Dale and Grace were a pop duo from Louisiana who shot to fame in the early 1960s with the romantic ballad “I’m Leaving It Up to You.” Although their chart presence was short-lived, their hit single topped charts in both the U.S. and the U.K., making them one of the few American acts to reach No. 1 just before the British Invasion began. Their story reflects both the fleeting nature of pop success and the enduring charm of heartfelt, homegrown music.
| Artist Name | Dale and Grace |
|---|---|
| Members | Robert Dale Houston, Grace Broussard |
| Origin | Louisiana, USA |
| Genres | Pop, Swamp Pop |
| Years Active | 1963–1965; 1990s (reunion) |
| Labels | Montel Records, Jamie Records |
| Major Hits | “I’m Leaving It Up to You” (#1 US, UK), “Stop and Think It Over” (#8 US) |
| Notable Albums | I’m Leaving It Up to You (1963) |
| Awards | Delta Music Museum Hall of Fame, Louisiana Music Hall of Fame |
| Death of Dale Houston | 2007 (heart failure) |
Meet the Duo: Dale Houston and Grace Broussard
Robert Dale Houston was born on April 23, 1940, in Covington County, Mississippi. He later moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he grew up immersed in Cajun, country, and swamp pop music. He learned to play the piano as a child and started singing locally.
Grace Broussard was born in 1939 in Prairieville, Louisiana. She had a musical background, often performing with her brother Van Broussard, who would also pursue a career in Louisiana’s swamp pop circuit.
Both artists had musical ambitions but were on different paths until a record executive named Sam Montel brought them together. He recognized their vocal chemistry and formed the duo now known as Dale and Grace.
The Breakthrough: “I’m Leaving It Up to You”
In 1963, while rehearsing in Montel’s home, Dale and Grace casually warmed up with a 1957 song by Don and Dewey titled “I’m Leaving It Up to You.” The duo’s harmonies and gentle delivery gave the tune a new, tender feel. Montel, who heard the rehearsal from another room, believed the song had the potential to be a hit.
He quickly arranged for the song to be recorded and released it on his Montel label. Local radio DJs loved it and urged Montel not to change a thing. Soon after, Jamie Records, a larger label based in Philadelphia, picked up the track for national distribution.
Montel’s prediction came true. The song began to climb the charts rapidly. It reached:
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#1 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#1 on the Adult Contemporary chart
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#6 on the R&B chart
Internationally, it topped the UK Singles Chart, making Dale and Grace rare American representatives on British radio just before the Beatles and other UK bands took over the U.S. charts.
The duo released an album also titled I’m Leaving It Up to You, which peaked at #100 on the Billboard 200 in early 1964.
Another Hit: “Stop and Think It Over”
Dale and Grace followed up with “Stop and Think It Over” in early 1964. Written by Jake Graffagnino, the song continued their success, though not quite on the same scale.
It reached:
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#8 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#3 on the Adult Contemporary chart
This confirmed that the duo could deliver more than just one memorable track. Their harmony-rich ballads struck a chord with listeners looking for a softer alternative to the growing rock ’n’ roll trend.
Touring and an Unusual Historic Moment
At the height of their fame in late 1963, Dale and Grace toured with several other artists as part of a rock and roll package tour. One of their stops was Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963—the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
Their motorcade was just behind the president’s when the shots were fired. The tour was immediately canceled, and the tragedy became an eerie footnote in their story.
Decline and Breakup
Despite two successful singles, the duo struggled to maintain momentum. Their later releases, including “The Loneliest Night” and “Darling It’s Wonderful,” failed to chart significantly.
Several factors led to their decline:
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The British Invasion shifted pop tastes dramatically.
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Grace became homesick and wanted to return to Louisiana.
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Dale experienced ongoing health problems.
The duo officially broke up in 1965, just two years after their biggest hit. Grace resumed performing with her brother Van. Dale briefly continued as a solo act.
Brief Reunion and Later Years
In the mid-1990s, Dale and Grace reunited for a short period, performing old favorites at nostalgic music events. Their comeback was warmly received but short-lived.
After their final split, Dale Houston recorded a solo album titled A Lot of Good Miles Left in Me, which reflected on his career and personal journey.
Dale Houston passed away in 2007 from heart failure at the age of 67.
Grace Broussard has largely remained out of the public eye but is still remembered fondly by fans of 1960s pop.
Awards and Recognition
Although Dale and Grace’s time in the spotlight was brief, they received well-deserved recognition in their home state.
They were inducted into:
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The Delta Music Museum Hall of Fame
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The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame
These honors cement their legacy as key contributors to the rich musical heritage of the American South.
Final Thoughts
Dale and Grace captured lightning in a bottle. Their smooth harmonies and heartfelt delivery helped “I’m Leaving It Up to You” become one of the final #1 American hits before the British Invasion took over.
Though their partnership was short, their music lives on through oldies radio, compilation albums, and the memories of those who fell in love to their tunes. Dale and Grace may not have had a long career, but they made a lasting impression during one of pop music’s most pivotal eras.