. The album would later peak at #22 on the US pop album chart and peak at #46 in the UK. Shortly after the release of the album the group began their 2nd US tour in support of their new album.
On 15 February their first single from their second album was released. The single was "All The Kings Horses" backed up by "Fortune Hunter" on the B-side. It would peak at #61 on the pop singles chart and go all the way to #1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. On 28 May the group ended their 5-month long US tour and it would be their final appearance together ever. The groups’ manager and Director of “Atlantic” records in the UK “Phil Carson” also joined the band on stage during their final appearance replacing Franklin playing bass. The group decided to split up after this concert and Carson would continue to be the manager of each member as they pursued solo careers. In June “Atlantic” records would release the groups’ final record with 2 songs from their second and last album with the company. It was "Live In Peace" with "Free To Live" on the flip side and it peaked at #21 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Page would sign a solo contract with “David Geffen” and his “Geffen” records company. Rodgers went on to form the group “The Law” with “Kenny Jones” formally of “Small Faces” and “The Who”. Franklin would later join “Blue Murder” and Slade joined “AC/DC”.
1. Radioactive/Together - Debut 02/09/85, Peaked at #28
2. Satisfaction Guaranteed/Closer – Debut 05/04/85, Peaked at #73
3. All the Kings Horses/Fortune Hunter – Debut 02/15/86, Peaked at #61
FIRST CHOICE
This was an all black Female R&B/Disco vocal group that formed in 1971 in Philadelphia, PA. The members were “Rochelle Fleming” born on 11 February 1950 and “Annette Guest” born on 19 November 1954. Fleming was born in Philadelphia, PA and Guest was born in Chester, PA. They initially began calling themselves “The Debonettes” performing in clubs around the Philadelphia area. In 1972 they decided to change their name to “First Choice” and released their debut single in August. The single was titled "One Step Away" with "This Is The House (Where Love Died)" on the B-side on “Scepter” records but it failed to chart. They were spotted one night by “Georgie Woods” who was a local Philly D.J. who in turn introduced them to “Norman Harris”. Harris was a well-known and popular personality throughout the area and he was also multi-talented in that he composed songs, sang, played guitar and was a producer. The girls next signed a contract with “Philly Groove” records that had just opened up their doors. Harris would back up the girls on guitar with “Wardell Piper” and “Mulaney Star” also added on vocals, and bassist “Ron Baker” and drummer “Earl Young” whom were in the group “M.F.S.B.”
“M.F.S.B.” was the house band for Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International Records and Sigma Sound Studios.
“M.F.S.B.” stood for “Mother, Father, Sister & Brother” and not for anything else as was rumored for many years. The group had one #1 pop hit in 1974 with “T.S.O.P. (The Sound Of Philadelphia)” that also became the permanent them song for the show “Soul Train”. In January 1973 “First Choice” became the very first act to release a record on “Philly” records who decided to re-release the B-side of their first record as an A-side with a new song on the B-side. "This Is The House (Where Love Died)" with "Gonna Keep On Lovin' Him" was released with the record label number of #001. The record was produced by Harris and received a lot of airplay in the Philly area but failed to chart nationally. Star decided to leave the group at this time. Their next release was on 10 March titled "Armed And Extremely Dangerous" with "Gonna Keep On Lovin' Him" on the B-side. The record peaked at #28 on the pop chart and at #11 on the R&B chart. Piper decided to leave the group at this time and was replaced by “Joyce Jones”. The group followed up in August with their debut album "Armed And Extremely Dangerous" that peaked at #184 on the pop chart and at #55 on the R&B chart.
The girls released their final record of the year on 17 November with "Smarty Pants" backed up by "One Step Away". The single peaked at #97 on the pop chart and at #35 on the R&B chart. They released 3 singles and 2 albums on “Philly” records in 1974. "Newsy Neighbors" with "This Little Woman" was released on 2 March and it peaked at #97 on the pop chart and at #35 on the R&B chart. On 14 September “The Player – Part 1” backed by “The Player – Part 2” debuted on the charts and it peaked at #70 on the pop chart and at #7 on the R&B chart. Their final single of the year "Guilty" with "Wake Up To Me" on the B-side debuted on 27 October and it peaked at #7 on the Disco singles chart and at #19 on the R&B chart. In November they released the album “Smarty Pants” but it failed to make any of the charts. It was followed in December by the album “The Player” that peaked at #143 on the pop chart and at #36 on the R&B chart. In 1975 they released their final record on “Philly” in "Love Freeze" with "A Boy Named Junior" on the B-side and it peaked at #13 on the Disco singles chart and at #61 on the R&B chart.
