Introduction to The Five Blobs
The Five Blobs was the name of a group of session musicians assembled by musician Bernie Knee (or Nee) during the 50s music era. It was for the purpose of recording of the title track for the film The Blob, which starred Steve McQueen. The track was written by Burt Bacharach and Mack David, the elder brother of Bacharach’s longtime collaborator/songwriting partner Hal David. When “The Blob” was released as a single in 1958 on Columbia Records, it broke into the Top 40 at #33. When Knee (or Nee) wasn’t acknowledged on the promotional materials of neither the film nor the record, he released announcements proclaiming his own name. For this, he was booted out of Columbia. Knee (or Nee) moved to Joy Records, releasing a couple of 45’s still under the name The Five Blobs.
Who were the Five Blobs?
Formed in 1958 in Los Angeles, California, the American act named The Five Blobs were a group of studio musicians gathered by session leader Bernie Knee (or Nee). They were known for their hit song “The Blob” which was said to be similar to The Champs’ “Tequila.”
“The Blob”
The ensemble was arranged for the recording of “The Blob,” a song by Burt Bacharach and Mack David (brother Hal David, Bacharach’s regular songwriting partner). Released on Columbia imprint, the saxophone-driven dance tune registered on the Billboard Hot 100 at #33 and it also became a regional chart hit, especially around LA. “The Blob” written for the film of the same title which was released in 1958. It featured actors Steve McQueen, Aneta Corseaut, Earl Rowe and Robert Fields. “Saturday Night in Tiajuana” (sic) was the single’s flipside and it is said to be a cult favorite; its credits were given to Bacharach.
In 1959, Knee (or Nee) moved to Joy Records where The Five Blobs issued a couple of records.
When Knee (or Nee) wasn’t given credits on the promotional materials of neither the film nor the record, he released announcements proclaiming his own name. Because of this, Columbia fired him. Knee (or Nee) was signed to another imprint, Joy Records, releasing a couple of 45’s still under the name The Five Blobs.
Knee also later worked with other artists such as Carole King and Frank Yankovic and His Orchestra. He also worked on several albums by many artists such as Frank Sinatra’s Trilogy in 1980. Knee died on November 20, 1994 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the age of 70.
The Five Blobs’ discography (maybe impartial)
Columbia Records [USA]
(Sep 1958)
- A: The Blob
- B: Saturday Night In Tiajuana (sic)
Joy Records
(Jan 1959)
- A: From The Top Of Your Guggle
- B: Rockin’ Pow Wow
(Apr 1959)
- A: Juliet
- B: Young And Wild
CBS Coronet Records [Australia]
(Feb 1959)
- A: The Blob
- B: Saturday Night In Tiajuana (sic)
CBS Records
(1982)
- A: The Blob
- B: Saturday Night In Tijuana
Phillips Records [UK]
(Nov 1958)
- A: The Blob
- B: Saturday Night In Tijuana