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
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 performance

In 1961, the song peaked at No. 69 on the Billboard pop chart.[7]

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 [8]
"It's Unbelievable" / "I Can't Believe It" Barry B-3031X 1961 Canada[9]
"Keep Climbing Brothers" / "It's Unbelievable" Uptown 761 1968 Credited to Four Larks[10]
"It's Unbelievable" / "There Is A Girl" Eric Records 102 1968 [11]
"It's Unbelievable" / "I Can't Believe It" Collectables C1080 [12]

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 Forecast 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. Motown: The Golden Years, By Bill Dahl - Page 8 Motown '59-72
  8. 45Cat - The Larks (Philadelphia) - Discography USA
  9. 45Cat -= The Larks (Philadelphia) - Discography Canada
  10. Marv Goldberg's Yesterday's Memories Rhythm & Blues Party - The Other, Other Larks By Marv Goldberg, based on an interview with Weldon McDougal
  11. Billboard, May 11, 1968 - Page 16 ALSO AVAILABLE FROM ERIC
  12. 45Cat - The Larks (Philadelphia) - Discography
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