They next signed a contract with “Warner Brothers” records with their first release with them being "So Let Us Entertain You" in January 1976 that peaked at #53 on the R&B album chart. They had tracks from the album appear on the charts this year with the first being “Ain't He Bad” that peaked at #4 on the Disco singles chart. Also on the charts this year was a medley of songs from the album in "First Choice Theme/Gotta Get Away (From You Baby)/Ain't He Bad/Let Him Go" that peaked at #5 on the Club Play singles chart. They also released 2 singles this year with "Gotta Get Away From You Baby" with "Yes, Maybe Not" on the B-side that peaked at #5 on the Disco singles chart and at #64 on the R&B chart. It was followed up by "Let Him Go" and "First Choice Theme" where both sides charted separately, "Let Him Go" peaked at #97 on the R&B chart and "First Class Theme" peaked at #4 on the Disco singles chart. In 1977 Jones left the group and was replaced by “Ursula Herring”. Also this year Harris formed “Gold Mind” records that became a subsidiary of “Salsoul” records. The group signed a new contract with this newly formed “Gold Mind” records.
Their first release on their new label was "Doctor Love" with "I Love You More Than Before" on the flip side on 17 September and It peaked at #41 on the pop chart and at #8 on the Club Play singles chart. Harris next co-formed “Baker-Harris-Young” productions with his two bandmates. In October they released "Delusions" and it peaked at #103 on the pop album chart. Their final release this year was "Love Having You Around" and "Indian Giver" and it peaked at #135 on the pop chart and at #58 on the R&B chart. They released only one record in 1978 in "Hold Your Horses" that peaked at #135 on the pop album chart and at #58 on the R&B chart. In 1979 Herring left the group and was replaced by “Debbie Martin”. The group’s first release of the year was the title track from their recent album "Hold Your Horses" that had "Now I've Thrown It All Away" on the B-side and it peaked at #73 on the R&B chart. It was quickly followed by the single "Double Cross" that had "Game Of Love" on the B-side and it peaked at #60 on the R&B chart. Next came a medley from their album in "Hold Your Horses/Double Cross/Great Expectations" that peaked at #5 on the Club Play singles chart.
The group’s final record of the year was "Love Thang" backed by "Great Expectations" that peaked at #52 on the Club Play singles chart. Annette next met “Gabriel Hardeman” in Philadelphia and after they married she changed her name and became “Annette Hardeman”. Gabriel was an ordained minister as well as an arranger, choral director and songwriter. Gabriel and his wife Annette would later form the gospel group “The Gabriel Hardeman Delegation”. They would eventually become a husband and wife song composing team. They wrote the song “I Feel Good All Over” for “Stephanie Mills” that went to #1 on the R&B singles chart in 1987. In 1990 they wrote there second biggest hit “Love Under New Management” for “Miki Howard” from Chicago and the song peaked at #2 on the R&B chart. “First Choice” released one album in 1980 in “Breakaway” but it failed to make the charts. It was followed up by "Breakaway" backed up by "House For Sale" that peaked at #80 on the Club Play singles chart. The group next had a legal battle with the parent company “Salsoul” and won the right to end their contract with them and also to keep the rights to the group name but in 1981 the group decided to split-up.
In 1983 “Rams Horn” records released a 3-track EP from the 1977 album “Delusions”. They were "Let No Man Put Asunder (vocal)" / "Let No Man Put Asunder (instrumental)" / "Let No Man Put Asunder (acappella)" and the EP peaked at #13 on the Club Play singles chart. In 1987 Fleming reformed the group with new members “Laconya Fleming” her cousin and “Lawrence Cottel”. From 1991 through 1998 they would have records released on the following labels “Capitol”, “Charley”, “D-Vision”, “Salsoul”, “Southbound” and Unidisc”. None of their records during that time period made the charts. On 22 March 1999 “Salsoul” records released “Doctor Love” that was also originally on their 1977 album “Delusions”. It was released as an EP of various mixes and it peaked at #22 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play singles chart. From this point on through the present they had records released on “Audio Deluxe”, “Bell”, “Blue Moon”, “Capitol”, “Neosounds”, “Philly Groove”, “TKO Magnum Midline”, “Toshiba/EMI”, “Vivid Sound” and “Wea International”. Only one of these records made the charts when on 14 August 2001 “Capitol” records released “The Player”. This 12” single had 2 different mixes of the song and it peaked at #7 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play singles chart.
