1. RICK NELSON - One of the stars of TV's "The Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet" in the late 50's & early 60's, Ricky got his start by singing a song on the show every week. This helped catapult interest and sales for him and launched him to stardom as a singer/guitarist. His band featured the legendary guitarist James Burton who played on most of his hits. In the late 50's, starting with 1957, came "A Teenager's Romance" "I'm Walking" "You're My One And Only Love" "Be-Bop Baby" "Stood Up" "Waitin' In School" "Believe What You Say" "My Bucket's Got A Hole In It" "Poor Little Fool" "Lonesome Town" "I Got A Feeling" 'Never Be Anyone Else But You" "It's Late" "Just A Little Too Much" and "Sweeter Than You". Starting with 1960 came "I Wanna Be Loved" "Young Emotions" "I'm Not Afraid" "You Are The Only One" "Travelin' Man" "Hello Mary Lou" "A Wonder Like You" "Everlovin' " "Young World" "Teen Age Idol" "Fools Rush In" "For You" "Congratulations" and "The Very Thought Of You". Died in a plane crash in Texas on New Year's Eve 1985. One of the first teen idols of rock and roll.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - Both "Hello Mary Lou" / "Travelin' Man" on the same 45. A true double side hit.
2. NEWBEATS - Pop trio from Texas featuring the falsetto voice of Larry Henley. Their hits were "Bread And Butter" "Everything's Alright" "Break Away" "Run, Baby, Run" and "Groovin" (Out On Life)
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Run, Baby, Run"
3. NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS - Folk group founded in early 60's. Featured Barry McGuire ("Eve Of Destruction" fame) and Kenny Rogers. Charted songs were "This Land Is Your Land" "Green, Green" "Saturday Night" and "Today"
4. NEW COLONY SIX - Soft rock group from Chicago had several mid-charted songs. They hit the top 10 in Detroit with "Things I'd Like To Say" in 1969. Other songs were "I Will Always Think About You" "Love You So Much" "Can't You See Me Cry" and "I Could Never Lie To You"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Things I'd Like To Say"
PAT'S FAVORITE 'B' SIDE - "Hold Me With Your Eyes" 'B' side of "I Will Always Think About You"
5. 1910 FRUITGUM CO. - Bubblegum group from New Jersey. Had 3 top 10 hits. "Simon Says" "1,2,3 Red Light" and "Indian Giver". Other mid charted songs included "Goody Goody Gumdrops" "Special Delivery" and "May I Take A Giant Step"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Indian Giver"
6. OHIO EXPRESS - Bubblegum group from Ohio featuring the lead vocals of Joey Levine. Had their first charted song in 1967 with "Beg, Borrow And Steal" and then hit it big in 1968 with "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy". Other mid-charted songs were "Down At Lulu's" "Chewy Chewy" "Mercy" and "Sausalito". As a young teenager, I was a big fan of bubblegum music and was teased about it by my mean brother Mike.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - Gotta be "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy"
PAT'S FAVORITE 'B' SIDES - There are 2 of them. "Maybe" 'B' side of "Beg, Borrow And Steal" and "She's Not Coming Home" 'B' side of "Down At Lulu's"
7. ROY ORBISON - The man from Texas with one of most incredible multi-range voices in rock and roll. Had a minor hit in 1956 with "Ooby Dooby". Starting in 1960 came a parade of hits "Only The Lonely" "Blue Angel" "I'm Hurtin" "Running Scared" "Crying" "Candy Man" "Dream Baby" "In Dreams" "Falling" "Mean Woman Blues" "Blue Bayou" "Pretty Paper" "It's Over" and his biggest hit in 1964, "Oh, Pretty Woman". Other mid charted songs included "Goodnight" "Ride Away" " and "Leah". Died of a heart attack in 1988.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Oh, Pretty Woman"
8. OUTSIDERS - Group from Cleveland had 4 charted songs. "Time Won't Let Me" "Girl In Love" "Respectable" and "Help Me Girl". Lead singer Sonny Geraci had a hit in early 70's with Climax "Precious & Few"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Time Won't Let Me"
