Max Frost and the Troopers — Were They a Real Band or Not?

Picture of Christopher Jones (Max Frost) riding a horse

Introduction to Max Frost and the Troopers Many groups during the 60s music era were fictional and manufactured by the studio (or tied with the film’s characters) and thus were not an actual band. One such act is Max Frost and the Troopers. Max Frost and the Troopers were not a real … Read more

Mark Dinning and His Only Hit “Teen Angel”

Mark Dinning and His Only Hit “Teen Angel”

Introduction to Mark Dinning Mark Dinning was an American 50s music to 60s music era pop singer who will always be remembered for his 1959 hit “Teen Angel.”  The Manchester, Oklahoma-born Max Edward Dinning pursued a singing career like his sisters did (his sisters, Jean, Virginia and Lucille would be later known … Read more

Los Bravos with Their Worldwide Hit “Black Is Black”

Los Bravos with Their Worldwide Hit “Black Is Black”

Introduction to Los Bravos Los Bravos was a 60s music pop group hailing from Madrid, Spain.  They made waves in the US and the UK via their hit single “Black Is Black” in 1966.  The beat group’s lead singer, Mike Kogel, originated from Germany before moving to Spain where Los Bravos formed … Read more

The Story and Music of Little Willie John

The Story and Music of Little Willie John

Introduction to Little Willie John William Edward John (famous as “Little Willie” because he was small and childlike, even in adulthood) was an African-American R&B singer, whose career was active in 50s music throughout the 60s music scene.  He was known for hits such as “Need Your Love So Bad” and “Fever”, … Read more

Little Joe and the Thrillers

Little Joe and the Thrillers

Introduction to Little Joe and the Thrillers Little Joe and the Thrillers (sometimes called Little Joe Cook and the Thrillers) were an R&B/doo-woop vocal group formed by Joe Cook, who previously sang for gospel groups the Joe Cook Quartet and the Evening Star Quartet.  He assembled Little Joe and the Thrillers along … Read more

One-hit Wonders Little Joey and the Flips

One-hit Wonders Little Joey and the Flips

What is a One-Hit Wonder? Even though many musicians had Top 50 hits, MTV classics, or Rock Radio hits, the songs and their performers had to have reached the Top 40 lists with just one song. Anything less qualifies them as a One-Hit Wonder. There are some arguments here, like in the … Read more

The Story and Music of Little Milton

Introduction to Little Milton Little Milton (born James Milton Campbell Jr.) was an R&B/soul/blues singer, guitarist and also a sometime record label producer.  Although not as notable as the more contemporary B.B. King or Bobby Bland (whom he was compared to), Little Milton otherwise had a prolific career.  Born in Mississippi in … Read more

Lillian Briggs, the Rockabilly Bombshell

Introduction to Lillian Briggs Lillian Briggs (1932-1998) was an American 50s music singer-turned businesswoman, one of the rare instances that women of her generation sang rockabilly and rock and roll during the time that the musical genre was still new. Briggs was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She displayed her musical talents as … Read more

Les Cooper and the Soul Rockers

Les Cooper and the Soul Rockers

Introduction to Les Cooper and the Soul Rockers Les Cooper and the Soul Rockers was a band led by, of course, Les Cooper (1921-2013), an American R&B and pop/rock musician. Their band had a brief success during the early 60s music scene, with their only big hit “Wiggle Wobble.” Originating from Norfolk, … Read more

Biography of Len Barry

Biography of Len Barry

Introduction to Len Barry Len Barry (born Leonard Borisoff in Philadelphia, PA on June 12, 1942) is a retired blue-eyed soul singer who started his musical career as a member of the popular late 1950’s & early 60’s American music group The Dovells. The Dovells had a gold disc with their 1961 … Read more

Lee Dorsey – From Boxer to Singer

Lee Dorsey - From Boxer to Singer

Introduction to Lee Dorsey Lee Dorsey was an American R&B and pop crooner who achieved successful recording career in the 60s music era.  Born Irving Lee Dorsey in 1924, Dorsey started his career in boxing upon his return from service in the US Navy during WWII.  He fought under the alias “Kid … Read more

LaVern Baker and Her hit “Tweedlee Dee”

LaVern Baker and Her hit Tweedlee Dee

Introduction to Lavern Baker LaVern Baker, born Delores Lavern Baker (November 11, 1929 – March 10, 1997) was an American rock, rhythm and blues singer who had several hit songs in the 1950’s and ’60’s.  During the early part of her career LaVern recorded under the names of Little Miss Sharecropper for … Read more