1. Armed & Extremely Dangerous/Gonna Keep On Lovin Him - Debut 03/10/73, Peaked at #28
2. Smarty Pants/One Step Away – Debut 11/17/73, Peaked at #56
3. Newsy Neighbors/This Little Woman – Debut 03/02/74, Peaked at #97
4. The Player – Part 1/The Player – Part 2 – Debut 09/14/74, Peaked at #70
5. Doctor Love/I Love You More Than Before – Debut 09/17/77, Peaked at #41
FLYING MACHINE
This was a British studio rock band not to be confused with the American folk-rock group “The Flying Machine” with “James Taylor” that was also formed in the 1960’s. The members were “Stewart Coleman” on bass, “Steve Jones” on lead guitar and vocals, “Samuel Kemp” on autoharp and vocals, “Anthony Newman” on rhythm guitar and vocals and “Paul Wilkinson” on drums. Jones was not the same “Steve Jones” who later would be a member of “The Sex Pistols” and “Neurotic Outsiders” even though they were both from England. “Flying Machine” formed by “Pye” records producer/songwriter “Tony Macaulay” and producer/songwriter “Geoff Stevens”. Macaulay was the co-writer of “The Foundations” biggest US hit “Build Me Up Buttercup” that peaked on the US singles pop chart at #3 in 1969. Coleman, Kemp and Newman had both been members of “Pinkerton’s Assorted Colours” also known as “The Pinkertons”, Wilkinson had been with “The Peeps” and “The Sabres” and Jones had also been with “The Sabres”. “The Pinkertons” formed in 1964 in Rugby, England as “The Liberators” but changed the group name after adding their newest member “Samuel Pinkerton Kemp”.
“The Pinkertons” had one charting hit in the UK in “Mirror, Mirror” with “She Don’t Care” on the flip side that peaked at #8 in 1966 there. Their next release “Don’t Stop Loving Me Baby” backed by “Will You” but it failed to chart. Their manager “Reg Calvert” was killed in June and “Decca” records decided to drop them from the company. They then decided to change their style and group name and add 2 additional members and became “Flying Machine” in 1969. The group’s music was a combination of bubblegum, pop, rock and psychedelia. They next signed a contract with "Congress" records in the US and with "Pye" records for Canada and overseas distribution. They released "Smile A Little Smile For Me (Rosemarie)" with "Maybe We've Been Loving Too Long" on the B-side on 4 October. It peaked at #5 on the US pop singles chart and sold over a million copies going gold. In December they released “"Send My Baby Home Again" backed by "Look At Me, Look At Me" but it failed to make the charts. On 24 February 1970 their next release debuted on the charts titled "Baby Make It Soon" with "There She Goes" on the B-side.
Even though Macaulay had composed the song another British group by the name of “Marmalade” recorded and released it as a B-side the year before “Flying Machine”. “Marmalade’s version was on the flip side of “Time Is On My Side” on “Epic” records but it failed to make the charts. “Flying Machine” had their version peak at #87 on the US pop singles chart. The group next switched record companies in the US signing with the “Janus” label. They released 2 albums on their new label this year in "Smile A Little Smile For Me" and "The Flying Machine". Only their self-titled album made the charts and it peaked at #179 on the US pop album chart. They released only 1 single this year on “Janus” in "Hanging On The Edge Of Sadness" with "My Baby's Coming Home" on the B-side but it failed to chart. In 1971 they released a 2 album set titled "Down To Earth With The Flying Machine The Complete Recordings" but it failed to chart. They also issued one final single on “Janus” this year in "Hey Little Girl" backed by "The Devil Has Possession Of My Mind". “Hey Little Girl” was not the same version of the song recorded by “Dee Clark”, “Del Shannon”, “Foster Sylvers”, “Major Lance”, “The Techniques” or “The Syndicate Of Sound”. All the other versions of the song by these artists made the US pop charts except for their version.
Shortly after the release of their final record on “Janus” the group decided to split-up. Wilkinson went on to play drums for the short live Canadian punk rock group “Red Tide”. He would later play in the 5-piece nu-metal group “Sphere” as one of 2 drummers in the group. Newman would later play for “T. Rex”, “Sounds Incorporated” and “Three Man Army”. In 2004 “Castle Music America” records released a 2-CD, 5-track compilation titled “Flight Recorder From Pinkerton’s Associated Colours To The Flying Machine” which also failed to make the charts. This group’s 2 US charting singles are listed below.
