How to Hire THE BUCKINGHAMS For Your Event!
Members:
Carl Giammarese, Nick Fortuna, Bruce Soboroff, Dave Zane, Tom Scheckel
Based in: Illinois
Hire: The Buckinghams
The Buckinghams are an American pop rock band that rose to prominence in the 1960s. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, the band became well-known for their signature blend of pop melodies with brass instrumentation, a sound that would come to define much of their success. They are best remembered for their 1967 hit singles like “Kind of a Drag,” which propelled them to national fame and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Formation and Early Days
The origins of The Buckinghams can be traced back to 1965 when a group of Chicago-based musicians came together to form a band called The Pulsations. The original members included Carl Giammarese (guitar), Nick Fortuna (bass), Jon Poulos (drums), Dennis Tufano (lead vocals), and George LeGros (vocals and keyboards). Shortly after their formation, they were offered the chance to appear on WGN-TV’s music show All-Time Hits. The producers of the show suggested they change their name to something more fitting with the ongoing British Invasion trend, and thus, they became “The Buckinghams.”
Rise to Fame
The Buckinghams began to gain traction on the local Chicago scene by performing covers of popular songs of the era, as well as some original material. Their first big break came when they were signed by the U.S. record label USA Records. In 1966, they recorded “Kind of a Drag,” which became a surprise hit. The song’s catchy melody and horn section helped it stand out from other rock music of the time, and it quickly climbed to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1967.
Following the success of “Kind of a Drag,” The Buckinghams secured a record deal with Columbia Records, where they continued to release hit singles. Their success continued with a string of hits including “Don’t You Care,” “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy,” and “Susan.” The band’s unique sound, characterized by lush horn arrangements and pop-rock sensibilities, set them apart from many of their contemporaries. They were one of the pioneering American groups to incorporate horns into their music, influencing the emerging “horn rock” sound that would later be popularized by bands like Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
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Peak and Challenges
The band enjoyed a period of significant success in 1967, with their music regularly featured on AM radio. They were known for their clean-cut image, in contrast to the more rebellious and experimental artists of the late 1960s. However, by the late 1960s, The Buckinghams faced challenges, as changes in the music industry, particularly the rise of psychedelic rock and harder-edged sounds, led to a decline in their commercial success.
In 1968, their relationship with Columbia Records became strained, particularly over the release of their single “Susan,” which included an out-of-place psychedelic interlude inserted by the label without the band’s approval. This, along with other creative differences, contributed to the band’s eventual decline.
Breakup and Reunions
By 1970, The Buckinghams had disbanded, with the members pursuing solo careers. Carl Giammarese and Nick Fortuna continued to perform together in various configurations, while Dennis Tufano pursued a solo career in acting and voice work.
Despite their initial breakup, The Buckinghams’ music enjoyed a revival in the 1980s and 1990s. The band reunited for oldies tours, with Carl Giammarese and Nick Fortuna being the mainstay members of the reunion lineup. In subsequent years, The Buckinghams became a staple of the oldies circuit, performing their classic hits at various nostalgia-themed concerts and festivals.
Legacy
The Buckinghams are remembered for their role in bridging the gap between pop and rock music in the 1960s. Their fusion of rock rhythms with brass instrumentation helped shape the horn rock sound, influencing bands that followed. Although their mainstream success was relatively short-lived, their music continues to be celebrated, especially in the context of 1960s pop-rock history.
Songs like “Kind of a Drag” and “Don’t You Care” remain enduring hits, frequently played on oldies radio stations. The Buckinghams‘ ability to capture the zeitgeist of 1960s pop while maintaining a distinctive sound has ensured their place in American rock history. Their music is often associated with the optimism and vibrancy of the era, making them an iconic part of the 1960s music landscape.
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