The Chimes were a Brooklyn-born doo-wop group best known for their lush harmonies and romantic covers of timeless standards. Led by Lenny Cocco, they made a splash in the early 1960s with their version of “Once in a While,” a classic ballad that brought old-school sentiment into the doo-wop age. Although their chart success was brief, their influence lives on in doo-wop revival circuits and nostalgic retrospectives.
The group captured a moment in pop history when vocal harmony ruled the charts—just before the British Invasion changed everything. While many listeners might confuse them with other groups named The Chimes, this group stood out for blending vintage material with the street-corner soul of Brooklyn.
| Group Name | The Chimes (also known as Lenny & The Chimes) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Years Active | Mid-1950s – 1964; revival in later decades |
| Genres | Doo-wop, Vocal Pop |
| Members | Lenny Cocco, Pat DePrisco, Richard Mercado, Joseph Croce, Pat McGuire |
| Notable Hits | “Once in a While”, “I’m in the Mood for Love” |
| Labels | Tag, Metro, Laurie, Vee-Jay |
| Associated Acts | Lenny Cocco and the Chimes (revival group) |
Early Days in Brooklyn
Formed in the mid-1950s, The Chimes came together in Brooklyn, New York—a hub for street-corner doo-wop. The lineup included:
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Lenny Cocco – Lead vocals
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Pat DePrisco – Lead tenor
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Richard Mercado – Second tenor
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Joseph Croce – Baritone
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Pat McGuire – Bass
Initially performing as The Capris, they eventually changed their name to The Chimes. Cocco, the son of an accordionist, brought musical discipline to the group. Their focus was clear: strong vocal arrangements, romantic themes, and classic standards with a doo-wop twist.
“Once in a While” – Their Breakthrough Hit
In 1960, Cocco’s father suggested the group record “Once in a While,” a 1937 hit originally made famous by Tommy Dorsey. The Chimes recorded a demo in the famed Brill Building in Manhattan, known as a launching ground for many pop careers.
The song was released by Tag Records in 1961. It became a surprise hit:
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#11 on the Billboard Hot 100
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Stayed on the chart for 18 consecutive weeks
Its success brought national attention and led to performances at major venues including:
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The Apollo Theater in Harlem
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The Regal Theater in Chicago
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The Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C.
With tight harmonies and a nostalgic melody, the song captured the essence of doo-wop’s mainstream charm.
Following Up: “I’m in the Mood for Love”
The Chimes followed their breakout with another classic cover: “I’m in the Mood for Love.” Originally written in 1935 by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields, their version reached:
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#38 on the Billboard Hot 100 (1961)
Although not as big as their first hit, it solidified their image as interpreters of vintage romantic standards for a new generation.
Their next single was “Let’s Fall in Love,” another nod to the past. However, chart success began to taper off.
Original Material: “Paradise”
In 1962, The Chimes released “Paradise,” an original composition penned and arranged by Cocco. The song showed the group’s creative ambitions, although it didn’t achieve the same commercial success. Still, it was a notable step in establishing their identity beyond covers.
Tragedy and Transition
That same year, the group faced a major blow. Bass singer Pat McGuire was struck and killed by a drunk driver. Despite the loss, the group chose to continue performing, honoring McGuire’s memory by keeping their music alive.
Label Hopping and the Changing Landscape
In 1963, The Chimes left Tag Records and signed with Metro, then Laurie Records, and finally Vee-Jay Records. Their final single, “Two Times,” came out on Vee-Jay in 1964. Unfortunately, their timing couldn’t have been worse.
The British Invasion, led by The Beatles, fundamentally shifted the pop music scene. Doo-wop fell out of mainstream favor, and The Chimes disbanded shortly after.
Revival as Lenny Cocco and the Chimes
Years later, Lenny Cocco reformed the group under the name Lenny Cocco and the Chimes, with new and rotating members. They joined the growing doo-wop nostalgia circuit, performing in oldies shows across the country. These performances helped keep their legacy alive among devoted fans of 1950s and 60s harmony groups.
Though never chart-toppers again, they became beloved figures in nostalgic rock ‘n’ roll circles, appearing at events alongside acts like The Duprees, The Skyliners, and The Platters.
Clarifying the Name: Not Those Chimes
It’s worth noting that many groups have used the name “The Chimes”:
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A Scottish dance-pop trio (1990s)
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An early R&B group associated with Smokey Robinson
But the Brooklyn-based doo-wop Chimes led by Lenny Cocco are distinct. Their contributions to the genre come from their ability to blend old-school charm with modern vocal techniques, keeping the Great American Songbook relevant in the rock era.
Essential Discography
Hit Singles:
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“Once in a While” (1961) – #11 Hot 100
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“I’m in the Mood for Love” (1961) – #38 Hot 100
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“Paradise” (1962) – Regional hit
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“Two Times” (1964) – Final single (Vee-Jay Records)
Other Notable Songs:
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“Let’s Fall in Love”
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“Only Love”
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“Oh How I Love You So”
Influence and Legacy
The Chimes didn’t have a long string of hits, but their influence is real. They:
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Brought classic standards into the doo-wop canon
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Maintained the vocal tradition of Brooklyn harmony groups
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Bridged the gap between 1940s popular music and 1960s teen pop
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Inspired future doo-wop revivalists
Lenny Cocco’s ability to reinvent old melodies in a fresh, vocal-driven style helped keep the romance of pre-rock ballads alive during a changing musical era.
In Retrospect
Though their time on the charts was short, The Chimes’ music still resonates with fans of vintage harmony and classic love songs. Their hit “Once in a While” remains a beloved gem of early 60s doo-wop, a song that captures the feeling of a simpler, more sentimental time.
Through changing eras and musical shifts, Lenny Cocco and his fellow Chimes left behind a sound as timeless as the songs they sang.