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The Rivingtons

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Vocalists

The Resume

    (1956- )
    Born in Los Angeles, California
    1962 line-up:
    Carl White, lead singer
    Al Frazier, tenor
    John 'Sonny' Harris, baritone
    Turner 'Rocky' Wilson, Jr., bass
    Recorded the singles 'Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow' and 'The Bird's the Word' (both 1962)
    Recorded the album 'Doin' the Bird' (1962)

Why they might be annoying:

    In addition to 'the Rivingtons,' they performed or recorded as the Tenderfoots, the Jacks, the Sharps, the Rebels, the Four After Fives, the Crenshaws and Carlos & the Rivingtons.
    They cut 'Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow' as a throw-away song in the leftover time at the end of a session.
    Capitol Records turned down 'Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow' as too far out.
    Their two hits are better known for being the basis of the Trashmen song 'Surfin' Bird' than in their own right.
    They continued as an oldies circuit act despite lead singer White dying in 1980.

Why they might not be annoying:

    In addition to their songs, they sang backup on Thurston Harris' hit 'Little Bitty Pretty One' and provided the 'rebel yells' on Duane Eddy's 'Rebel Rouser.'
    Liberty Records initially sat on 'Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow' for six months, unsure how to market the song.
    The group performed the song at a DJ showcase in Los Angeles, resulting in immediate demand for the record in California.
    They had to threaten legal action to be properly credited as the writers of 'Surfin' Bird.'
    They appeared in episodes of L.A. Law and Night Court.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2023, Out of 6 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 25.00% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 6 Votes: 83.33% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 6 Votes: 16.67% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 4 Votes: 75.00% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 3 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 15 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 9 Votes: 55.56% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 4 Votes: 75.00% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 15 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 12 Votes: 33.33% Annoying