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Lots of links today! Enjoy!
In 1965, a group called The Ad Libs became a one-hit wonder with "The Boy from New York City," a catchy little doo-wop/soul hybrid that, in the midst of the British Invasion, was able to crack the Top 10 on Billboard's Hot 100, reaching #8.
In 1978, a British group called The Darts, released a cover version that reached #2 in the UK...but didn't chart in the US.
This, however, caught the attention of America's Manhattan Transfer, who was already known for their jazz and swing vocal arrangements.
The group thought a cover version of their own would be right in their wheelhouse: upbeat jazzy vocals on a song people could sing along to. Plus, with a name like Manhattan Transfer, a song about a "Boy from New York City" seemed like a natural.
It was an excellent choice for the group, and when it was released as a single in 1981, it jumped to #4 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart, and #7 on the Hot 100.
In effect, "The Boy from New York City" became a "Great Song" three times: in the'60s, ;70s, and '80s!
Note: In 1965, The Beach Boys recorded an "answer song" called "The Girl from New York City," which appeared on their "Summer Days/Summer Nights" album. It was a completely different tune, but it's pretty good, and well worth mentioning.
Manhattan Transfer:
The Darts:
The Ad Libs:
The Beach Boys:
Tomorrow: Channeling Bogie
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