"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.
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.Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal In 1961, "It's Unbelievable" was released on the Sheryl label in 1961.Billboard Magazine, March 20, 1961 - Page 3 R&B RESURGANCE(sic) AN OMEN Long Vigil Is Forecast for Faithful Harbingers of 'Good Music' Return By REN GREVATT The group appeared on American Bandstand to sing their song courtesy of Jerry Ross arranging their appearance.A House on Fire: The Rise and Fall of Philadelphia Soul, By John A. Jackson - 1 "I'll Get By (1942-1962) 16
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.Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal Wright was formerly with Philadelphia group The Capris and had written their hit God Only Knows.Discogs - Ruben Wright Discography, Writing & ArrangementAmerican Singing Groups: A History from 1940s to Today, By Jay Warner - Page 92 The Capris (PHILADELPHIA)
Chart performance In 1961, the song peaked at No. 69 on the Billboard pop chart.Motown: The Golden Years, By Bill Dahl - Page 8 Motown '59-72
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 45Cat - The Larks (Philadelphia) - Discography USA "It's Unbelievable" / "I Can't Believe It" Barry B-3031X 1961 Canada45Cat -= The Larks (Philadelphia) - Discography Canada "Keep Climbing Brothers" / "It's Unbelievable" Uptown 761 1968 Credited to Four LarksMarv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal "It's Unbelievable" / "There Is A Girl" Eric Records 102 1968 Billboard, May 11, 1968 - Page 16 ALSO AVAILABLE FROM ERIC "It's Unbelievable" / "I Can't Believe It" Collectables C1080 45Cat - The Larks (Philadelphia) - Discography
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