1. Smile A Little Smile For Me (Rosemarie)/Maybe We’ve Been Loving Too Long - Debut 10/04/69, Peaked at #5 (GOLD)
2. Baby Make It Soon/There She Goes – Debut 02/21/70, Peaked at #89
FRIJID PINK
This psychedelic hard-rock group formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1967. The original members were “Kelly Green” on harmonica and vocals, “Thomas Harris” on bass guitar, “Richard Stevers” on drums, “Gary Ray Thompson” on lead guitar and “Larry Zelanka” on keyboards, organ and piano. Green had previously played bass guitar for the group “Smokestack Lightin’”. Harris was a multi-talented artist who could play drums, guitar, piano, saxophone and several different woodwind instruments. Thompson had previously produced the album “Little Girl” for the group “Syndicate Of Sound” in 1966. The group began touring throughout the Michigan area and after 2 years of concerts and performances wherever they could get a gig Harris departed and was replaced by “Thomas Beaudry”. In 1969 the group signed a contract with “Parrot” records and released “Tell Me Why” with “Cryin’ Shame” on the B-side but it failed to make the singles charts. Their next release in January 1970 was "Drivin' Blues" with "God Gave Me You" on the flip side also failed to chart. They next released their self-titled debut album also in January and it peaked at #11 on the US pop album chart.
On 7 February was “House Of The Rising Sun” with “Drivin’ Blues” this time on the B-side. The song had been a #1 pop hit for the British rock group “The Animals” in 1964. “Frijid Pink” however jazzed the song up by adding a searing guitar sound to it and it quickly rose up the charts. Their version peaked at #7 on the US pop singles chart and went to #4 in the UK and sold over a million copies. The single being such a big hit spurred additional sales of their debut album that included the song on it. The album peaked at #1 in Germany where it stayed for an unprecedented 11 consecutive weeks. The group next began a long concert tour of Australia, Canada and the US. The group’s second album titled "Defrosted" was released next in June but it didn’t have much chart action stalling at #149 on the US pop album chart. On 25 July "Sing A Song For Freedom" backed by "End Of The Line" was released and it peaked at #55 on the US pop singles chart. On 12 December they released a jazzed up version of “Heartbreak Hotel” that went to #1 in 1956 for “Elvis Presley”. Their single had “Bye Bye Blues on the B-side but the record only peaked at # 72 on the US pop singles chart.
They released 3 singles in 1971 "Music For the People" / "Sloony" followed by "We're Gonna Be There (When Johnny Come's Marchin' Home)" / "Shorty Kline" and finally "Lost Son" / "I Love Her" but they all failed to make the charts. They contract expired with “Parrot” records and they signed a new one with “Lion” records a subsidiary of “MGM”. In 1972 they released 3 more singles "Earth Omen" / " Lazy Day" followed by "Rainbow Rider" / "Earth Omen" and finally "Go Now" / "Lazy Day" and they to all failed to make the charts. The group next added a new lead vocalist in “John (Jim) Wearing” and recorded their 3rd album titled “Earth Omen”.
The album released in 1973 failed to chart as did their only single released this year in "Go Now" backed by "Lazy Day". The members of the group went through some changes at this time as their manager “Clyde Stevers” decided to recruit members from his other small local band “Outer Drive”. This group should not be confused with the group “Outerdrive” that would form in the 90’s. He signed on “Bob Gilbert”, “Ray Knapp” and “Terry Stafford” as well as hiring “Craig Webb” on mandolin.
“Lion” records released the group from their contract and they next released the album "The Beginning - Vol. 5" this year on “Deram” records that was still their overseas distribution label but it to failed to chart. The group just toured the world for the next 2 years and finally re-entered the recording studio in mid 1975. They released next what would be their final record together titled "All Pink Inside" on “Fantasy” records and it too failed to make any of the charts. The group disappointed on not having a charting record in over 5 years finally officially disband in 1976. From this point on Thompson played guitar on albums for "The Staple Singers", "Curtis Mayfield", "Aretha Franklin" and "The Temptations". He next played drums on 2 albums for the Heavy Metal rock group "Q5". He would continue from the 80's to the present helping many other artists as an assistant, drummer, engineer, guitarist, keyboardist, mixer, programmer and in many other positions. A small tidbit about this group that very few people are aware of is that then “President Richard M. Nixon” was a huge fan of this group. He had invited the band to Washington DC for a meet and greet and also had them play three shows for him in Chicago, Miami and Toledo. Their US pop charting singles are listed below.
