Top Hits of 1962

In 1962, we finished sophomore year and in September began our junior year. Here were some of the top hits of the year.

1. Little Eva, "The Loco-Motion"
1962 rock and roll featured a lot of Girl Groups and Dance Crazes, and this fabulous single was a highwater mark of both genres. A legendary Goffin-King composition, created before there was a dance of the same name. Originally written for Dee Dee Sharp. Those are the Cookies on backup.
2. The Crystals, "He's A Rebel"
Phil Spector begins his Wall of Sound producing on this Gene Pitney composition. Darlene Love is here backed by a group called the Blossoms; the actual Crystals are nowhere to be found.
3. Dion, "The Wanderer"
The former Belmonts singer moves out of doo-wop.
4. Sam Cooke, "Having A Party" b/w "Bring It On Home To Me"
The year's greatest two-sided hit.
5. Elvis Presley, "Can't Help Falling In Love"
6. Booker T. and the MGs, "Green Onions"
MG stood for "Memphis Group." The MG's were Stax's house band.
7. Gene Chandler, "Duke Of Earl"
Who can forget "Dook Dook Dook Dook of Earl"? A late-period doo-wop classic.
8. Ray Charles, "I Can't Stop Loving You"
9. The Four Seasons, "Big Girls Don't Cry"
The group's second hit, following "Sherry." Highlighted by Frankie Valli's falsetto turns.
10. The Contours, "Do You Love Me"
Few remember this as one of Motown's big early hits. Yet it was: Berry Gordy had written this for the Temptations, but when they ran late, the Contours got the nod instead.

Top 10 Oldies of 1961

We entered Kenmore East in September, 1961. Do you remember these hits from 1961?

1. Roy Orbison, "Crying" b/w "Candy Man"
released 31 July 1961; recorded June 1961, Nashville, TN
2. Ben E. King, "Stand By Me"
released April 1961; recorded 27 October 1960, New York, NY
3. Ray Charles, "Hit The Road Jack"
released August 1961;recorded 5 July 1961, New York, NY
4. Del Shannon, "Runaway"
released 6 March 1961; recorded 21 January 1961, New York, NY
5. Shep and the Limelites, "Daddy's Home"
released 27 March 1961; recorded 1 February 1961, New York, NY
6. Gary "U.S." Bonds, "Quarter To Three"
released May 1961; recorded March 1961, Norfolk, VA
7. The Shirelles, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow"
released November 1960; recorded September 1960, New York, NY
8. The Tokens, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"
released September 1961; recorded 21 July 1961, New York, NY
9. Ricky Nelson, "Travelin' Man" b/w "Hello Mary Lou"
released April 1961; recorded February 1961, Hollywood, CA
10. Ernie K-Doe, "Mother-in-Law"
released 27 March 1961; recorded January 1961, New Orleans, LA

50th Anniversary Logistics

You can book the Hyatt Regency (attached to the Buffalo Convention Center) on-line. They have had a special rate for 'seniors' so look for it.

This link will connect you to the Reunion web site to order tickets for the official 50th Anniversary event .  You have to order tickets in advance using a PDF form on the site. Click the 50th Anniversary link on the left menu. The link to the PDF form is at the bottom of the page to fill out and mail in.

Dave and I plan to update this blog as new information becomes available.  Be sure to subscribe in the lower left on the main blog page to recieve e-mails (once a day) when new info is added.

Look foward to seeing you on May 7th.

Ron

Hello Class of '64!

Hi all,

Ron and I have set up this blog for the Friday reunion event. We'll use it to keep everyone up to date on what's happening. Please use the subscription box underneath the Bulldog to subscribe. That way, you will receive an email whenever there's a new posting, so you won't need to keep re-checking the site. (If there's no new post on a given day, you get no email that day.)

Use the Comment function to leave a comment/reply/suggestion. We're particularly interested in ideas on how to use it, features you think would be worthwhile, and the like.

Play around with the Comment function, have some fun with it.

Ron & Dave