Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs

Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs first gained widespread attention in 1965 with their chart-topping single “Wooly Bully,” a track that brought Tex-Mex rhythms into the heart of mainstream rock & roll. The group originated in Dallas when vocalist Domingo Samudio adopted the stage name Sam the Sham after a humorous nod to his own vocal shortcomings. Alongside him were guitarist Ray Stinnet, bassist David Martin, saxophonist Butch Gibson, and drummer Jerry Patterson. Prior to their breakthrough, the band cut the independent release “Haunted House,” a recording centered on Samudio’s pet cat that secured them a contract with MGM. In the wake of “Wooly Bully,” they issued a string of singles that leaned heavily on novelty appeal, yet only “Li’l Red Riding Hood” came close to matching its predecessor’s impact. Disheartened by the perception that they were merely a gimmick act, Samudio disbanded the Pharaohs in 1967, performed briefly as the Sam the Sham Revue, and by 1970 had begun using the name Sam Domingo. His only solo album, Sam, Hard & Heavy, included contributions from slide guitarist Duane Allman but did little to elevate his standing as a serious artist. Samudio later supplied two songs for the 1982 film The Border, eventually settling in Memphis where he took up street preaching. “Wooly Bully” itself endures as a perennial favorite among bar bands.