1. House Of The Rising Sun/Drivin’ Blues - Debut 02/07/70, Peaked at #7 (GOLD)
2. Sing A Song For Freedom/End Of The Line – Debut 07/25/70, Peaked at #55
3. Heartbreak Hotel/Bye Bye Blues – Debut 12/12/70, Peaked at #72
MAX FROST AND THE TROOPERS
This was a fictional group that was created for the Comedy Drama “Wild In The Streets” in 1968. The Movie starred “Christopher Jones” who was born “William Frank Jones” as “Max Flatow” playing “Max Frost”. Others in this Hippie type Film were "Army Archerd", "Ed Begley Sr.", “Larry Bishop”, "Dick Clark", “Kevin Coughlin”, "Hal Holbrook", "Richard Pryor", "Diane Varsi", “Barry Williams”, "Walter Winchell", "Shelley Winters" and others. Frost in this Movie plays a young Rock ‘N’ Roll singer that somehow gets the voting age dropped to 14. His main comment in the Film is "Don't trust anyone over 30” and the teenagers soon take over the United States. Frost forms his own band calling them “The Troopers” which includes “Richard Pryor” playing a cookbook author named “Stanley X” who becomes the groups’ drummer. By the end of the Movie Frost is elected as President of the United States and he orders everyone 30 and over into concentration type camps and they are all forced to take LSD. The group performs 5 songs in the Movie that were written by “Barry Mann” and “Cynthia Weil”.
Of course the group shown in the Movie is not the group really singing the songs as they lip sync except Frost. Some sources indicate the voices were from “Davie Allan & The Arrows”, some say it was studio musicians from “Mike Curb’s Sidewalk Productions” and some say it was the group “Stack”. The title song of the Film "Shape Of Things To Come" is released as a single with “Free Lovin’” also from the Movie on the B-side on “Tower” records on 7 September. This is not the same song performed by “The Headboys” or “Shapes Of Things” released by “The Yardbirds”. The record was a big hit and quickly shot up the charts peaking at #22 on the US pop singles chart. Since the record was such a unexpected hit “Tower” records asked “Mike Curb” to put a group of musicians together with Frost to tour and make appearances. Curb had a few of his backup musicians in the “Mike Curb Congregation” join Frost as “The Troopers”. The lead singer of this makeshift group would not be Frost but would be “Paul Wybier”. The soundtrack album from the Movie “Wild In The Streets” was released next with 10 songs performed by different artists but the album credited them all to “Davie Allan & The Arrows”.
The album went to #12 on the US pop album chart. “Tower” next released the groups’ debut album “Shape Of Things To Come” it would later be re-issued with the title of “Max Frost & The Troopers” but the record failed to chart. Before Jones/Frost starred in “Wild In The Streets” he played the part of “Jesse James” in the ABC TV series “The Legend Of Jesse James” from September 1965 to September 1966. His first Movie role was also in 1968 in the Romantic Drama “Chubasco”. It also starred "Norman Alden", "Richard Egan", "Preston S. Foster", "Simon Oakland", "Susan Strasberg", "Audrey Totter" and others. He also managed to squeeze in one final Film this year in the Comedy Farce “Three In The Attic”. This Movie also starred "John Beck", "Richard Derr", "Nan Martin", "Yvette Mimieux", "Judy Pace", "Maggie Thrett" and others. In 1969 “Tower” released 2 final singles by the group the first was "Fifty Two Percent" / "Max Frost Theme" followed by "Paxton Quigley's Had The Course" / "Sittin' In Circles" but they both failed to chart. “Tower” dissolved the makeshift group as Jones/Frost decided to make Movies and the other members returned to backing up Curb.
