Vibrations

Though never major hitmakers, the Los Angeles-based Vibrations were consistent performers through the '60s. The lineup included James Johnson, Carl Fisher, Richard Owens, Dave Govan, and Don Bradley. They began recording as the Jayhawks, then scored a couple of novelty hits performing as the Marathons. Neither "The Watusi" nor "Peanut Butter" were particularly triumphant, but each managed to chart in both the R&B and pop markets. When they became the Vibrations in 1964, they gradually turned to more romantic material, although their first hit, "My Girl Sloopy," was closer to their previous cuts. They had their last brush with glory in 1968 with the Okeh song "Love in Them There Hills." Although Richard Owens was briefly in the Temptations in 1971, the Vibrations continued on until 1976, closing out their career as a nightclub act. ~ Ron Wynn