Short, sharp, and catchy—that’s how fans remember “Western Union,” the biggest hit by The Five Americans. Released in 1967, the song rocketed up the charts with its signature guitar riff that mimicked the sound of a telegraph. But there’s more to the band than just this one hit.
The Five Americans were talented, creative, and ready to evolve. Yet internal struggles and outside interference kept them from reaching their full potential. Their story is one of early promise, chart success, and ultimately, lost opportunities.
Let’s explore how a college band from Oklahoma became pop-rock hitmakers—and how it all fell apart just a few years later.
| Artist Name | The Five Americans |
|---|---|
| Origin | Durant, Oklahoma, USA |
| Genres | Garage Rock, Pop Rock, Psychedelic Rock |
| Years Active | 1962–1969 |
| Label | Abnak Records |
| Best Known Song | “Western Union” (1967, #5 Billboard Hot 100) |
| Notable Members | Mike Rabon, John Durrill, Jim Grant, Norman Ezell, Jimmy Wright |
| Other Hit Songs | “I See the Light,” “Evol-Not Love,” “Sound of Love,” “Zip Code” |
| Post-Band Activity | Durrill joined The Ventures and wrote hits for other artists. Rabon became an author and educator. |
| Legacy | Key figures in the garage rock movement. Remembered for catchy singles and a distinct sound. |
Early Days: From The Mutineers to The Five Americans
The band started at Southeastern State College in Durant, Oklahoma. The lineup featured:
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Mike Rabon (lead guitar, vocals)
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John Durrill (keyboards)
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Jim Grant (bass)
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Norman Ezell (rhythm guitar, harmonica)
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Jimmy Wright (drums)
At first, they called themselves The Mutineers. The group moved to Dallas, Texas, where they performed in local clubs and recorded demos. It wasn’t long before they caught the attention of Jon Abdnor Jr., a businessman and owner of Abnak Records. He signed the band and renamed them The Five Americans.
Breakthrough: “I See the Light”
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Their first charting single was “I See the Light,” released in 1965. The song reached #26 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1966. It was upbeat, packed with energy, and hinted at their potential.
With this early success, Abnak pushed out the group’s debut album—also titled I See the Light. It was issued in both mono and stereo formats and peaked at #136 on the Billboard 200.
Going Bigger: The Story of “Western Union”
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The band’s true breakthrough came in 1967 with “Western Union.” The inspiration came while Mike Rabon was experimenting with a guitar riff that reminded him of a telegraph key. The sound clicked, and Rabon, along with Ezell and Durrill, turned it into a full song.
“Western Union” was released as a single and quickly climbed the charts. It peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and even performed well in Canada. The corresponding album, Western Union, reached #121 on the Billboard 200 and #66 in Canada.
A follow-up single, “Sound of Love,” reached #36. Critics praised the band’s clean harmonies and inventive sound.
More Hits and Growing Tensions
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The Five Americans followed up with a third album titled Progressions, also released in 1967. It included their final Top 40 hit, “Zip Code,” which again peaked at #36.
However, things weren’t going smoothly behind the scenes. Their relationship with Jon Abdnor was deteriorating. Abdnor controlled the band’s music and finances. The group wanted more freedom—creative and financial—but Abdnor reportedly made decisions without their input.
He was said to dictate what they recorded and even where they recorded it. This frustrated the band, who felt limited and creatively stifled.
The Breakup
By 1968, the tensions had taken a toll. Keyboardist John Durrill and guitarist Norman Ezell both left the band. They were replaced by Lenny Goldsmith and Bobby Rambo. Despite the new members, the magic was gone.
The Five Americans officially disbanded in 1969.
Mike Rabon went on to form another group called Gladstone, which had a minor hit in 1972 with “A Piece of Paper.” Durrill later joined The Ventures and became a successful songwriter, co-writing “Dark Lady,” which became a hit for Cher.
Legacy and Reissues
The Five Americans may not have lasted long, but their work left a mark. Their blend of garage rock, pop harmonies, and jangly guitars helped shape the sound of the late ’60s.
After Abdnor’s death in 1996, Sundazed Music acquired the band’s original tapes. They reissued several Five Americans recordings on CD, introducing the group to new generations of listeners.
Sadly, Jim Grant passed away in 2004, followed by Norman Ezell in 2010 and Jimmy Wright in 2012. As of today, only Rabon and Durrill survive from the original lineup.
Fun Facts
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The band recorded a cover of “Norwegian Wood” by The Beatles, which helped catch early attention.
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“Western Union” was featured on several 1960s music compilations.
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Their music often featured odd chord progressions and distinctive organ parts, giving them a unique sound in the garage rock scene.