It's Unbelievable

"It's Unbelievable" was a hit for Philadelphia doo wop group The Larks in 1961. It became very popular in Philly as well as become a hit in the pop charts.

"It's Unbelievable"
Single by The Larks
B-side"I Can't Believe"
Released1961
Format7" 45 RPM single
GenreDoo wop
LabelSheryl Records Inc. 334
Songwriter(s)Schulman, Gordon
Producer(s)Jerry Ross, Murray Wecht
The Larks singles chronology
"It's Unbelievable" "Heaven Only Knows"

Background

The chance to record the song came about as a result of Weldon McDougal running into Atlantic Records promo man Jerry Ross. After the auditioning for Ross, the Larks recorded around six tracks.[1] In 1961, "It's Unbelievable" was released on the Sheryl label in 1961.[2] The group appeared on American Bandstand to sing their song courtesy of Jerry Ross arranging their appearance.[3]

Backing group

The group that played on the recording were called The Manhattans. They consisted of drummer Norman Conners, sax player Harrison Scott, guitarist Johnny Stiles, and keyboardist Ruben Wright.[4] Wright was formerly with Philadelphia group The Capris and had written their hit God Only Knows.[5][6]

Chart action

In 1961, it entered the charts at no 78 for the Week Ending 12 March.[7] It eventually rose to no 69 on the Billboard pop charts.[8]

Releases
45 RPM Singles U.S. release unless specified otherwise
Title Release info Year Notes
"It's Unbelievable" / "I Can't Believe It" Sheryl Records Inc. 334 1961 [9]
"It's Unbelievable" / "I Can't Believe It" Barry B-3031X 1961 Canada[10]
"Keep Climbing Brothers" / "It's Unbelievable" Uptown 761 1968 Credited to Four Larks[11]
"It's Unbelievable" / "There Is A Girl" Eric Records 102 1968 [12]
"It's Unbelievable" / "I Can't Believe It" Collectables C1080 [13]

References
  1. Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal
  2. Billboard Magazine, March 20, 1961 - Page 3 R&B RESURGANCE(sic) AN OMEN Long Vigil Is Forcast for Faithful Harbingers of 'Good Music' Return By REN GREVATT
  3. A House on Fire: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia Soul, By John A. Jackson - 1 "I'll Get By (1942-1962) 16
  4. Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal
  5. Discogs - Ruben Wright Discography , Writing & Arrangement
  6. American Singing Groups: A History from 1940s to Today, By Jay Warner - Page 92 The Capris (PHILADELPHIA)
  7. Weekly Top 40 - 1961: All Charts, US Hot 40 Singles for the Week Ending 1st January, 1961, NEW THIS WEEK
  8. Motown: The Golden Years, By Bill Dahl - Page 8 Motown '59-72
  9. 45Cat - The Larks (Philadelphia) - Discography USA
  10. 45Cat -= The Larks (Philadelphia) - Discography Canada
  11. Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal
  12. Billboard, May 11, 1968 - Page 16 ALSO AVAILABLE FROM ERIC
  13. 45Cat - The Larks (Philadelphia) - Discography
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