Saturday, September 20, 2014

Record #0565: Fabulous / Just Lookin' – CHARLIE GRACIE

Cameo 107 (original) USA, Apr. 1957
Words & Music bySide A – Harry Land (Bernie Lowe), John Sheldon (Kal Mann); Side B – Mann, Lowe
Musicians: Charlie Gracie (lead vocals and lead guitar), Joe Sgro (rhythm guitar), Joe Macho (bass), Jerry Kilgore (drums), Bernie Lowe (piano), Dave Appell & the Applejacks (backing vocals)
Recording sessions: Produced by Bernie Lowe at Reco-Art Sound Recording Studio, Philadelphia, PA, April 5 & 9, 1957
Highest chart positions:  US #16, UK #8

"Fabulous" was Charlie Gracie's second and the last entry in US Top 20. He did score a couple of more hits in the UK, though.

Kal Mann and Bernie Lowe founded Cameo-Parkway Records in 1956. They also wrote many hit songs together; the biggest hit being Elvis Presley's "Teddy Bear" in 1957 (US #1, US R&B #1, US Country #1, UK #3). Dave Appell was the A&R director of Cameo-Parkway, and also co-wrote some of the label's biggest hits with Kal Mann (e.g. Chubby Checker's "Let's Twist Again").

I actually like the flip side more. Nice guitar work by Gracie.

List price:  Very Good+ is $10, Near Mint is $20

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