The Olympics - Western Movies - 1958

The Olympics were an American doo-wop group, formed in 1957 by lead singer Walter Ward (August 28, 1940 — December 11, 2006). The group included Eddie Lewis (tenor, Ward's cousin), Charles Fizer (tenor), Walter Hammond (baritone) and Melvin King (bass) and except for Lewis were friends in a Los Angeles, California high school. Their first record was credited to Walter Ward and the Challengers ("I Can Tell" on Melatone Records).

After the name change, they recorded "Western Movies" (Demon Records) in the summer of 1958. Co-written by Fred Smith and Cliff Goldsmith, "Western Movies" made it to #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song reflected the nation's preoccupation with western themed movies and television programs. It told the story of a man who lost his girl to TV westerns, and it included doo-wop harmonies as well as background gunshots and ricochet sound effects.

In 1960, the group recorded "(Baby) Hully Gully," which initiated the hully gully dance craze. "Big Boy Pete," which the group also released in 1960, served as inspiration for The Kingsmen's "Jolly Green Giant." Over the next ten years The Olympics recorded upbeat R&B songs, often about dances popular at the time.

The Rascals later covered their song, "Good Lovin'", and took it to #1 on the US Hot 100.

Fizer was shot and killed during the Watts Riots in 1965. Shortly thereafter, King left the group after his sister died in an accidental shooting. A revamped group continued to record into the early 1970s, but were unable to attain popular chart success after the mid 1960s. The Olympics continued to perform on the oldies circuit in the United States and other countries.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• olympics
• music
• group
• western
• movies
• 1960's
• doo
• wop

[Motorman13629]

there wasn't ever any better music!

[RadioCarino]

@Motorman13629 you got that right ! Thanks for listening . S CARINO

[KYIRISH1]

Personally 1958 was about the best year of my life. Soph in college, great girl friend, athletically I was on a super run, and hits like "Western Movies" kept on coming and coming.

I realize everyone thinks the years of their youth was the best, but take my word, the '50's and early '60's were something else. But...you had to have been there with us on "One Summer Nite".

[noalittleaboutlot]

Thank you RadioCarino, I absolutely love this song. I wasn't even in school yet the first time I heard this song. Fantastic. :-)

[futuremrsrupertgrint]

so do i...its awesome...nothin beats the oldies

[lilmijo9]

first! love this song