1963 One Hit Wonders & Artists Known For One Song |
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A Stranger In Your Town The Shacklefords The Shacklefords were a folk-pop group formed by songwriter and country music artist Lee Hazlewood and his then-wife, Suzi Jane Hokom. Their name was a direct nod to Hokom’s ancestry. |
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Ain’t Gonna Kiss Ya The Ribbons The Ribbons were an American girl group from the 60s, who are most noted for their work with the legendary producer, Perry Botkin Jr., who later achieved success composing music for numerous films and television shows. |
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At The Shore Johnny Caswell Johnny Caswell was a Philadelphia singer who had only a few minor hits. However, he later became a successful music industry executive, working for Chrysalis Music for over three decades. |
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Baby I Do Love You The Galens The Galens were a pop vocal group from New York. Despite releasing several singles, they had limited commercial success and remain relatively obscure. |
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Baja The Astronauts The Astronauts were an American rock and roll band, who, despite their Colorado roots, were notably successful in Japan. They were also known for their instrumental surf music, a rarity for a landlocked group. |
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Bony Maronie The Appalachians The Appalachians were a rock band from the mid-1960s. Little is known about them except that they covered songs from various genres, including R&B and rock’n’roll. |
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Boss The Rumblers The Rumblers, formed in California in the early 60s, were an instrumental surf group. They were signed by the Downey label, which was known for promoting local talent. |
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Brenda The Cupids The Cupids were a doo-wop group from the late 1950s and early 1960s, although much about their history remains unclear. Not to be confused with several other groups of the same name, this particular Cupids group recorded on the NRC label. |
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Bust Out The Busters The Busters were an instrumental surf rock band that formed in the early 1960s. They were most well-known for their hit single, “Bust Out.” |
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Cast Your fate To The Wind Vince Guaraldi Trio The Vince Guaraldi Trio, led by pianist and composer Vince Guaraldi, gained fame for their jazz soundtrack recordings for the Peanuts animated television specials. |
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Coney Island Baby The Excellents The Excellents were an American doo-wop group from the 1960s. Despite the group’s short lifespan, their song “Coney Island Baby” remains a classic in the genre. |
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Daughter The Blenders The Blenders were a R&B vocal quartet from the late 1950s and early 1960s. They were led by Tommy Hunt, who later had a successful solo career and became popular in the UK’s Northern Soul scene. |
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Dawn David Rockingham Trio David Rockingham was a noted jazz organist known for his rhythmic R&B style. His trio is best remembered for their danceable organ instrumentals. |
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Dear Abby The Hearts The Hearts, an American doo-wop group, had multiple iterations over the years, with the most famous line-up including future solo star Baby Washington. |
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Denise Randy & the Rainbows Randy & the Rainbows, an American doo-wop group, had their biggest hit with the song “Denise, ” later successfully covered by Blondie, with the title altered to “Denis.” |
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Dominique The Singing Nun The Singing Nun, real name Jeanine Deckers, was a Belgian nun who topped the charts with her song “Dominique”. She later left the convent and released music under the name Luc Dominique. |
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Don’t Let Me Cross Over Carl Butler Carl Butler was a country music artist whose partnership with his wife Pearl made them one of the most popular duos on the country scene in the 1960s. |
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Echo The Emotions The Emotions, a girl group from Brooklyn, are best known for their hit “Echo.” Despite their name, they are not related to the famous Chicago-based soul group of the same name. |
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El Watusi Ray Barretto Ray Barretto, a Puerto Rican conga drummer and band leader, was a leading figure in the development of Latin jazz and salsa music. |
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Enamorado Keith Colley Keith Colley was a pop singer and songwriter in the 1960s, who later co-wrote “Sugar, Sugar” for the animated group The Archies. |
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Groovy Baby Billy Abbott and the Jewels The group was not a traditional band but a creation of the record industry, specifically crafted for the recording of “Groovy Baby”. |
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Heart Kenny Chandler Chandler is actually known for his solo career in pop music during the 1960s, and “Heart” was one of his charting hits. |
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Hello Muddud Hello Fadduh! (A Letter From Camp) Alan Sherman Sherman was known for his comedy and parody music. He was a successful television producer in the early 1960s before turning to music. |