Jones now only going by this name and no longer using the name frost next starred in the Political Spy Thiller this year titled "The Looking Glass War". It also starred "Pia Degermark", "Angela Down", "Susan George", "Anthony Hopkins", "Paul Rogers", "Robert Urquhart", "Timothy West" and others. In 1970 he starred in the Romantic Drama "Ryan's Daughter". Others also starring in the Film were "Barry Foster", "Trevor Howard", "Marie Kean", "Leo McKern", "Sarah Miles", "John Mills", "Robert Mitchum" and others. In 1994 he was asked by Director “Quentin Tarantino” to star in the crime comedy “Pulp Fiction” but Jones turned him down and the part went to “John Travolta” instead. He did however star in one final Film in 1996 in the Crime Comedy "Mad Dog Time" also known as "Trigger Happy". This Movie had a star studded cast that included "Paul Anka", "Ellen Barkin", "Joey Bishop", "Gabriel Byrne", "Richard Dreyfuss", "Jeff Goldblum", "Gregory Hines", "Billy Idol", "Richard Pryor", "Rob Reiner", "Burt Reynolds" and others. In 1999 the E TV Network did a Documentary on him titled “Christopher Jones: The E! True Hollywood Story”.
1. Shape Of Things To Come/Free Lovin’ - Debut 09/07/68, Peaked at #22
SOME SONG LYRICS
YOU’RE SO FINE – THE FALCONS
You're so fine, you're so fine
You're mine, you're mine
I walk, and I talk, about you
I love you, I love you
I need you, I need you
I walk, and I talk, about you
There's nothing in the world as sweet as your kiss
So fine, so fine
Everytime we meet, my heart skips a beat
You're my first cup of coffee
My last cup of tea bass line
You're so fine, you're so fine
You're mine, you're mine
I walk, and I talk, about you
SO FINE – THE FIESTAS
So fine, so fine.
So fine, yeah.
My baby's so dog gone fine,
She loves me, come rain, come shine
Oh oh yeah so fine.
She thrills me, she thrills me
She thrills me, yeah.
My baby thrills me all the time.
She sends those chills up and down my spine,
Oh oh yeah so fine.
Well I know
She loves me so.
Well I know,
Because my baby tells me so-oh oh so fine.
So fine
So fine, yeah, My baby's so dog gone fine
She sends those chills up and down my spine,
Oh oh yeah, so fine.
YOU WERE MINE – THE FIREFLIES
You were mine at the time and the feeling was sublime
You were mine, you were mine, you were mine, you were mine
You were really, really mine
And I know that our love was a love of true love
Like a bird on the wing when he know it's early Spring
You were mine, you were mine, you were mine, you were mine
You were really, really mine
And I know that our love was a love of true love
But now, since you're gone, I'm so sad and alone
Remembering the love that we had for our own
Now I'll go on my way thinking of that lovely day
You were mine, you were mine, you were mine, you were mine
You were really, really mine
And I know that our love was a love of true love
SMILE A LITTLE SMILE FOR ME (ROSEMARIE) – FLYING MACHINE
You really should accept
This time he's gone for good
He'll never come back now
Even though he said he would
So, darling, dry your eyes
So many other guys
Would give the world I'm sure
To wear the shoes he wore
Oh, c'mon smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie
What's the use in cryin’?
In a little while you'll see, Rosemarie
You must keep on tryin'
I know that he hurt you bad
I know, darling, don't be sad and
Smile a little smile for me, Rosemarie, Rosemarie
I guess you're lonely now
Love's comin' to an end
But, darling, only now
Are you free to try again
Lift up your pretty chin
Don't let those tears begin
You're a big girl now
And you'll pull through somehow
SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME – MAX FROST & THE TROOPERS
There's a new sun
Risin' up angry in the sky
And there's a new voice
Sayin' "we're not afraid to die"
Let the old world make believe
It's blind and deaf and dumb
But nothing can change the shape of things to come
There are changes
Lyin' ahead in every road
And there are new thoughts
Ready and waiting to explode
When tomorrow is today
The bells may toll for some
But nothing can change the shape of things to come
The future's comin' in, now
Sweet and strong
Ain't no-one gonna hold it back for long
There are new dreams
Crowdin' out old realities
There's revolution
Sweepin' in like a fresh new breeze
Let the old world make believe
It's blind and deaf and dumb
JAGUARDOG’S FINAL THOUGHTS
This special posting of one-hit wonders is due to the fact that these artists had a very short career or had only a few charting records. I felt it was important to cover these artists that normally get lost in the shuffle, some you may have not heard from or about in many, many years or never heard of before today. I also wanted these artists who had a least one BIG Top 40 Hit to get some credit for helping to continue the tradition of good pop, rock and/or rock and roll music through history and to receive some overdue kudos. The songs I have posted lyrics for indicate my favorite songs from the lists of charting records from the different artists above with one exception and that is I also love “Frijid Pink’s” version of “House Of The Rising Sun”. Basically the same lyrics as “The Animals” version but a lot better guitar work here. I hope you enjoyed this somewhat different posting of mine which I hope to do more of in the future. I found many one hit wonders in the “F” category that I could have covered in 2 or 3 more parts today and the list above does not cover even half of them.
