Introduction to Little Joey and the Flips
Little Joey and the Flips were an interracial vocal group hailing from Philadelphia, fleetingly active during the early 60s music scene. They comprised of Joseph Hall in lead vocals, Fred Garace on first tenor, James Mehagher on second tenor, baritone John Smith and Jeff Leonard on bass vocals. One of the one-hit wonder acts, the Flips released a handful of records but the 1962 single “Bongo Stop” was the group’s only claim to fame.
Short career summary on Little Joey and the Flips
Hailing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Little Joey and the Flips were an interracial vocal group formed in during the early 1960’s. They composed of Joey Hall on lead (b.1943), Fred Garace on first tenor (b.1947), James Meagher on second tenor (b.1946), John Smith (b. 1946) on baritone and Jeff Leonard (b. 1946) on bass. Garace, Meagher, Leonard and Smith were from Upper Darby, Philadelphia. While Hall, the only black in the group, was from West Philadelphia. They were initially formed as The Elads. When their manager replaced the original lead Jimmy Dilks with Joey Hall, The Elads were later changed to Little Joey and the Flips.
“Bongo Stomp” — Little Joey and the Flips’ lone hit
In 1962, Little Joey and the Flips achieved their only huge hit “Bongo Stomp.” It peaked at #33 on the Billboard pop chart. The 19-year old Hall sounded as though he was 13 years old. “Bongo Stomp” was followed by two more releases, “Bongo Gully” (1962) and “Fool, Fool, Fool” (1964) but these singles failed to repeat the success of their first single. Later on, the band split in 1967. In 1974, band leader Joey Hall died.
Little Joey and the Flips’ discography (list may be impartial)
Joy Records
(Jun 1962)
- A: Bongo Stomp
- B: Lost Love
(Aug 1962)
- A: Bongo Gully
- B: It Was Like Heaven
Goldisc Records
(1979)
Ronnie and The Hi-Lites
- A: I Wish That We Were Married
Little Joey and The Flips
- B: Bongo Stomp
Little Joey and The Flips
- A: Bongo Stomp
Robert and Johnny
- B: Million Dollar Bills
Collectables/ Back To back Hit Series
- A: Bongo Stomp
- B: Lost Love
Hockey Records
- A: Bongo Gully
- B: Lost Love