I found out about this couple by way of Angela from Weirdo Records saying that each of their records were one of those that you could hardly play a side from it before someone came up to the counter and bought it. And aren't these two absolutely darling? While I have worked at record stores, none of them had the gumption to have slabs like these gracing the shelves, and I had to have it. The claim to fame for Paul & Paula (not their real names) started as a neighborhood couple in college who sang this song at a nearby Texas radio station and spurred a wave of popularity that coasted well past an initial record deal. They are credited for setting into motion the barrage of duets that followed in the 60s, with this hit Hey Paula (written by "Paul"), which was number one for most of February in 1963.
See the 2nd duet below...
Following in the footsteps of Hey Paula, this magical and somber song united two Louisiana Rhythm & Blues artists for what was number one, or close to it, on the Hot 100 Billboard Charts for most of autumn, 1963. It was the first duet to follow another duet Deep Purple by Nino Tempo & April Stevens at number one in music history. Like Paul & Paula, Dale & Grace were also an actual love interest, not just paired up for musical compatibility, but shortly after recording Stop And Think It Over and touring with Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars, their relationship dissolved until much later due to various unfortunate circumstances. They will probably be best known for being at number one on the charts on the day that Kennedy was assassinated, and also having been there to wave to the motorcade in Dallas just before it made a fateful turn around the corner.
Great post and love the video - Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: BlondeBomber | November 22, 2011 at 03:12 PM