The late 1960s were packed with colorful pop acts, but few are remembered quite like The Clique. Known for their upbeat harmonies and catchy tunes, the group had a short run in the spotlight—but their music left a lasting impression. Their biggest hit, “Sugar on Sunday,” climbed the U.S. charts, while a B-side track called “Superman” found new life years later when R.E.M. turned it into an underground anthem.
Behind their polished sound was producer and songwriter Gary Zekley, who helped shape their brief but memorable career.
| Band Name | The Clique |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beaumont, Texas, USA |
| Genres | Sunshine Pop, Bubblegum Pop |
| Years Active | Late 1960s – Early 1970s |
| Labels | Scepter Records, White Whale, Varese Sarabande |
| Notable Songs | “Sugar on Sunday”, “I’ll Hold Out My Hand”, “Superman” |
| Producer | Gary Zekley |
| Associated Acts | Tommy James and the Shondells, R.E.M. (cover) |
| Reissues | 1998 album re-release with bonus tracks |
| Awards | Inducted into the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame (2008) |
Early Days in Texas
The Clique formed in Beaumont, Texas in the late 1960s. They began as a band called The Roustabouts, then briefly went by The Sandpipers, before settling on The Clique. Eventually, the group relocated to Houston to pursue greater opportunities.
The best-known lineup featured:
-
Dave Dunham (vocals)
-
Jerry “Function” Cope (drums)
-
Oscar Houchins (keyboards)
-
Randy Shaw (guitar)
-
Sid Templeton (bass)
-
Tommy Peña (percussion)
Their early sound was a blend of sunshine pop and bubblegum pop, marked by bright melodies, layered vocals, and brass instruments—very much in step with the upbeat sound of the era.
First Break: “Splash 1”
Before hitting the national charts, The Clique gained local popularity with a cover of “Splash 1,” a song originally by Texas psychedelic pioneers the 13th Floor Elevators. Released on the Cinema label, the single became a regional hit in Houston.
This success caught the attention of Scepter Records in New York, and soon after, the band met producer Gary Zekley. That meeting would change everything.
Gary Zekley’s Influence
Gary Zekley, known for his bubblegum and surf-pop sensibilities, saw potential in The Clique. He and songwriting partner Mitchell Bottler began writing songs for the group and shaping their sound in the studio.
Zekley often used session musicians for recording—a common practice at the time—which gave The Clique a slick, radio-ready polish. This approach was similar to other acts of the period like The Archies or The Monkees, where producers played a key role behind the scenes.
Breakout Hit: “Sugar on Sunday”
In 1969, The Clique released their self-titled debut album on White Whale Records. The standout track was “Sugar on Sunday,” a song originally recorded by Tommy James and co-written with Mike Vale.
The Clique’s version of “Sugar on Sunday” became a national hit, peaking at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its sweet, singalong chorus and glossy production made it a perfect fit for AM radio.
The single’s B-side, “Superman,” written by Zekley and Bottler, would later become even more famous than the A-side.
“I’ll Hold Out My Hand” and Other Singles
The second single from the album, “I’ll Hold Out My Hand,” written by Al Gorgoni and Chip Taylor (best known for “Wild Thing”), also charted, reaching No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100. It had the same upbeat pop style that defined the group’s sound.
A third single, “Sparkle and Shine,” was released in 1970 but only briefly touched the charts. The group’s momentum slowed, and no further major singles followed.
The “Superman” Revival
While “Sugar on Sunday” was their biggest chart success, The Clique’s most enduring song turned out to be “Superman.” Originally a B-side, the song found a second life in 1986 when alternative rock band R.E.M. covered it for their album Lifes Rich Pageant.
R.E.M.’s version introduced the song to a new generation and gave it cult status. For many listeners, it was their first exposure to The Clique—even if they didn’t know it at the time.
The Album and Its Reissue
The Clique album peaked at No. 177 on the Billboard 200 in 1969. Though it didn’t break into the top tiers, it captured the cheerful sound of the sunshine pop era.
In 1998, the album was reissued by Varese Sarabande with bonus tracks. The reissue included:
-
“Holiday Romance”
-
“Summer’s Comin’”
-
Alternate versions of key singles
The re-release helped revive interest in the group and highlighted how much of their output still held up decades later.
Later Years and Recognition
The Clique didn’t last long after their brief chart success. Like many sunshine pop groups, they were overtaken by changing musical trends in the early 1970s. Rock became heavier, and audiences moved on.
However, in 2008, The Clique was inducted into the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame. This local honor celebrated their roots in the Texas music scene and acknowledged their role in shaping late-’60s pop.
To mark the occasion, the band briefly reunited for a performance—offering fans a rare chance to hear their music live again.
Legacy
The Clique’s time in the spotlight was short, but their impact lingers. They represent a unique moment in pop history when studio-driven bands could make it big with the right songs and producers.
Their best-known hit, “Sugar on Sunday,” still appears on retro radio playlists. Meanwhile, “Superman” continues to reach new audiences, thanks to R.E.M.’s enduring popularity.
For collectors and fans of 1960s pop, The Clique’s reissued album and lost tracks provide a deeper glimpse into a group that had more to offer than just one hit.
Final Thoughts
The Clique may not be a household name, but their music is still heard, covered, and appreciated. They captured the carefree sound of the sunshine pop era, thanks in large part to Gary Zekley’s songwriting and studio magic.
Whether you’re a fan of old-school pop, a curious R.E.M. listener, or just digging through music history, The Clique’s brief run is worth a listen.
Their songs still shine—bright, simple, and sweet.