By the time the late 1960s rolled around, the golden era of doo-wop had mostly faded. But against all odds, one vocal group brought the style back into the spotlight—if only for a moment. In 1967, The Casinos surprised everyone with their heartfelt ballad “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye,” a song that became a Top 10 hit in the U.S. The group’s soft harmonies and emotional delivery gave new life to a genre that had been overshadowed by rock and soul.
Though they are often labeled one-hit wonders, The Casinos left behind more than just a single tune—they carved out a lasting place in music history.
| Group Name | The Casinos |
|---|---|
| Origin | Cincinnati, Ohio, USA |
| Genre | Doo-Wop, Vocal Harmony, Soft Rock |
| Years Active | 1959–1970s |
| Key Members | Gene Hughes, Bob Armstrong, Ray White, Pete Bolton, Ken Brady, Jerry Baker |
| Breakthrough Hit | “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” (#6 on Billboard Hot 100, 1967) |
| Labels | Fraternity, Sims, United Artists, Goldies |
| Notable Cover Artists | Andy Williams, Neal McCoy, Eddy Arnold, Toby Beau |
| Legacy | Considered one of the last successful doo-wop singles of the 1960s |
The Origins of The Casinos
The Casinos formed in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1959. The original members included lead vocalist Gene Hughes, along with Bob Armstrong, Ray White, and Pete Bolton. Over the years, the lineup changed frequently. Ken Brady replaced Hughes for a time and later left for a solo career. Jerry Baker stepped in when Bolton exited. Eventually, Hughes returned, and by the mid-1960s, the group expanded into a nine-member vocal act.
Despite being based in Ohio, their smooth harmonies and southern soul flavor often drew comparisons to groups from the Southeast, such as The Platters or The Drifters.
Recording “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye”
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In 1962, songwriter John D. Loudermilk wrote “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye,” which was first recorded by country-pop singer Don Cherry. Though the original didn’t chart, it quietly made its way into the catalogs of various artists.
In 1966, The Casinos decided to record their version of the song. Released late that year on Fraternity Records, the single began to climb the charts in early 1967. The arrangement was simple but powerful: lush harmonies, a tender melody, and Hughes’ vulnerable vocal delivery.
By March 1967, “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” had reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for 13 weeks. It was also a hit in Canada and peaked at #28 in the UK.
An Unexpected Success
The song’s chart success came as a surprise. By 1967, doo-wop had largely disappeared from mainstream radio. Rock bands like The Doors and Jefferson Airplane were gaining popularity, while Motown and British Invasion acts dominated the charts. Yet somehow, The Casinos broke through.
Their success was helped by a growing nostalgia for older styles and a renewed appreciation for vocal harmony. Radio DJs, especially in the Midwest, gave the song significant airplay, leading to national exposure.
Other Recordings and Modest Chart Entries
Following their big hit, The Casinos tried to capitalize on their momentum. They released several more singles, including:
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“It’s All Over” – Peaked at #65 on the Billboard Hot 100 (1967)
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“How Long Has It Been” – Reached regional airplay but did not chart nationally
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“Please Love Me”, “Tailor Made”, and “Forever and a Night” – Received little attention
Despite these efforts, none of their later songs matched the success of their breakout hit. By the early 1970s, the group had faded from the charts.
Covers and Cultural Impact
“Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” proved to be more than a one-time hit. Over the decades, the song was covered by a wide range of artists across genres, including:
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Eddy Arnold (1968) – Took it to #1 on the country charts
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Andy Williams – Released it on his Love Story album
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Toby Beau – Had a minor hit with their version in 1979
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Neal McCoy – Brought it back to country radio in 1996
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Joss Stone – Added it to her live performances
The song has also appeared in film soundtracks and nostalgic compilations, further cementing its place as a classic.
What Happened to the Band?
After their time in the spotlight, The Casinos continued to perform for a few years, especially around the Ohio area. Their blend of harmony-driven doo-wop and soft pop remained popular on the nostalgia circuit.
Lead singer Gene Hughes left the group and shifted his focus to the business side of music. He became a respected country music promoter in Nashville, working with artists and helping shape careers. Sadly, in 2004, Hughes passed away at the age of 67 due to complications from a car accident he suffered in late 2003.
The Casinos’ Discography (Selected)
Here’s a curated list of notable singles and releases from The Casinos, spanning their early recordings to reissues:
| Label | Year | A-Side | B-Side |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alto Records | 1961 | Baby Don’t Do It | I Like It Like That |
| Terry Records | 1964 | Lovely One | Gee Whiz |
| Terry Records | 1964 | That’s the Way | Too Good to Be True |
| Sims Records | 1966 | Soul Serenade | Moon River |
| Fraternity Records | 1966 | Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye | I Still Love You |
| Fraternity Records | 1967 | It’s All Over | Tailor Made |
| Fraternity Records | 1967 | How Long Has It Been | Forever and a Night |
| Fraternity Records | 1967 | Please Love Me | When I Stop Dreaming |
| United Artists | 1968 | Where Am I (Here I Am) | Peggy |
| United Artists | 1968 | Nobody’s Child | Leavin’ Makes the Rain Come Down |
| Celtron Records | 1970 | Coal River (Stereo/Mono) | |
| Goldies 45 | 1973 | Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye | I Still Love You |
| Collectables Records | Reissue | Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye | I Still Love You |
Many of these records have since been reissued on nostalgia labels like Goldies and Collectables, with “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” appearing on numerous “Oldies But Goodies” compilations.
Final Thoughts
The Casinos might be remembered for just one major hit, but their moment was unforgettable. “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” is often called one of the last great doo-wop songs to chart in the 1960s. It arrived at a time when music was rapidly changing and managed to hold its own amid revolutionary acts.
More than a nostalgic footnote, the song continues to resonate with fans who appreciate strong vocals, classic songwriting, and timeless sentiment. The Casinos proved that sincerity, even in a changing world, never goes out of style.