9. PETER, PAUL & MARY - One of most popular folk groups of the 60's was formed in New York City. Their first hit was "Lemon Tree" in 1962 followed by "If I Had A Hammer" "Puff The Magic Dragon" "Blowin" In The Wind" "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right". Had mid charted songs with "Stewball" "Tell It On The Mountain" and "For Lovin' Me". In 1967 they hit the top ten with "I Dig Rock & Roll Music". Also had "Day Is Done" "Too Much Of Nothing" and their biggest hit was in 1969 with "Leaving On A Jet Plane".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Too Much Of Nothing"
10. GENE PITNEY - Multi-talented singer composer from Connecticut. His biggest hits were "Town Without Pity" "(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance" "Only Love Can Break A Heart" "Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa" "It Hurts To Be In Love" "I'm Gonna Be Strong" and "She's A Heartbreaker". Mid charted songs were "(I Wanna) Love My Life Away" "Every Breath I Take" "Half Heaven-Half Heartache" "Mecca" "Last Chance To Turn Around" "Looking Through The Eyes Of Love" "Princess In Rags" and "Backstage".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "It Hurts To Be In Love"
11. ELVIS PRESLEY - The King Of Rock And Roll was born in Tupelo, Mississippi and discovered in Memphis.
His many hits could take up this entire page. His biggest 50's hits were "Heartbreak Hotel" "Blue Suede Shoes" "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" "Don't Be Cruel" "Hound Dog" "Love Me Tender" "Love Me" "Too Much" "All Shook Up" "Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear" "Jailhouse Rock" "Don't" "I Beg Of You" "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" "Hard Headed Woman" "One Night" "I Got Stung" "(Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I" "I Need Your Love Tonight" and "A Big Hunk O' Love". That was just the 50's. The 60's brought us "Stuck On You" "It's Now Or Never" "Are You Lonesome Tonight" "Surrender" "I Feel So Bad" "Marie's The Name His Latest Flame" "Little Sister" "Can't Help Falling In Love" "Good Luck Charm" "She's Not You" "Return To Sender" "One Broken Heart For Sale" "(You're The) Devil In Disguise" "Bossa Nova Baby" "Crying In The Chapel" "If I Can Dream" "In The Ghetto" and "Suspicious Minds" He also had numerous 'B' sides which also charted. He had numerous mid charted songs most notably "Memories" "U.S. Male" "A Little Less Conversation" "Guitar Man" "Love Letters" "Tell Me Why" "Ask Me" "I'm Yours". The list goes on and on. Died in August 1977 at age 42.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - Too many to mention.
PAT'S FAVORITE DOUBLE-SIDED HIT - "Hound Dog" / "Don't Be Cruel"
12. GARY PUCKETT & THE UNION GAP - Formed in San Diego by Gary Puckett (Lead singer, guitarist). Group would have 6 top ten hits from 1967 to 1969. They were "Woman, Woman" "Young Girl" "Lady Willpower" Over You" "Don't Give In To Him" and "This Girl Is A Woman Now". They would a few more mid charted songs in the early 70's, including "Let's Give Adam & Eve Another Chance".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Lady Willpower" (from summer of 1968)
13. RASCALS - Formed in New York City in 1964 as the 'Young Rascals'. Became 'The Rascals' in 1968. Had several big hits such as "Good Lovin' " "I've Been Lonely So Long" "Groovin' " "A Girl Like You" "How Can I Be Sure" "A Beautiful Morning" and "People Got To Be Free". Mid charted songs include "I Ain't Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore" "You Better Run" "Come On Up" "It's Wonderful" "A Ray Of Hope" "Heaven" "See" and "Carry Me Back"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Groovin' "
14. PAUL REVERE & THE RAIDERS - Formed in Idaho, moved to L.A. in 1965. Had their own late afternoon TV show produced by Dick Clark "Where The Action Is" starting in 1965. This helped them get some hits going starting with "Steppin' Out" "Just Like Me" "Kicks" "Hungry" "Good Thing" "Him Or Me-What's It Gonna Be?" "I Had A Dream" "Too Much Talk" "Don't Take It So Hard" "Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon" "Let Me" "We Gotta All Get Together" "Indian Reservation" and "Birds Of A Feather". Mid charted songs include "Like, Long Hair" "The Great Airplane Strike" "Ups And Downs" "Peace Of Mind" "Cinderella Sunshine" "Country Wine" and "Powder Blue Mercedes Queen". Featuring Mark Lindsay on vocals and Paul Revere on keyboards, the group had numerous personnel changes through the years. Remember Fang? (Phil Volk) He had his name taped on the back of his guitar.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - I have 2 - "Hungry" and "Him Or Me"
15. RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS - Duo formed in 1962, Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield. Their first big hit was "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' " in 1965. Other big hits were "Just Once In My Life" "Unchained Melody" "Ebb Tide" and "(You're My) Soul And Inspiration". Mid charted songs include "Little Latin Lupe Lu" "Justine" "Hung On You" "He" and "Go Ahead And Cry". Phil Spector produced 3 of their top ten hits with his 'Wall Of Sound'.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - Again I have 2..."You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and "Unchained Melody"
16. JOHNNY RIVERS - Born in NYC, raised in Lousiana, discovered in L.A. He recorded many songs for different labels before hitting with "Memphis" in 1964. Many hits followed including "Maybelline" "Mountain Of Love" "Midnight Special" "Seventh Son" "Secret Agent Man" "Poor Side Of Town" "Baby, I Need Your Lovin' " "The Tracks Of My Tears" and "Summer Rain". His mid charted songs included "Where have All The Flowers Gone" "Under Your Spell Again" "Muddy Water" "Look To Your Soul" and "Muddy River"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Poor Side Of Town"
17. TOMMY ROE - Pop singer from Atlanta. First hit was in 1962 "Sheila". Other hits were "Everybody" "Sweet Pea" "Hooray For Hazel" and "Dizzy" . Mid charted songs were "It's Now Winter's Day" "Come On" "Susie Darlin' and "Heather Honey".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Sweet Pea"
18. KENNY ROGERS & FIRST EDITION - He was in the New Christy Minstrels. Left and formed the First Editon in 1967. Had 4 charted songs in the late 60's with them. "Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)" "But You Know I Love You" "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town" and "Ruben James". He would have a few more hits with the First Edition in the early 70's and left the group in 1973 to go solo.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Just Dropped In"
19. BILLY JOE ROYAL - Singer from Georgia had 3 big hits in the 60's. "Down In The Boondocks" "I Knew You When" and "Cherry Hill Park"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Down In The Boondocks"
20. ROYAL GUARDSMEN - Group from Florida had 4 hits in the 60's, 3 of them were novelty hits. "Snoopy vs. The Red Baron" "The Return Of The Red Baron" "Snoopy's Christmas" and a beautiful song "Baby, Let's Wait".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Baby, Let's Wait"
21. BOBBY RYDELL - Teen idol of the early 60's and my sister Laurie's favorite. Born in Philadelphia, had his first hits in 1959 with "Kissin' Time" and "We Got Love". In 1960 came "Wild One" "Swingin' School" "Volare" "Good Time Baby" "I've Got Bonnie" "I'll Never Dance Again" "The Cha-Cha-Cha" and "Forget Him". Mid charted songs he had include "I Dig Girls" "Little Bitty Girl" "Ding-A-Ling" "That Old Black Magic" "The Fish" "I Wanna Thank You" "Butterfly Baby" and "Wildwood Days". Was in the movie "Bye Bye Birdie" with Ann-Margaret.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "The Cha-Cha-Cha"
LAURIE'S FAVORITE SONG - "Wild One"
22. SAM THE SHAM & THE PHARAOHS - Group from Dallas featured Domingo 'Sam' Samudio lead singer. Hit it big with "Wooly Bully" in 1965. His other big hit was "Lil' Red Riding Hood" in 1966. Other songs were "The Hair On My Chinny Chin Chin" "Oh That's Good, No That's Bad" "Ju Ju Hand" "Ring Dang Doo" and "How Do You Catch A Girl"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Lil' Red Riding Hood"
23. LINDA SCOTT - From Queens, New York. Had her first hit in 1961 with "I've Told Every Little Star" also hit with "Don't Bet Money, Honey" and "I Don't Know Why". She was a co-host on 'Where The Action Is' with Paul Revere & The Raiders in 1965.
