The Vibrations

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The Vibrations
Also known asThe Jay Hawks, the Vibrating Vibrations, the Marathons
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresSoul, rhythm and blues
Years active1955–1976
LabelsChecker Records, Okeh Records, Mandala Records
Past membersDave Govan (deceased)
Carl Fisher
James Johnson (deceased)
Richard 'Ricky' Owens (deceased)
Don Bradley
Carver Bunkum[1]

The Vibrations were an American

hit singles were "My Girl Sloopy" (1964) and "Love in Them There Hills" (1968). The quintet's members included Don Bradley, Carl Fisher, Dave Govan, James Johnson and Ricky Owens.[3]

History

The group initially began recording as The Jay Hawks, and had a hit in 1956 with "

The group recorded a couple of Northern soul classics since their initial hit on Atlantic Records in 1963. A cover version of their song "My Girl Sloopy", retitled "Hang On Sloopy", was a hit for the McCoys in 1965.[2]

Their 1968 track "Cause You're Mine" (Epic Records 5-10418, although originally on Okeh Records) is listed at number 48 in The Northern Soul Top 500 by Kev Roberts. Roberts stated: "This track knocks you sideways by the 4th bar and continues to race against time, leaving you collapsed in a heap of delight!".[5]

A later single, "Surprise Party for Baby" attributed to The Vibrating Vibrations (

the Intruders cuts a couple of years later".[5]

The Vibrations briefly broke up in 1971. At this time, Owens became a member of the Temptations, although he was let go after his first few engagements. Owens and the other Vibrations regrouped and continued, eventually becoming a nightclub act in the mid-1970s, before officially dissolving the group in 1976.[1][3] Ricky Owens died in 1995.[6]

Discography

Albums

  • Watusi! (Checker Records, 1961)
  • Peanut Butter (Arvee Records, 1961) (as the Marathons)
  • Misty (Okeh Records, 1964)
  • Shout! (Okeh Records, 1965)
  • New Vibrations (Okeh Records, 1966)
  • Taking a New Step (Mandala Records, 1972)

Singles

Year Song Peak chart positions
US Pop
[7]
US R&B
[7]
1956 "Stranded in the Jungle" 18 9
1960 "So Blue" 110
1961 "The Watusi" 25 13
"
Peanut Butter
"
20 25
"The Junkernoo" 112
1964 "
My Girl Sloopy
"
26 10
"Sloop Dance" 109
1965 "Keep On Keeping On" 118
"End Up Crying" 130
"Misty" 63 26
1966 "And I Love Her" 118 47
1967 "Pick Me" 39
1968 "Love in Them There Hills" 93 38
"Cause You're Mine"
1971 "Surprise Party for Baby"
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

References

  1. ^ a b Thomas, Bryan. "The Jayhawks - Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  2. ^ .
  3. ^ a b Wynn, Ron. "Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  4. ^ Andrew Hamilton. "The Marathons - Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  5. ^ .
  6. ^ "The Vibrations Page". Soulwalking.co.uk. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  7. ^ a b "The Vibrations Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography". Music VF. Retrieved November 25, 2021.

External links