Introduction to American Pop Rock Band The Cyrkle

The Cyrkle was a short-lived but memorable American pop rock band that found success during the mid-1960s. Known for their sunny harmonies and upbeat sound, they scored two Top 20 hits with “Red Rubber Ball” and “Turn-Down Day.” What made The Cyrkle especially notable, however, was their connection to the Beatles. Discovered by Beatles manager Brian Epstein and named by John Lennon, the band gained national exposure as an opening act during the Beatles’ final U.S. tour in 1966.

Despite disbanding within just a few years, The Cyrkle left a lasting impression on the pop rock landscape. After the group’s breakup, its members found success in music, law, and advertising, showing that their talent extended well beyond the stage.

The Cyrkle – Artist Profile
Origin	Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
Years Active	1961–1967
Genres	Pop Rock, Sunshine Pop, Psychedelic Pop
Label	Columbia Records
Original Members	Don Danneman – guitar, vocals Tom Dawes – bass, guitar, vocals Marty Fried – drums Earl Pickens – keyboards (early member) Michael Losekamp – keyboards, vocals (later member)
Manager	Brian Epstein
Name Origin	Suggested by John Lennon
Notable Hits	“Red Rubber Ball” – #2 US “Turn-Down Day” – #17 US
Associated Acts	The Beatles, Paul Simon, The Seekers
Disbanded	1967

From Frat Band to Beatles Tourmates

The Cyrkle’s story began in Easton, Pennsylvania, in 1961 when Don Danneman and Tom Dawes, both students at Lafayette College, began performing together. Their band, originally called The Rhondells, played campus parties and small local venues.

Their fortunes changed when they were introduced to Nat Weiss, a lawyer and music industry figure who was close friends with Brian Epstein, the Beatles’ legendary manager. Weiss arranged an audition for the group, and Epstein was impressed enough to take them on as clients.

It was John Lennon who reportedly suggested the unusual spelling “The Cyrkle” as a twist on the word “circle.” With their new name and newfound industry backing, the band was poised for bigger things.

A Breakthrough Year: 1966

 

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1966 was the peak of The Cyrkle’s success. They signed with Columbia Records and released their debut single “Red Rubber Ball,” written by Paul Simon of Simon & Garfunkel and Bruce Woodley of The Seekers. The song quickly became a hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling over one million copies. It also earned the band a gold disc from the RIAA.

Their debut album, also titled Red Rubber Ball, followed the single’s success and featured a mix of catchy melodies and lush harmonies that fit right into the “sunshine pop” movement of the time.

The band followed up with another hit, “Turn-Down Day,” which climbed to #17 on the Hot 100. This track further demonstrated their ability to craft melodic, radio-friendly tunes that connected with audiences.

That same summer, The Cyrkle joined The Beatles’ 1966 U.S. tour as an opening act. They performed at legendary venues like Shea Stadium and were part of the historic final Beatles concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on August 29, 1966.

Sophomore Slump and The End of The Cyrkle

 

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After a whirlwind year, The Cyrkle returned to the studio to work on their second album, Neon, released in 1967. Although it featured polished production and ambitious arrangements, the album did not replicate the success of their debut.

Singles like “I Wish You Could Be Here,” “Penny Arcade,” and “Turn of the Century” failed to gain significant traction. They also recorded the soundtrack for the 1967 film The Minx, which was little known and did not help revive their popularity.

Despite continued touring and recording, The Cyrkle disbanded later that year. Like many bands of the era, they struggled to stay relevant as musical tastes shifted toward harder rock and psychedelic sounds.

Life After The Cyrkle

Though their career as a band was short, several members found long-term success in other areas.

Don Danneman

Danneman transitioned into commercial jingle writing and had a successful career creating music for major brands. He also occasionally returned to performing and participated in reunion efforts under The Cyrkle’s name in later years.

Tom Dawes

Dawes also became a well-regarded jingle composer, famously writing “Plop Plop Fizz Fizz” for Alka-Seltzer and “7Up, the Uncola” among other ads. He also worked as a producer, notably with the blues-rock band Foghat. Dawes passed away in 2007.

Marty Fried

After the band broke up, drummer Marty Fried pursued a different path. He attended law school at Wayne State University in Detroit and became a bankruptcy attorney. Though no longer active in music, he remained proud of his work with The Cyrkle.

Michael Losekamp

Keyboardist Michael Losekamp, who joined the band later in their career, eventually returned to music. In 2016, he helped relaunch a version of The Cyrkle that performs today, featuring original member Don Danneman.

The Cyrkle Today

In recent years, The Cyrkle has experienced a modest resurgence. With interest in 1960s pop growing through nostalgia tours and festivals, Danneman has participated in several revival shows. In 2016, a new version of The Cyrkle—featuring Don Danneman and Michael Losekamp—began touring again under the band’s name.

This revived lineup has performed on cruise ship music festivals and retro concerts, introducing their music to new audiences while keeping the spirit of 60s pop alive.

Discography Highlights

Studio Albums

Key Singles