The 1960s saw a surge of bands that left a lasting impact on music. While British Invasion groups dominated headlines, a few American bands carved their own space. One of them was The Buckinghams.
With their brass-infused pop sound, catchy melodies, and relatable lyrics, the Buckinghams captured the hearts of fans across the U.S. Their story is one of quick stardom, industry changes, and lasting influence. Here’s a closer look at how this Chicago band made its mark on American pop music.
| Band Name | Origin | Genres | Years Active | Labels | Notable Hits | Awards & Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Buckinghams | Chicago, Illinois, USA | Sunshine Pop, Pop Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul | 1966–1970, 1980–present | USA Records, Columbia Records | Kind of a Drag Don’t You Care Mercy, Mercy, Mercy Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song) Susan |
Gold Record for “Kind of a Drag” Hit Parade Hall of Fame (2009) Performed at 2005 Presidential Inaugural Ball |
Beginnings: From the Centuries to the Pulsations
The Buckinghams’ roots go back to the early 1960s in Chicago. Guitarist Carl Giammarese and bassist Nick Fortuna were members of a band called The Centuries. They later teamed up with keyboardist Dennis Miccolis, drummer John Poulos, and vocalist Dennis Tufano. Vocalist George LeGros also joined briefly before being drafted into military service.
The group, now called The Pulsations, landed a spot on WGN-TV’s variety show All Time Hits. The band soon realized that a British-sounding name would help them stand out—so they rebranded as The Buckinghams, mixing a royal flair with a nod to their American identity.
Breakthrough Hit: “Kind of a Drag”
In 1966, the Buckinghams signed with USA Records, a Chicago-based label. Their first releases included covers like James Brown’s “I’ll Go Crazy” and the Beatles’ “I Call Your Name.” But it was an original track, “Kind of a Drag,” written by Jim Holvay, that catapulted them to stardom.
Released in late 1966, “Kind of a Drag” hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1967. It sold over a million copies and earned a gold certification. The track’s blend of soulful vocals, upbeat rhythm, and catchy brass arrangements became the band’s signature sound.
More Hits and Columbia Records Era
Following their success, the Buckinghams signed with Columbia Records. This transition allowed them to reach a national audience and expand their sound. With producer James William Guercio (who later worked with Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears), the band scored several Top 40 hits in 1967:
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“Don’t You Care” – #6 Billboard Hot 100
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“Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” – #5
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“Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song)” – #12
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“Susan” – #11
Albums like Time & Charges and Portraits helped solidify their popularity. However, not all was smooth behind the scenes. The band clashed with producers over certain creative decisions—especially the psychedelic breakdown added to “Susan,” which they reportedly disliked.
Decline and Disbandment
By 1968, the band’s momentum started to fade. Their final Columbia album, In One Ear and Gone Tomorrow, featured the single “Back in Love Again,” which only reached #57 on the Hot 100.
Internal conflicts and changing music trends led to the band’s breakup in early 1970.
Comeback and the 1980s Revival
A decade later, nostalgia for 1960s pop brought the Buckinghams back. In 1980, original members Carl Giammarese, Nick Fortuna, and Dennis Tufano reformed the group for a reunion performance. Tufano later left for a solo career, but Giammarese and Fortuna carried on the band name with new supporting members.
Throughout the 1980s and beyond, the Buckinghams became a staple of “oldies” tours, including the highly popular Happy Together Tour. This tour featured other acts from the 1960s like The Turtles, The Grass Roots, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, and Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees.
Continued Legacy and Honors
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The Buckinghams didn’t just rely on nostalgia. They released new material in the 2000s, including:
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Terra Firma (2001)
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Reaching Back (2008)
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Up Close (2010, live and studio collection)
They were invited to perform at the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Ball, showing their continued cultural relevance. In 2009, the Buckinghams were inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
Why Their Music Still Matters
The Buckinghams’ music speaks to a generation that came of age in the late 1960s. Their songs are clean, emotional, and accessible—especially for fans who prefer brass-laden pop rock over the heavy psychedelia of that era.
Their biggest hits still get radio play, and they remain a live draw for fans who want to relive their youth or experience the energy of 60s pop live on stage. As Carl Giammarese once said, their songs remind people of “a time when music felt good and made people feel good.”