Some artists make their mark with decades of hits. Others, like Les Cooper and the Soul Rockers, shine briefly but leave behind a track that generations still groove to. Known for the catchy instrumental “Wiggle Wobble,” Les Cooper and his band briefly surged onto the R&B and pop charts in the early 1960s. While their mainstream success didn’t last, their influence can still be heard in retro soul playlists and dance halls today.
Let’s take a closer look at the story behind the band, their chart-topping single, and the doo-wop roots of their bandleader.
| Full Name | Leslie Cooper |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Les Cooper |
| Born | March 15, 1921 |
| Died | August 3, 2013 |
| Origin | Norfolk, Virginia, USA |
| Genres | R&B, Doo-Wop, Rock ‘n’ Roll |
| Main Instruments | Vocals |
| Associated Acts | The Empires, The Whirlers, The Charts |
| Years Active | 1950s–1960s |
| Famous Hit | “Wiggle Wobble” (1962) |
| Label(s) | Everlast, Enjoy, Arrawak |
Early Years and Musical Roots
Les Cooper was born on March 15, 1921, in Norfolk, Virginia. Like many musicians of his era, he got his start in the world of doo-wop and early rhythm and blues. He became a member of various vocal groups in the 1950s, including The Empires and The Whirlers. His experience in these groups shaped his musical style and gave him a solid footing in vocal harmonies and stage performance.
In addition to singing, Cooper also stepped into management. He guided the careers of several acts, including The Charts, a New York-based doo-wop group known for their 1957 hit “Deserie.” Cooper’s work behind the scenes helped him gain insight into both performance and production, setting the stage for his brief but notable success with the Soul Rockers.
The Birth of Les Cooper and the Soul Rockers
By the early 1960s, Les Cooper formed a new group called Les Cooper and the Soul Rockers. The band signed with Everlast Records, a label run by New York-based music entrepreneur Danny Robinson. The group recorded their debut single, “Dig Yourself”, in 1962, with production help from Bobby Robinson, Danny’s brother and a respected producer and label owner in his own right.
“Dig Yourself” was released with “Wiggle Wobble” as its B-side. However, radio DJs didn’t pay much attention to the A-side. Instead, they flipped the record and began spinning “Wiggle Wobble”—an upbeat, brassy instrumental driven by saxophones, organ stabs, and a strong rhythm section. Audiences quickly took notice.
The Rise of “Wiggle Wobble”
View this post on Instagram
“Wiggle Wobble” became an unexpected hit. It climbed the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #22 in early 1963. On the R&B chart, it performed even better, peaking at #12. The song’s groove was infectious—perfect for the twist and other popular dance crazes of the era.
In the UK, “Wiggle Wobble” was released in December 1962 as the A-side on the Stateside label, gaining modest attention in the British market. Though the song didn’t become a major hit overseas, it added to the band’s growing visibility.
The record’s catchy rhythm and bold brass section earned it a place among classic early-60s instrumentals, right up there with hits by Booker T. & the MGs and The Ventures.
Follow-Up Attempts and One-Hit Wonder Status
After the success of “Wiggle Wobble,” Cooper and the Soul Rockers attempted to follow up with a series of singles. In March 1963, Everlast Records released “Garbage Can” backed with “Bossa Nova Dance.” While creative, the song failed to replicate the success of their earlier hit.
In 1965, Cooper released two more singles—this time with different labels. Under Enjoy Records, he released “Let’s Do the Boston Monkey” with “Owee Baby” on the B-side. He also recorded “I Can Do the Soul Jerk” backed with “At the World’s Fair” for the Arrawak label.
Despite these efforts, none of the follow-ups gained traction. The group slowly faded from the spotlight, and Les Cooper became known primarily for his one breakout hit. Still, “Wiggle Wobble” kept his name alive on compilation albums, in jukeboxes, and on oldies radio stations.
Discography Highlights
While Les Cooper and the Soul Rockers had a short run, their discography includes a handful of lively R&B and instrumental gems. Here’s a summary of their known releases:
Everlast Records
-
(1962)
A: “Dig Yourself”
B: “Wiggle Wobble” -
(1963)
A: “Garbage Can”
B: “Bossa Nova Dance”
Enjoy Records (1965)
-
A: “Let’s Do The Boston Monkey”
B: “Owee Baby”
Arrawak Records (1965)
-
A: “I Can Do The Soul Jerk”
B: “At The World’s Fair”
Though these records never matched the success of “Wiggle Wobble,” they offer a glimpse into Cooper’s efforts to stay connected to changing dance trends and musical tastes.
The Final Years and Legacy
Les Cooper passed away on August 3, 2013, at the VNSNY Haven Hospice Specialty Care Unit in New York City. He was 92 years old. Though he only had one hit to his name, his contribution to the early 60s R&B sound remains noteworthy.
His career also reflects the transitional moment between doo-wop and soul, as many musicians from the 1950s struggled to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of the 1960s. Still, Cooper succeeded in making a lasting mark with just one song—something thousands of artists never manage to do.
Today, “Wiggle Wobble” continues to appear on dance compilations and retro playlists, proving that even a brief moment in the spotlight can echo for decades.