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1962 was the breakout year for Mary Esther Wells, becoming Motown's first big star and successful solo artist. Upon auditioning for and being signed by Berry Gordy, William "Smokey" Robinson won the honor of writing and producing for her. It was a great match. Robinson transformed Wells from a gritty, rough-sounding shouter into a sultry, polished, silky-smooth pop star. The result was five top 20 hits between 1962 and '64. And three top 10s in 1962 alone! The first collaboration , "The One Who Really Loves You", was Wells' first top 10 hit (no. 8 in May). In late August she returned to the top 10 with a wallop as "You Beat Me To The Punch" hit at no. 9 (Get the pun?). "Two Lovers" was yet another top 10 smash (no. 7) by mid-December. There was a great song on the flip side of "Lovers" called "Operator", also written by Smokey. This, I believe would have been another top 10 smash had it been released as an A-side, it's that good. Wells and Robinson were red-hot. Dee Dee Sharp Born Dion LaRue, she was previously a background singer for Cameo Records who could not only sing, but also read music and play piano. She first gained fame as a duo with Chubby Checker on the hit "Slow Twistin'" ( a no. 3 smash in early March. ) It was label hocho Bernie Lowe who suggested that she try the duet. And the rest is history. But "Mashed Potato Time"(a no. 2 smash in mid-March) made her a star and started a new dance sensation. The follow-up, "Gravy(For My Mashed Potatoes)" hit at no. 9. ( The Orlons did the backup vocals on these two songs!) And "Ride!" capped off a great year at no. 5 in early November. The Crystals had a no. 13 hit with "Uptown" in late April, but had a no. 1 smash with "He's A Rebel in Oct. (The latter was written by Gene Pitney! And the fabulous Darlene Love did the lead vocals on this.) Gene McDaniels He continued with the top 10 hit "Chip Chip"(no.10!) in early Feb. "Point Of No Return" was a top 30 hit (no.21) in early Sept. And mid-December saw "Spanish Lace" hit at no. 31. (Unfortunately, this was to be his last top 40 hit.) McDaniels was featured in the 1962 British film "It's Trad, Dad", also known as " Ring-A-Ding-Rhythm", which was directed by Richard Lester. Chubby Checker, Gene Vincent, Gary "U.S" Bonds, Mr. Acker Bilk, Del Shannon, and others were also featured.
The copyright of the article Outstanding Songs and Performers in 1962 in 60s Music is owned by . Permission to republish Outstanding Songs and Performers in 1962 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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