The Dartells were a teenage rock and roll band from Oxnard, California, who skyrocketed to brief fame in the early 1960s with their high-energy instrumental hit “Hot Pastrami.” Like many bands of that era, they enjoyed one big moment in the spotlight before fading from view. Despite their short run, the Dartells left behind a fun and memorable track that still finds its way onto oldies playlists.
Their story is typical of the early 60s music scene—fast success, national tours, a couple of follow-up singles, and then silence. But there’s more to The Dartells than just their chart-topping single.
| Group Name | The Dartells |
|---|---|
| Origin | Oxnard, California, USA |
| Formed | 1962 |
| Genre | Rock and Roll, Instrumental Rock |
| Label | Arlen Records, Dot Records, HBR Records |
| Notable Hit | “Hot Pastrami” (1963) – Billboard Hot 100 #11, R&B #15 |
| Album | Hot Pastrami (1963) – Billboard 200 #95 |
| Members | Doug Phillips, Rick Burns, Galen Mills, Randy Ray, Rich Piel, Corky Wilkie, Gary Peeler |
| Years Active | 1962–1964 (approx.) |
| Post-Band Activity | Formed bands like New Concepts, Cottonwood, and Rain (none gained national success) |
Formation and Early Years
The Dartells formed in 1962 in Oxnard, California, when all members were still teenagers. The original lineup included:
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Doug Phillips – bass and vocals
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Rick (Dick) Burns – guitar
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Galen Mills – guitar
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Randy Ray – organ
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Rich Piel – saxophone
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Corky Wilkie – saxophone
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Gary Peeler – drums
Their age ranged from 18 to 20, giving them youthful energy and appeal. They were managed by Tom Ayers, who helped them land local gigs and a recording opportunity.
The group practiced in garages and played school dances and community events before recording their breakout track. Their sound was a mix of surf rock, R&B, and party band energy—a perfect fit for early 1960s teen culture.
Breakout Success with “Hot Pastrami”
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In late 1962, The Dartells recorded their debut single, “Hot Pastrami,” a reimagined version of “Mashed Potatoes” by Nat Kendrick & the Swans. Their version had a rawer edge, a punchier beat, and a catchy sax riff that made it perfect for dancing.
Initially released on Arlen Records, the track became a regional hit in Southern California. Seeing its potential, Dot Records picked it up for national distribution.
In 1963, “Hot Pastrami” reached:
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#11 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#15 on the Billboard R&B chart
The song’s success led to an LP of the same name. Titled Hot Pastrami, the album featured the hit and other similar party-style tracks. It climbed to #95 on the Billboard 200.
Follow-Up Singles and Decline
Riding the wave of their hit, The Dartells released several more singles, including:
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“Dance, Everybody Dance”
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“Clap Your Hands”
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“Sweet Pea” (as The Dartells featuring Doug and Corky)
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“Convicted”
Unfortunately, none of these follow-ups managed to chart significantly. By late 1963, the group had essentially disbanded.
A few later recordings were issued on different labels, including HBR Records in 1966. But The Dartells had already become another entry in the long list of one-hit wonders.
Life After The Dartells
Doug Phillips
Phillips tried to stay active in music. He joined two other bands—New Concepts and Cottonwood—but neither gained national traction.
Later, several former Dartells regrouped under a new name, Rain, in the late 1960s. Their efforts didn’t attract much attention, and they never released a successful single.
Other Members
Little is publicly documented about the careers of the other band members after the Dartells split. Like many regional bands of the era, they returned to normal life after their brief time in the limelight.
Discography Overview
While “Hot Pastrami” was the only major success, The Dartells recorded several singles. Here’s a look at their known discography:
Arlen Records (Los Angeles) – 1962
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A: Hot Pastrami
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B: Dartell Stomp
Dot Records – 1963
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A: Hot Pastrami
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B: Dartell Stomp
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A: Dance, Everybody Dance
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B: The Scoobie Song
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A: Sweet Pea (as The Dartells featuring Doug and Corky)
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B: Convicted
Dot Records (Reissue) – 1965
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A: Hot Pastrami
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B: Dartell Stomp
HBR Records – 1966
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A: Clap Your Hands
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B: Where Do We Stand?
American Pie – 1988 (Split 45)
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A (Andy Kim): Baby I Love You
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B (The Dartells): Hot Pastrami
Collectables: Back to Back Hits Series
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A (The Dartells): Hot Pastrami
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B (Robin Ward): Wonderful Summer
Style and Musical Impact
The Dartells played dance-friendly rock and roll. Their style included:
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Prominent saxophones
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Bouncy organ lines
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Tight rhythm section
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Shouted vocal delivery
Their sound was similar to bands like The Kingsmen or The Premiers, though more focused on instrumentals. “Hot Pastrami” fit perfectly into early 60s dance crazes like The Mashed Potato, The Twist, and The Swim.
While their time was short, their song captured the carefree spirit of the early rock and roll era.
Legacy
Today, The Dartells are remembered as part of the early 60s rock and roll movement—energetic, fun, and full of teenage rebellion. “Hot Pastrami” remains their legacy. It appears on retro compilations and still earns radio spins on oldies stations.
Their story is also a reminder of how quickly fame came and went in that era. One catchy song could take you to the top—but staying there was a whole different challenge.
Final Thoughts
The Dartells enjoyed a brief flash of fame that many musicians never reach. Their hit “Hot Pastrami” left a small but lasting mark on early 60s rock and roll. Although their follow-up efforts fell flat, the energy and charm of their one big success still make people dance.
For fans of old-school instrumentals or rock history buffs, The Dartells offer a fun peek into the youth-driven sounds that once ruled jukeboxes and sock hops across America.