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He’s Mine (I Love Him Love Him Love Him) Alice Wonder Land Alice Wonder Land was the stage name for American singer and songwriter Alice Faye Henderson, who had a short but interesting music career in the early 60s. |
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Hey Lover Debbie Dovale Dovale was a one-hit-wonder with her song “Hey Lover,” but she transitioned into a successful career in real estate. |
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Hootenanny The Glencoves The Glencoves was a folk group formed in 1961. They were a part of the American folk music revival that occurred during the early and mid-1960s. |
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Hot Pastrami The Dartells The Dartells were a band that formed in high school, known for their garage-rock sound. |
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How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? Baby Jane and the Rockabyes Despite their name, Baby Jane and the Rockabyes was an all-female group from New York, known for recording cover versions of popular hits of the time. |
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I Know I Know Pookie Hudson Pookie Hudson was the lead singer of the doo-wop group “The Spaniels,” who are best known for the hit “Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite”. |
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I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight Barry and the Tamerlanes Barry and the Tamerlanes was a musical trio led by Barry DeVorzon who later became a successful songwriter and record producer. |
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I’m Just A Country Boy George McCurn George McCurn was an American actor and singer, best known for his role in the TV series “General Hospital” and for singing soulful ballads. |
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I’m Movin’ On Matt Lucas Matt Lucas was known for his dynamic performance style and strong vocal abilities, especially his impressive falsetto. |
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I’m Not A Fool Any More T.K. Hulin T.K. Hulin is a Cajun Swamp Pop musician from Louisiana who began his career at the age of 16. |
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If I Had A Hammer Trini Lopez Trini Lopez was a singer, guitarist, and actor, who gained popularity with his live nightclub performances in the mid-1960s. |
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It Hurts To Be Sixteen Andrea Carroll Andrea Carroll was a pop singer from the 1960s whose real name was Andrea Lee DeCapua. |
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It Won’t Be This Way (Always) The King Pins The King Pins were a short-lived American doo-wop group from the 60s, whose members later found success in other musical endeavors. |
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Jenny Brown The Smothers Brothers The Smothers Brothers were actually a comedy duo who incorporated music into their routines. They had their own TV show, “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour”. |
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Just One Look Doris Troy Doris Troy worked as a backup singer for luminaries such as Dionne Warwick, before embarking on a solo career. |
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Little Band Of Gold James Gilreath James Gilreath was a Mississippi-born pop singer who primarily recorded in pop and country genres. |
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Little Eeefin Annie Joe Perkins Joe Perkins was a soul singer, whose unique style of “eeefing” (a form of vocal percussion/beatboxing) made this song a novelty hit. |
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Little Star Bobby Callender Bobby Callender was a singer-songwriter who embraced Eastern philosophy and musical styles later in his career, exploring fusion of Indian music with Western popular music. |
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Little Tin Soldier The Toy Dolls Los Angeles pre-teen duo Susan Leslie and Libby Redwine. |
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Long Tall Texan Murry Kellum Murry Kellum was a country music artist from the 60s who is remembered for this song which became a hit in both the Country and Pop charts. |
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Louie Louie The Kingsmen The Kingsmen are considered one-hit wonders; however, they have a significant place in rock and roll history due to the FBI investigating their song “Louie Louie” for supposed obscene lyrics. |
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Mama Didn’t Lie Jan Bradley Jan Bradley is a soul singer who was discovered while still in high school, and she worked with Curtis Mayfield early in her career. |
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Martian Hop The Ran-Dells The Ran-Dells were a musical trio of cousins who are considered one-hit wonders with “Martian Hop” which combined doo-wop with themes of space travel, a novelty at that time. |
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Memory Lane The Hippies The Hippies were a surf rock band from Southern California who incorporated vocal harmonies reminiscent of the Beach Boys. |
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Miserlou Dick Dale Dick Dale, known as “The King of Surf Guitar,” was a pioneer in the development of the electric guitar in the United States. His work would later be widely recognized and sampled in popular culture. |
