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, Rovi