The Devotions weren’t aiming to be a novelty act—but one quirky song changed everything. Known for their only charting single, “Rip Van Winkle,” this doo-wop group from Queens had to release the same record three times before finally cracking the Top 40.
Their story is one of persistence, local buzz, and an unexpected radio breakthrough that turned a near-forgotten track into a 1960s cult classic.
| Artist | The Devotions |
|---|---|
| Origin | Astoria, Queens, New York |
| Genre | Doo-Wop, R&B, Novelty |
| Years Active | 1960–1965, 1970s–present |
| Members | Ray Sanchez, Bob Weisbrod, Bob Hovorka, Frank Pardo, Joe Pardo |
| Hit Song | “Rip Van Winkle” (1964, #36 Billboard Hot 100) |
| Labels | Delta Records, Roulette Records |
| Website | thedevotions.com |
Early Days in Astoria
Formed in 1960, The Devotions started as a six-member vocal group in Astoria, Queens, New York. After some changes, the core members became:
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Ray Sanchez
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Bob Weisbrod
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Bob Hovorka
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Frank Pardo
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Joe Pardo
They rehearsed rigorously—every day for months—polishing their harmony-rich sound. The group practiced in basements and hallways, building confidence and refining their style. Eventually, they connected with producer Joe Petralia, a neighborhood acquaintance of the Pardo brothers.
Petralia introduced the group to Bernie Zimming, who owned a small label called Delta Records. Zimming liked their sound but wanted something that stood out.
Creating “Rip Van Winkle”
Sensing the need for a fresh angle, Ray Sanchez wrote a novelty track based on the Washington Irving folk tale of a man who falls asleep for 20 years. The group turned the concept into a playful doo-wop number.
Zimming loved it. He paired “Rip Van Winkle” with a cover of “For Sentimental Reasons” as the B-side and released the single on Delta Records in 1961.
To promote the song, The Devotions handed out copies at record shops and events—sometimes autographed. But the record failed to chart and faded quickly.
A Cult Following Grows
Despite the lack of radio airplay, the song gained traction in Times Square. A well-known oldies record store began promoting “Rip Van Winkle,” and fans started requesting it on local stations. This underground buzz eventually caught the attention of Roulette Records, a larger label.
Roulette bought the masters from Delta and re-released the single in 1962. Still, the song didn’t make an impact on national charts.
Third Time’s the Charm
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In 1963, Roulette added “Rip Van Winkle” to its Golden Goodies compilation—an odd choice since the song hadn’t been a hit. But that inclusion turned out to be a game-changer.
Pittsburgh DJ Porky Chedwick noticed the track and began spinning it on his radio show. His listeners responded immediately. Calls flooded in. Requests stacked up.
Seeing the sudden spike in interest, Roulette re-released the single for a third time in early 1964. This time, it worked.
Within a week, Pittsburgh stores sold 15,000 copies of the record. Riding this momentum, “Rip Van Winkle” climbed the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #36 in March 1964. The Devotions had finally made it—three years after the song was first released.
A Hit During Beatlemania
It’s worth noting that the single’s success happened at a challenging time. Beatlemania had just arrived in the U.S., dominating airwaves and charts. That a novelty doo-wop tune managed to break through in such a climate is notable.
The group toured and made appearances, including performances at popular venues like Palisades Park in New Jersey. They hoped to follow up with more hits, but lightning didn’t strike twice.
Lineup Changes and Disbandment
Shortly after their chart success, The Devotions underwent a lineup change. Ray Sanchez and Bob Weisbrod left the group due to military commitments. They were replaced by Louis DeCarlo and Larry Frank.
Though they recorded a few more tracks, none charted. Roulette dropped them, and the group eventually disbanded.
Reunion and Legacy
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In the 1970s, The Devotions reunited. This time, Andy Sanchez, Ray’s younger brother, took on lead vocals. The group resumed performing at nostalgia and doo-wop revival events across the East Coast.
They’ve stayed active ever since. While they never matched their 1964 success, The Devotions earned a place in pop history as a one-hit wonder with a uniquely charming backstory.
Ironically, they’ve performed more over the decades than during the height of their brief chart fame. Fans of classic oldies still appreciate the timeless energy of “Rip Van Winkle,” which captures the whimsical spirit of early ’60s doo-wop.
Notable Performances and Media
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Appeared on DJ Slim Rose’s rock and roll show
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Performed at Palisades Amusement Park
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Featured in several oldies compilations
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Continue performing in revival concerts and doo-wop reunions
Fun Facts
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“Rip Van Winkle” was released three times before becoming a hit.
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The group’s name, The Devotions, reflected their commitment to harmony and unity.
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Their rehearsals in Astoria were known for being unusually intense for a local group.
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The Pardo brothers, Frank and Joe, were a key foundation in both the original and revived lineups.
Where Are They Now?
The Devotions still perform at doo-wop nostalgia events. Though some members have retired or passed on, their legacy endures through recordings, reissues, and live shows. Their official website and social media provide updates on upcoming performances and band news.