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Mockingbird Inez with Charlie Foxx Charlie Foxx performed with his sister Inez. Their most successful song was their version of “Mockingbird”. Despite their successes as a duo, they eventually embarked on solo careers. |
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More Kai Winding Kai Winding was a popular Danish trombonist and jazz composer who spent much of his career performing in big bands. |
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Mr. Bass Man Johnny Cymbal Johnny Cymbal was a Scottish-born American songwriter and singer, best remembered for this novelty song. He later adopted a pseudonym, Derek, and had another hit called “Cinnamon”. |
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My Coloring Book Sandy Stewart Sandy Stewart is a pop singer and TV personality, most active in the 1950s and 60s. She also appeared regularly on the “Perry Como Show”. |
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My Wife Can’t Cook Lonnie Russ Lonnie Russ was a soul and R&B singer. While he didn’t have many chart hits, he is recognized in Northern Soul circles. |
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Native Girl Elephant walk Donald Jenkins Donald Jenkins was a member of the Delighters, an R&B vocal group from Chicago, before going solo. He’s known for his smooth vocal delivery. |
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Our Day Will Come Ruby & The Romantics Ruby & The Romantics were an American R&B group, known for being the first ones to score a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with a song in the Bossa Nova style. |
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On Top Of Spaghetti Tom Glazer Tom Glazer was a folk singer and songwriter known for his children’s music. He also wrote a book on folk music collecting and wrote songs for adults. |
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Our Winter Is Love Bill Pursell Bill Pursell is a composer and session pianist. He has worked with the likes of Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, and Patsy Cline. |
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Pipeline The Chantays The Chantays were a surf rock band from Santa Ana, California. They formed while the members were still in high school. |
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Please Don’t Kiss Me Again The Charmettes The Charmettes were a girl group from the early 60s. They only released a handful of singles, but they have a dedicated fan base among collectors of girl group music. |
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Please Don’t Talk To The Lifeguard Diane Ray Diane Ray was a pop singer, best known for this song, which was her only hit. She was discovered at a talent show in Milwaukee. |
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Popsicles and Icicles The Murmaids The Murmaids were a one-hit-wonder all-female trio from Los Angeles. Despite their short-lived success, they are remembered as one of the seminal girl groups of the 60s. |
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Preacherman Charlie Russo Charlie Russo was a pop singer, primarily active in the 1960s. Despite not achieving widespread success, his songs are appreciated by collectors of rare 60s pop. |
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Puddin N Train (Ask Me Again I’ll Tell You The Same) The Alley Cats The Alley Cats were an American doo-wop group who are known for their energetic a cappella performances. |
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Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be Will Be) The High Keyes The High Keyes were an American vocal group. Their rendition of “Que Sera Sera” is a rare example of a popular song being reimagined as a soul track. |
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Red Pepper I Roosevelt Foundation Roosevelt Fountain was a blues drummer from Texas. He led his own band, the Pens of Rhythm. |
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Remember Then The Earls The Earls, sometimes credited as Larry Chance and the Earls, were a popular doo-wop group in the 1960s. They are best known for their close harmonies. |
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Sally Go ‘Round The Roses The Jaynetts The Jaynetts were a Bronx-based girl group, best known for this song. They had a constantly changing line-up and are considered a one-hit wonder. |
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Saltwater Taffy Morty Jay Morty Jay, a radio DJ, recorded this novelty song under a pseudonym. Despite not having a long recording career, he significantly impacted radio. |
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Sax Fifth Avenue Johnny Beecher Johnny Beecher was a pseudonym for Plas Johnson, an accomplished saxophonist who played as a session musician on numerous records. |
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Say Wonderful Things Ronnie Carroll Ronnie Carroll was a Northern Irish singer and political candidate. He represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest twice, in 1962 and 1963. |
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Shake A Tailfeather The Five Du-Tones The Five Du-Tones were an American rhythm, blues, and soul vocal group from St. Louis, Missouri. They had some minor success in the 1960s with their dance instruction records. |
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Shake Me I Rattle (Squeeze Me I Cry) Marion Worth Marion Worth was a country music singer in the 1960s and had several minor hits on the country charts. She was also a frequent guest on the Grand Ole Opry. |
