August 10, 2020

1965 — February: Herman’s Hermits “Introducing Herman’s Hermits”

25 minutes

Introducing Herman’s Hermits is the the debut album for the band Herman’s Hermits. Front man Peter Noone was an actor on "Coronation Street," a British TV soap opera. The resemblance between Noone and a character named Sherman (from the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon) was noted, and this name was shortened to "Herman." The group would start using the name "Herman and His Hermits," and this was also shortened to "Herman's Hermits."

Herman's Hermits were a part of the British Invasion of the early 60's, which included acts like the Dave Clark 5, The Merseybeats, and of course The Beatles. In fact, the group was curated to appeal to American audiences, with a non-threatening clean cut image very different from that of other rock bands like the Rolling Stones and The Who. In addition to their music, the band also appeared in several MGM-produced movies at the time, including the 1968 film, "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter."

This was a very popular band in the early 60's, posting 12 top-10 songs by the middle of the decade. By 1968, however, music tastes had changed, and Herman's Hermits lost popularity in the United States. They did see a resurgence in the 80's, and toured in the oldies circuits at the time, though with a different lead singer since Peter Noone left the band in 1971.

Peter Noone still tours today, and this would be a great act to catch when he comes to your town.

Mrs. Brown, You've Got A Lovely Daughter

The English accent is exaggerated in this song, a departure from the more common attempts to downplay accents. "Make a bloke feel so proud!" This was not intended to be a single, but it went to number 1 on the charts. The Chipmunks covered this song in 1965 as well.

Show Me Girl

This deeper cut was co-written by Carole King and went to number 19 in the UK. "So if you really care and you're not just wasting my time, come on and show me girl."

Henry the 8th

Another song that promotes the English accent, the name is pronounced, "En-e-ry" in the Cockney style. It is a 1910 British music hall song, but in 1965 it became the fastest-selling song in history. Herman's Hermit took it to number 1, beating out the Rolling Stones "Satisfaction." Interestingly, this is not about Henry VIII, king of England, but about the 8th Henry to marry the widow next door.

I'm Into Something Good

This is another song penned by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, it is surprising that it only reached number 13 despite its enduring popularity. King was inspired by the work of The Beach Boy's Brian Wilson when she wrote this song. It tells of a new love.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television series “Lost In Space”

This science fiction series was playing at the time. "Danger, Will Robinson!"

STAFF PICKS:

“The Boy from New York City” by The Ad Libs

Bruce brings us a doo-wop quintet from Bayonne, New Jersey. Though they continued to record into the 80's, The Ad Libs would only post this hit at number 8 from February 1965. The Manhattan Transfer took a cover version to number 7 in 1981. And The Darts took it to number 2 in the UK in 1978.

“You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin’” by The Righteous Brothers

Rob's pick also features a song well known from its cover version, this time from 1980 by Hall & Oates. According to BMI the original and/or its cover versions was the most played song on American radio and TV for 22 years until 2019, when it was usurped by Sting's “Every Breath You Take.”

“All Day and All of the Night” by The Kinks

Brian's staff pick was influenced by a previous Kink's song “You Really Got Me.” In turn, it also heavily influenced The Doors “Hello, I Love You.” A young session guitarist, Jimmy Page, is rumored to have played on it, though Davies denied it.

“The Midnight Special” by Johnny Rivers

Wayne also brings us a song better known by its cover, this time covered by Credence Clearwater Revival. Johnny Rivers had this folk song in the top 20 in 1965, but the original was recorded in 1905. It talks about the dreams of prisoners to be on the midnight train.

COMEDY TRACK:

“Jolly Green Giant” by The Kingsmen

This comedic track is based on the Jolly Green Giant of green beans fame.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings