"It's Unbelievable" was a hit for Philadelphia doo wop group The Larks in 1961. It became very popular in Philly as well as become a hit in the pop charts.
| "It's Unbelievable" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by The Larks | ||||
| B-side | "I Can't Believe" | |||
| Released | 1961 | |||
| Genre | Doo wop | |||
| Label | Sheryl Records Inc. 334 | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Schulman, Gordon | |||
| Producer(s) | Jerry Ross, Murray Wecht | |||
| The Larks singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Background edit
The chance to record the song came about as a result of Weldon McDougal running into Atlantic Records promo man Jerry Ross. After the auditioning for Ross, the Larks recorded around six tracks.[1] In 1961, "It's Unbelievable" was released on the Sheryl label in 1961.[2] The group appeared on American Bandstand to sing their song courtesy of Jerry Ross arranging their appearance.[3]
Backing group edit
The group that played on the recording were called The Manhattans. They consisted of drummer Norman Conners, sax player Harrison Scott, guitarist Johnny Stiles, and keyboardist Ruben Wright.[4] Wright was formerly with Philadelphia group The Capris and had written their hit God Only Knows.[5][6]
Chart performance edit
In 1961, the song peaked at No. 69 on the Billboard pop chart.[7]
Releases edit
| Title | Release info | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| "It's Unbelievable" / "I Can't Believe It" | Sheryl Records Inc. 334 | 1961 | [8] |
| "It's Unbelievable" / "I Can't Believe It" | Barry B-3031X | 1961 | Canada[9] |
| "Keep Climbing Brothers" / "It's Unbelievable" | Uptown 761 | 1968 | Credited to Four Larks[10] |
| "It's Unbelievable" / "There Is A Girl" | Eric Records 102 | 1968 | [11] |
| "It's Unbelievable" / "I Can't Believe It" | Collectables C1080 | [12] |
References edit
- ^ Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal
- ^ Billboard Magazine, March 20, 1961 - Page 3 R&B RESURGANCE(sic) AN OMEN Long Vigil Is Forecast for Faithful Harbingers of 'Good Music' Return By REN GREVATT
- ^ A House on Fire: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia Soul, By John A. Jackson - 1 "I'll Get By (1942-1962) 16
- ^ Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal
- ^ Discogs - Ruben Wright Discography , Writing & Arrangement
- ^ American Singing Groups: A History from 1940s to Today, By Jay Warner - Page 92 The Capris (PHILADELPHIA)
- ^ Motown: The Golden Years, By Bill Dahl - Page 8 Motown '59-72
- ^ 45Cat - The Larks (Philadelphia) - Discography USA
- ^ 45Cat -= The Larks (Philadelphia) - Discography Canada
- ^ Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal
- ^ Billboard, May 11, 1968 - Page 16 ALSO AVAILABLE FROM ERIC
- ^ 45Cat - The Larks (Philadelphia) - Discography