The McCoys

The Rick Z Combo formed in Indiana, in 1962. Thence this band became known as Rick and The Raiders before eventually evolving into the rock group, The McCoys. It was under this name that it experienced its initial and most successful hit, “Hang On Sloopy”, in 1965. This recording sold well in excess of a million copies.

http://youtu.be/Gi1WXYHHc2s

As the group sought to find sequential glory, it turned to reviving hits from the past. “Fever” had initially entered the charts for Little Willie John, in 1956 — two years before Peggy Lee’s definitive version — and “Come On Let’s Go” had meant success for the late Richie Valens, in 1958. “Fever” did rise as high as No.7 on Billboard’s pop chart for The McCoys but “Come On Let’s Go” could climb no higher than No.22, and was a sign of things to come.

http://youtu.be/saBtR_wv070

The B-side of “Fever”, “Sorrow”, was covered by the British male vocal duo, The Merseys, and peaked at No.4, in 1966, on the British singles charts. “Sorrow” was again revived, in 1973, this time by the significantly more famous David Bowie, who, on this occasion, took it to No.3 in Britain.

http://youtu.be/iDWCsp3Y-oU

“Hang On Sloopy” is just one title named in the list of my favourite recordings, located in the suggested playlists. I shall be adding to this list from time to time.

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