The Castells were a harmony-rich pop vocal group that briefly shone during the early 1960s music scene. Best known for their hit “Sacred,” they blended smooth vocals with pop balladry that appealed to both teen and adult audiences. Although their commercial peak was brief, The Castells earned a loyal following and shared the stage with some of the biggest names of the time.
Formed during high school in Santa Rosa, California, the group recorded for labels like Era Records, Warner Bros., and Decca, contributing a few memorable entries to the golden age of vocal pop.
Origins in Santa Rosa
The Castells began in 1959 as a high school vocal group in Santa Rosa, California—not to be confused with the similarly named Castelles from Philadelphia. Their original lineup included:
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Tom Hicks
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Warren Hays
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Bob Ussery
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Jeff Bush (pianist, not vocalist)
Inspired by doo-wop and vocal harmony groups of the time, they began performing at local events, quickly drawing attention for their smooth, polished sound.
As the group pursued a professional career, changes in membership began. When Era Records signed them, they relocated to Southern California. However, Warren Hays could not join due to his age and religious constraints. He was replaced by Joe Kelly. Pianist Jeff Bush became a session player for Era and also left, followed by Bob Ussery, who married and settled down. Greg Krugel eventually filled in and became a full-time member after a few successful live shows.
First Singles and Breakthrough with “Sacred”
The Castells’ first recording was “Little Sad Eyes,” written by Lou Duhig and Ruby Berry. The song narrowly missed entering the Billboard Hot 100, landing at #101 in 1961.
Later that year, they released “Sacred,” a beautifully arranged ballad written by William Landau and Adam Ross. The song struck a chord with listeners:
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#20 on the Billboard Hot 100
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Became their biggest and most remembered hit
“Sacred” brought The Castells national attention, showcasing their tight harmonies, romantic themes, and soft pop appeal. It remains a favorite among oldies radio and collectors of early 1960s pop.
Follow-Up Success with “So This Is Love”
Their next charting single, “Make Believe Wedding,” became a minor hit, but they soon returned to the Top 40 with “So This Is Love.” Written by Steven Howard, the song just missed the pop Top 20, peaking at:
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#21 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#10 on the Adult Contemporary (Easy Listening) chart
“So This Is Love” solidified The Castells’ reputation for tender, harmony-rich ballads that appealed to both teens and adults.
Performances and Label Moves
At the height of their popularity, The Castells toured and performed alongside Brenda Lee, Jackie Wilson, and other stars of the era. Their clean-cut image and soft style made them ideal for a wide range of audiences.
Though their chart success slowed, they continued to record, eventually moving from Era to Warner Bros. Records, and later to Decca. Unfortunately, their later singles didn’t find the same commercial footing. The band ultimately disbanded in 1964, as members moved on to new chapters in life.
Life After The Castells
Despite their short run, The Castells left behind a small but significant catalog of early 60s pop. After the group split:
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Chuck Girard joined surf rock band The Hondells, who scored a hit with “Little Honda.”
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Girard and Joe Kelly also teamed up as Chuck and Joe, performing blue-eyed soul material.
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In the 1970s, Girard found a new path as a pioneer in Contemporary Christian Music (CCM), releasing solo albums that became influential in the growing genre.
Though The Castells’ time in the spotlight was brief, their harmony-driven songs, particularly “Sacred” and “So This Is Love,” remain cherished entries in the early 1960s pop landscape.
The Castells’ Notable Songs
Here are some of The Castells’ most remembered tracks:
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“Sacred” (1961) – #20 Billboard Hot 100
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“So This Is Love” (1962) – #21 Hot 100, #10 Adult Contemporary
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“Make Believe Wedding”
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“Little Sad Eyes” – #101 on Billboard chart
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“Oh! What It Seemed to Be”
Their best-known songs reflect a classic pre-Beatles pop style—clean vocals, lush arrangements, and sentimental lyrics.
Legacy and Impact
Though often overlooked, The Castells helped shape the soft pop sound of the early 60s. Their records were precursors to the folk-rock and blue-eyed soul movements that would later take root in the decade.
They also exemplified the transition from doo-wop to more mainstream vocal pop. With hits like “Sacred,” The Castells proved that male vocal groups could thrive outside of R&B or teen idol categories.
While their chart career was short, their contribution to American pop harmony groups remains significant. Their recordings still find life on nostalgia stations, vinyl reissues, and digital streaming platforms that celebrate early 60s music.