The Ivy Three briefly lit up the pop music scene in the early 1960s. Formed by three college students from Adelphi University in New York, the group had just one chart hit—“Yogi.” The song, inspired by the cartoon character Yogi Bear, was a playful novelty tune that made it into the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960. After that, the group quickly faded from the spotlight.
Though their time as performers was short, two members—Charles Koppelman and Don Rubin—went on to become major figures in the music industry. Their story is a classic example of a one-hit wonder that quietly shaped pop music behind the scenes.
| Group Name | The Ivy Three |
|---|---|
| Members | Artie Kaye (Arthur Berkowitz), Charles Koppelman, Don Rubin |
| Formed | 1959 |
| Origin | Garden City, Long Island, New York |
| Genre | Pop, Rock |
| Label | Shell Records |
| Notable Hit | “Yogi” (1960) – Billboard Hot 100 #8 |
| Years Active | 1959–1961 |
| Post-Band Careers | Koppelman and Rubin became music executives; Kaye entered insurance |
How The Ivy Three Got Started
The Ivy Three came together in 1959. All three members—Artie Kaye (born Arthur Berkowitz), Charlie Cane (born Charles Koppelman), and Don Rubin—were students at Adelphi University in Garden City, Long Island, New York.
Their musical collaboration began casually. They sang together at school events, local clubs, and beach parties. At a time when doo-wop and pop harmony groups were everywhere, The Ivy Three’s upbeat vocals and college-boy charm helped them stand out—at least for a little while.
Signing with Shell Records
The group was discovered by Lou Stallman and Sid Jacobson, who co-founded the small label Shell Records. The pair, along with Charles Koppelman, co-wrote a novelty song called “Yogi,” referencing the popular cartoon bear and his sidekick Boo Boo.
With that track in hand, Shell Records signed The Ivy Three and released “Yogi” in July 1960. To everyone’s surprise, it took off.
“Yogi” – The Ivy Three’s Breakout and Only Hit
“Yogi” was light, fun, and catchy. The song blended early rock ’n’ roll with novelty lyrics. It quickly climbed the charts:
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#8 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#22 on the Billboard R&B chart (then known as the Black Singles chart)
Its upbeat energy and playful lyrics resonated with a wide audience, particularly teenagers. But as with many novelty hits, the song’s popularity didn’t last.
The Ivy Three never managed to match the success of “Yogi.” Despite releasing several more singles, none charted. The group disbanded in 1961, barely a year after their brief fame.
Post-Band Careers
Charles Koppelman and Don Rubin
After The Ivy Three ended, Koppelman and Rubin shifted from performers to executives. They founded Koppelman-Rubin Productions, a music management and publishing company. Their roster included acts like:
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Tim Hardin
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The Critters
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Gary Lewis & The Playboys
In the late 1960s, they sold their company to Commonwealth United Corporation (CUC) for about $3 million, a significant amount at the time.
Koppelman then moved into major corporate roles. He joined CBS Records, later led EMI Records, and became Chairman of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Eventually, he served as CEO of CAK Entertainment, managing high-profile brands and artists.
Rubin remained with CUC and continued working in music and business throughout his career.
Artie Kaye
Artie Kaye chose a more private path. He left the entertainment world entirely and transitioned into a career in insurance sales. While he didn’t stay in the public eye, his brief moment of musical success remained a notable part of his life story.
The Ivy Three’s Discography
While “Yogi” was their only hit, The Ivy Three recorded several singles during their brief time with Shell Records. Here’s a look at their known discography:
Shell Records – 1960 to 1961
July 1960
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A-Side: “Yogi”
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Writers: Koppelman, Stallman, Jacobson
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Duration: 2:09
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Genre: Rock
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Publisher: Saxon Music Corp
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Producer: Stallman-Jacobson
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B-Side: “Was Judy There”
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Writers: Kasha, Kaye
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Duration: 2:15
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Genre: Pop
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Publisher: Saxon Music Corp
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November 1960
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A-Side: “Alone in the Chapel”
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Writers: Jacobson, Stallman
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Duration: 2:26
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Genre: Rock
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B-Side: “Hush Little Baby”
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Writers: Jacobson, Stallman
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Duration: 1:50
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Genre: Rock
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February 1961
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A-Side: “Nine Out of Ten”
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Writers: Jacobson, Stallman
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Duration: 2:05
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Genre: Rock
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B-Side: “I Cried Enough for Two”
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Writers: Coller, Kaye
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Duration: 2:26
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Genre: Rock
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June 1961
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A-Side: “Bagoo”
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Writers: Kaye, Mayer, Koppelman, Ganz
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Duration: 1:47
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Genre: Rock
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B-Side: “Suicide”
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Writers: Stallman, Jacobson
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Duration: 2:41
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Genre: Rock
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Despite the steady stream of releases, none of these singles gained national traction.
Legacy of The Ivy Three
The Ivy Three’s success was brief, but their influence went beyond the charts. Their single “Yogi” still gets airplay on oldies stations and compilation albums of novelty hits from the 1960s.
More importantly, the group launched the careers of two influential music executives. Charles Koppelman, in particular, played a key role in shaping the careers of numerous artists and helped bridge the worlds of music, media, and business.
While they didn’t earn major awards or perform at sold-out venues, The Ivy Three’s impact still echoes through the careers they helped build.
Final Thoughts
The Ivy Three’s time in the spotlight was brief, but their story offers more than just a one-hit chart entry. Behind their success was a launchpad for two future music industry leaders. “Yogi” may be their only remembered song, but their influence continued in boardrooms, studios, and beyond.
For fans of early pop or curious music historians, The Ivy Three remains an interesting chapter in the world of American one-hit wonders.