Introduction John & Ernest were another of those “one hit wonder” acts, who scored short-termed popularity via the Top 40 hit “Superfly Meets Shaft” in 1973. The novelty duo comprised of John Free and Ernest Smith. But no sooner after their second single “Soul President Number One” , which failed to chart, … Read more
Introduction Carl Douglas is an R&B and pop singer-songwriter, recording artist and “one hit wonder” from Jamaica known for his novelty hit “Kung Fu Fighting.” It became a big transatlantic hit during disco’s peak in the 70s music era. We explore a little bit more on Carl Douglas here in this article! … Read more
Introduction American singer-songwriter Jerry Samuels turned himself into a one hit wonder as Napoleon XIV, who made a big hit with a novelty single “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!” during the 60s music era. Hardly an “oldies music” in the true sense of the word but a nostalgic piece nonetheless. … Read more
Introduction to The Delegates The Delegates were a one hit wonder “group” from the 70s music era formed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They consisted of radio disc jockey Bob DeCarlo, and local record owners Nick Cenci and Nick Kousaleous. Together they recorded a novelty number called “Convention ’72”. It is hardly music but … Read more
Introduction to The De John Sisters The De John Sisters were a 1950s vocal duo, consisting of Julie and Dux DiGiovanni, both born in Chester, Pennsylvania. The sisters signed a deal with Epic Records, and released their first single “Should I Run?” which didn’t chart. But the follow-up “(My Baby Don’t Love … Read more
Introduction to Rick Dees and his Cast of Idiots Rigdon Osmond “Rick” Dees III is an American radio and comic personality best known for his 1976 novelty track “Disco Duck.” He had begun his radio career while still in high school, and after he graduated from university, Dees continued to work in … Read more
Introduction to Homer and Jethro Homer and Jethro were an American country and parody duo consisted of Henry D. Haynes (“Homer,” 1920-1971) and Kenneth C. Burns (“Jethro,” 1920-1989); they were also dubbed as the “Thinking Man’s Hillbillies.” They started working together as a duo when they were just 16 while auditioning at … Read more
Introduction Englishman Laurie London has been best known as a child crooner of the upbeat version of the spiritual tune “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands.” It is his only hit single. He also recorded in German, especially when he took part singing “Bum Ladda Bum Bum” in German Hit … Read more
Introduction to Teresa Brewer Teresa Brewer was an American popular singer. She started singing when she was quite young, and began her recording career as a novelty singer. Her first big hit was the novelty single “Music! Music! Music!” in 1949, when she was about 18 years old. As a novelty singer … Read more
Short career summary on Daddy Dewdrop Richard Monda aka Daddy Dewdrop is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for his novelty song “Chick-A-Boom (Don’t Ya Jes’ Love It).” Monda is essentially a songwriter, penning songs for other established acts. He had gone on to work as a songwriter for the animated TV … Read more
Short career summation on the Devotions The Devotions are a doo-wop group known for their novelty song “Rip Van Winkle” in 1964. The group consisted of Ray Sanchez, Bob Weisbrod, Bob Hovorka and brothers Frank and Joe Pardo. Originally released in 1961 on Delta Records, “Rip Van Winkle” reappeared on the Roulette … Read more
Introduction to the Detergents Specializing in comic parodies, the Detergents were a 1960s group whose record “Leader of the Laundromat” entered the Top 20 in 1965. The group comprised of Ronnie (Ron) Dante, Danny Jordan and Tommy Wynn — all had worked for Aldon Music. Paul Vance, who happened to be Jordan’s … Read more