#2HitTuesdays The “Hey Little Cobra” session included musicians such as Glen Campbell, Leon Russell, Hal Blaine & Tommy Tedesco… all closely associated with the legendary Wrecking Crew. #TheWreckingCrew #GlenCampbell #LeonRussell #HalBlaine #TommyTedesco #OneHitWondered

#2HitTuesdays Inspired by Carroll Shelby’s Cobra sports car, “Hey Little Cobra” was perfectly timed to capitalize on the growing hot-rod craze. The single raced all the way to #4 on the #Billboard #Top40 in 1964… and would be The Rip Chords’ biggest hit. #OneHitWondered

#2HitTuesdays The Rip Chord’s breakthrough came with “Hey Little Cobra.” Ernie Bringas was temporarily away, and Terry Melcher & Brian Johnston stepped to the mics themselves. Melcher sang lead, with Johnston helping build the soaring falsetto harmonies… #OneHitWondered #MusicSky

#2HitTuesdays The Rip Chord’s next single, “Gone,” topped out at #88, but introduced another important piece of the Rip Chords sound: Bruce Johnston. Already working around the LA studio scene, he added vocals and became Terry Melcher’s Rip Chords production partner. #OneHitWondered #MusicSky

#2HitTuesdays At that point, The Rip Chords were just Ernie Bringas & Phil Stewart on vocals, with backing from the famed Wrecking Crew. Among the musicians credited were guitarist Glen Campbell & drummer Hal Blaine. #TheRipChords #TheWreckingCrew #GlenCampbell #HalBlaine #OneHitWondered

#2HitTuesdays Formed in LA by Phil Stewart & Ernie Bringas, The Rip Chords got a big boost when Columbia Records’ young A&R man/ producer Terry Melcher (Doris Day’s son) signed ‘em. Melcher produced their 1st single, 1962’s “Here I Stand.” #TheRipChords #TerryMelcher #OneHitWondered #MusicSky

#2HitTuesdays Before Terry Melcher produced The Byrds or Bruce Johnston joined The Beach Boys, they were the studio masterminds behind The Rip Chords…one of the coolest (and most misunderstood) acts of the ‘60s hot rod/surf explosion. #TheRipChords #TerryMelcher #BruceJohnston #OneHitWondered