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Spring Birdlegs and Pauline Birdlegs and Pauline was a duo comprised of Pauline Shivers and David “Birdlegs” Parker. They had a minor R&B hit but are generally considered a one-hit wonder. |
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Sukiaki Kyu Sakamoto Kyu Sakamoto was a Japanese singer and actor, known for his international hit “Sukiyaki”. He tragically died in the Japan Airlines Flight 123 crash in 1985. |
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Summer’s Comin’ Kirby St. Romain Kirby St. Romain was a pop singer and songwriter from Louisiana. He released several singles in the 1960s but never achieved widespread fame. |
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Summertime Chris Columbo Quintet Chris Columbo was a jazz drummer and bandleader. He was a prominent figure in the jazz scene of the mid-20th century and played with Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. |
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Surfer Street The Allisons The Allisons were a British pop duo consisting of Brian Alford and Colin Day. They represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1961. |
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Swinging On A Star Big Dee Irwin and Little Eva Big Dee Irwin was an American singer and songwriter. He started his career as a member of the doo-wop group The Pastels, before embarking on a solo career. Little Eva was most known for her hit song “The Loco-Motion”. |
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The Boy Next Door The Secrets The Secrets were a girl group formed in Cleveland, Ohio in the early 1960s. Despite a promising start, they only had one hit before disbanding. |
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The Cinnamon Cinder (It’s A Very Nice Dance) The Pastel Six The Pastel Six was an instrumental rock band from California. Despite their short-lived career, they were one of the many bands contributing to the surf music craze in the early 1960s. |
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The Ten Commandments Of Love James MacArthur James MacArthur was an American actor best known for his role as “Danno” in the original version of the television series “Hawaii Five-O”. He also dabbled in singing, with this being one of his songs. |
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Till Then The Classics The Classics were a white doo-wop group from Brooklyn, New York. They had four other songs taht teetered on the Billboard Charts. |
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Toys In The Attic Joe Sherman Joe Sherman was an American songwriter and conductor. He composed music for numerous films and television series. |
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Unchained Melody Vito and The Salutations Vito and The Salutations were a doo-wop group known for their uptempo versions of popular ballads. Their version of “Unchained Melody” was featured in the film “Goodfellas”. |
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Walk Right In The Moments The Moments were an American R&B vocal group whose biggest hits came in the 1970s. They changed their name to Ray, Goodman & Brown in 1978 due to a legal dispute. |
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Walk Right In The Rooftop Singers The Rooftop Singers were an American folk trio known for their hit “Walk Right In”. The group was put together specifically to record the song. |
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Walking The Dog Rufus Thomas Rufus Thomas was a legendary R&B and soul music figure known for his energetic performances. He also worked as a radio DJ in Memphis. |
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Washington Square The Village Stompers The Village Stompers were an American dixieland jazz group. Their biggest hit, “Washington Square”, led to them performing on a number of television variety shows. |
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Watermelon Man Mongo Santamaria Mongo Santamaria was a Cuban percussionist and band leader, known for his Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms. “Watermelon Man” was one of his biggest hits. |
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What Are Boys Made Of The Percells The Percells were a girl group from New York City. They released only a few singles before disbanding. |
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Who Stole The Keeshka? The Matys Brothers The Matys Brothers were an American polka band from the 1950s. They had several hits on the Billboard pop chart. |
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Wipe Out The Surfaris The Surfaris were an American surf rock band known for their instrumental songs, the most famous of which is “Wipe Out”. |
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Wiggle Wobble Les Cooper Les Cooper was an American musician and songwriter, known for his instrumental hit “Wiggle Wobble”. He was also a member of The Empires and The Whirlers. |
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Wild Weekend The Rebels The Rebels were an instrumental rock band from Buffalo, New York. “Wild Weekend” was originally written as a theme for a radio show. |
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Wonderful Summer Robin Ward Robin Ward was an American singer, primarily known for her 1963 hit “Wonderful Summer”. She later became a successful session singer. |
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Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart The Furys The Furys were an American doo-wop group from the late 1950s to early 1960s. Despite having some local success, they are relatively unknown today. |