The Story and Music of The Exciters

In the early 1960s, a high-energy vocal group from Queens, New York, shook up the music world with their bold, soulful sound. The Exciters, known for their breakout hit “Tell Him,” helped shape the girl group era and influenced artists across the Atlantic. With their strong lead vocals and infectious energy, they carved a place in R&B and pop history, even if their time at the top was brief.

Though often labeled a one-hit wonder, The Exciters left a lasting impact on soul, Northern Soul, and British pop. Here’s a closer look at their formation, rise to fame, music career, and legacy.

Artist Profile: The Exciters
Genre	R&B, Soul, Girl Group, Northern Soul
Origin	Queens, New York, USA
Years Active	1961–1974 (occasional reunions after)
Key Members	Brenda Reid, Herb Rooney, Carolyn Johnson, Lillian Walker
Biggest Hit	“Tell Him” – #4 Billboard Hot 100 (1963)
Associated Acts	The Masters, Brenda & Herb
Labels	United Artists, Roulette, Bang, RCA, Shout
Influence	Inspired Dusty Springfield; embraced in Northern Soul scene
Legacy	Pioneers in female-led R&B; helped launch the girl group era

Early Days and Formation

The Exciters began in 1961 as a high school girl group called The Masterettes, formed in Queens, New York. The original lineup featured:

• Brenda Reid

• Carolyn Johnson

• Lillian Walker

• Sylvia Wilbur

They were created as a sister act to the male doo-wop group The Masters, best known for “A Man Is Not Supposed to Cry.” When Wilbur left in 1962, Penny Carter briefly joined. After Carter’s departure, the group added Herb Rooney, a member of The Masters and future husband of Brenda Reid. With the addition of a male voice, the group evolved into The Exciters.

Breakthrough with “Tell Him”

 

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In 1962, the group signed with United Artists and worked with legendary producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Their first release under the new name was “Tell Him”—a dramatic, gospel-infused pop anthem that quickly climbed the charts.

Chart Success:

• #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 (1963)

• #5 on the R&B chart

• Top 10 in multiple countries

Arranged by George “Teacho” Wiltshire, the song showcased Brenda Reid’s bold, assertive lead vocals. Originally recorded by Gil Hamilton (Johnny Thunder), the Exciters’ version became definitive.

“Tell Him” was more than a hit—it changed perceptions. It presented female singers as strong, expressive, and in control. British singer Dusty Springfield credited the song as the inspiration for her shift toward soul-pop music.

Following Hits and Misses

After the massive success of “Tell Him,” The Exciters released several follow-up singles:

• “He’s Got the Power” – #57 (1963)

• “Get Him” – #76 (1963)

• “Do-Wah-Diddy” – #78 (1964)

The last of these was later made famous by Manfred Mann, whose cover of “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” became a chart-topping hit in 1964. Although The Exciters didn’t have another major U.S. hit, they retained a strong fanbase and became cult favorites in Britain’s Northern Soul scene.

Mid-to-Late 1960s: Changing Labels

 

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The group’s chart momentum slowed by the mid-1960s. In 1965, they moved to Roulette Records, where they released “I Want You to Be My Boy” (a Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers cover), which peaked at just #98.

They went on to record for various labels including:

• Bang Records

• Shout Records

• RCA Records

Their 1969 Bang Records single, “A Little Bit of Soap,” managed to reach #58 on the pop chart. It was their last charting hit in the U.S.

Lineup Changes and Breakup

By the late 1960s, original members Johnson and Walker left the group. They were replaced by Ronnie Pace and Skip McPhee. Despite these changes, The Exciters struggled to maintain commercial success. They officially disbanded in 1974.

Return to the Charts in the UK

In 1975, Brenda Reid and Herb Rooney, still using the Exciters name, released “Reaching for the Best.” Aimed at the Northern Soul audience, the track unexpectedly became a pop hit in the UK, peaking at:

• #31 on the UK Singles Chart

The single was produced by Ian Levine, a key figure in the Northern Soul movement.

Brenda & Herb and Beyond

In 1978, the couple released another track, “Tonight I’m Gonna Make You a Star,” under the name Brenda & Herb. After their separation, Brenda Reid formed a new version of The Exciters, often including her family members. She occasionally performed with Lillian Walker, keeping the group’s legacy alive.

Personal Lives and Legacy

• Herb Rooney passed away in the early 1990s.

• Carolyn Johnson died on May 7, 2002, at age 62.

• Brenda Reid and her son, Mark Cory Rooney, became music executives. Mark worked with artists like Jennifer Lopez and Mary J. Blige.

• Lillian Walker continued performing in reunion shows into the 2000s.

While The Exciters never replicated their early success in the U.S., their influence extended far beyond the charts. They helped shape the girl group sound, bridged doo-wop and soul, and paved the way for assertive female vocalists in pop music.

Notable Songs by The Exciters