24. NEIL SEDAKA - Born in Brooklyn, He had many hits in the late 50's and early 60's. Starting with "The Diary" "Oh Carol" "Little Devil" "Stairway To Heaven" (don't even think it) "Calendar Girl" "Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen" "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" and "Next Door To An Angel" Mid charted songs include "I Go Ape" "You Mean Everything To Me" "Sweet Little You" "King Of Clowns" "Alice In Wonderland" "Let's Go Steady Again" "The Dreamer" and "Bad Girl".
25. BOB SEGER - Bob Seger was born in Dearborn and had a popular band around the Detroit area in the 60's. His first charted song was "East Side Story". "Persecution Smith" was in early 1967 then came his classic "Heavy Music" went to #1 in the Detroit area. This song should've been a national hit but the label he was on (Cameo Records ) folded in late 1967 right as his song was breaking. The result was no promotion and the song quickly died. In 1968 he signed with Capitol records and released "2+2=?" as a single. The song was again a top ten hit in Detroit, but went nowhere nationally. In the fall of 1968 came "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" which was a huge hit here and went to #16 nationally. Seger was unable to follow up the national hit with another hit. "Ivory" was the follow up and didn't chart. In 1969 he had a summertime hit in Detroit with "Noah", but again no luck nationally. Bob Seger decided to quit the music biz and go to school. Thank God that didn't last long. He would finally hit stardom in the mid-70's.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "2 + 2 = ?"
PAT'S FAVORITE OBSCURE SONG - "Ballad Of The Yellow Beret" by the Beach Bums (Seger lead vocal)
26. SHADOWS OF KNIGHT - Chicago garage band had 3 charted songs in the 60's. Their biggest hit was "Gloria" in 1966. "Oh Yeah" and "Shake" were the other 2 songs.
27. SHANGRI-LAS - Girl group from Queens, New York consisting of 2 sets of sisters. Had several charted songs. Their first hit was "Remember (Walkin' In The Sand)" "Leader Of The Pack" was their biggest hit. "Give Him A Great Big Kiss" and "I Can Never Go Home Anymore" were also hits. Mid charted songs were "Out In The Streets" "Give Us Your Blessings" "Long Live Our Love" and "He Cried".
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Leader Of The Pack"
28. DEL SHANNON - Michigan born singer/guitarist hit it big in 1961 with "Runaway". "Hats Off To Larry" "Little Town Flirt" and "Keep Searchin' (We'll Follow The Sun)" were the other big hits. Mid charted songs include "So Long Baby" "Hey! Little Girl" "Two Kind Of Teardrops" "Handy Man" and "Stranger In Town"
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Runaway"
29. SIMON & GARFUNKEL - Awesome folk-rock duo from New York City. Featuring the great songwriting,vocals and guitar playing by Paul Simon, and the angelic voice of Art Garfunkel. The hits were "The Sounds Of Silence" "Homeward Bound" "I Am A Rock" "The Dangling Conversation" "A Hazy Shade Of Winter" "At The Zoo" "Fakin' It" "Scarborough Fair" "Mrs. Robinson" and "The Boxer". They would release another album in 1970 "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and would split up. Their music was featured in the hit movie "The Graduate" with Dustin Hoffman.
PAT'S FAVORITE SONG - "Mrs. Robinson"
PAT'S FAVORITE ALBUM - "Bookends"
PAT'S FAVORITE LP CUT - "America" from "Bookends"
PAT'S FAVORITE 'B' SIDE - "April Come She Will" 'B' side of "Scarborough Fair"