In my list below you will see not only other 1-hit wonder artists I could cover in the “F” category possibly in a future part 2 but also other artists that I have missed for one reason or another. They not only include a great list of 2-hit wonders but other artists as well. Please feel free to let me know in comments if you would like to see a part 2 of one hit wonders? How interested are you in a two hit wonders review or any names on the list I might have previously missed that I am not sure I will do a review on?
Oh and one more thing. Please, please feel free to point out any errors or mis-information here as I wish to be as accurate as I possibly can and thanks again!
As always thanks ever so much to everyone for dropping by, to read, rate and leave a comment if you have the time or inclination. I hope everyone has a Safe and Wonderful Weekend, don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night and God Bless You All!
POSSIBLE UPCOMING REVIEWS:
(F)
ONE HIT WONDERS
BARBARA FAIRCHILD
MAYNARD FERGUSON
FIVE STAIRSTEPS, THE
SHELBY FLINT
FLIRTATIONS, THE
FLOATERS, THE
FOCUS
BEN FOLDS FIVE
FRANKIE FORD
DAVID FOSTER
FOUR JACKS & A JILL
FOUR NON BLONDES
FOUR VAGABONDS, THE
FOUR VOICES, THE
INEZ FOXX
FREE MOVEMENT, THE
ACE FREHLEY
NICKI FRENCH
FRIDA
FRIEND AND LOVER
FUZZ, THE
TWO HIT WONDERS
SHELLEY FABRES
FALCO
FANCY
FANTASTIC JOHNNY C, THE
DONNA FARGO
FASTBALL
FAT BOYS
JAY FERGUSON
MISS TONI FISHER
FIVE MAN ELECTRICAL BAND, THE
FLAMINGOS, THE
KING FLOYD
FOUNDATIONS, THE
FOUR ESQUIRES, THE
FOUR FRESHMEN, THE
FOXY
BOBBY FULLER FOUR, THE
ALL OTHERS
FAITH BAND
PERCY FAITH & HIS ORCHESTRA
FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY
NARVEL FELTS
FREDDY FENDER
FERRANTE & TEICHER
FEVER TREE
SALLY FIELD
FIREBALLS, THE
FIREFALL
FIREHOUSE
EDDIE FISHER
ELLA FITZGERALD
FIVE KEYS, THE
FIVE STAR
FIXX, THE
FLAMING EMBER, THE
FLATT & SCRUGGS
FLEETWOODS, THE
FLOCK OF SEAGULLS, A
EDDIE FLOYD
JOHN FOGERTY
FOGHAT
RED FOLEY
FONTAINE SISTERS, THE
FOO FIGHTERS, THE
TENNESSEE ERNIE FORD
FORTUNES, THE
FOUR ACES, THE
FOUR COINS, THE
FOUR KING SISTERS, THE
FOUR KNIGHTS, THE
FOUR LADS, THE
FOUR PREPS, THE
FOUR TUNES, THE
SAMANTHA FOX
FRANKE & THE KNOCKOUTS
STAN FREBERG
LEFTY FRIZZELL
FROGMEN, THE
FUGEES
BILLY FURY
SOME MUSIC SOURCES USED INCLUDE:
http://www.allmovie.com
http://www.allmusic.com
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.ask.com
http://www.billboard.com
http://www.bsnpubs.com/discog.html
http://www.cduniverse.com
http://www.ebay.com
http://www.google.com
http://www.icebergradio.com
http://www.imdb.com
http://www.lyricsfind.com
http://www.rollingstone.com
http://www.tvtome.com
http://www.sing365.com
http://www.spaceagepop.com/index.htm
AND
http://www.angelfire.com/pop2/fireflies
http://www.officialfilter.com/rich_words.php
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
JAGUARDOG
|
 - Top 100 |
|
Member: Ron Drain
Location: Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Reviews written: 235
Trusted by: 494 members
About Me:
I LOVE Music/TV/Movies & sports like Football - NFL/College, Baseball, Olympics - Summer/Winter and Wrestling.
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.