Biography
The String-A-Longs earned lasting recognition through their instrumental hit “Wheels.” Originating in Plainview, Texas, the rock & roll quartet took shape in 1956 when singer and guitarist Keith McCormack joined forces with guitarist Richard Stephens and bassist Aubrey de Cordova. These high-school friends had first performed together as the Patio Kids; the addition of drummer Charles Jay Edmiston turned the lineup into a quartet. Early in 1957 the ensemble adopted the name the Rock ’n’ Rollers upon welcoming second guitarist Jimmy Torres.
McCormack’s mother underwrote a session at Norman Petty’s Clovis, New Mexico studio. After Don Allen replaced Edmiston on drums, the group—now calling itself the Leen Teens—cut “So Shy” and “Dreams About You,” both issued on Imperial. The single failed to register, and although Petty oversaw additional dates in subsequent years, none yielded an official release.
During a 1960 session McCormack lost his voice, prompting Petty to propose recording McCormack’s Tex-Mex-flavored instrumental “Wheels,” coupled with the band’s own “Tell the World.” Acting on Petty’s advice, the musicians assumed the name the String-A-Longs before the Warwick single appeared. Once both sides began receiving airplay, the label promoted them as dual A-sides; however, “Wheels,” now flipped with the vocal track “Am I Asking Too Much,” emerged as the standout, climbing to number three on the U.S. charts in early 1961. Its successor “Brass Buttons” also reached the Top 40, while the third single “Should I” fell just short of that ranking.
Further 45s and the album Pick-A-Hit Featuring “Wheels” appeared before Warwick declared bankruptcy in 1962. The String-A-Longs then moved to Dot, where “Twist Watch,” “Replica,” and “Myna Bird” attracted little notice. The 1965 release “Caravan” fared no better, after which the group dissolved. McCormack, already the composer of Jimmy Gilmer & the Fireballs’ chart-topping “Sugar Shack,” stepped in for Gilmer three years later.
McCormack’s mother underwrote a session at Norman Petty’s Clovis, New Mexico studio. After Don Allen replaced Edmiston on drums, the group—now calling itself the Leen Teens—cut “So Shy” and “Dreams About You,” both issued on Imperial. The single failed to register, and although Petty oversaw additional dates in subsequent years, none yielded an official release.
During a 1960 session McCormack lost his voice, prompting Petty to propose recording McCormack’s Tex-Mex-flavored instrumental “Wheels,” coupled with the band’s own “Tell the World.” Acting on Petty’s advice, the musicians assumed the name the String-A-Longs before the Warwick single appeared. Once both sides began receiving airplay, the label promoted them as dual A-sides; however, “Wheels,” now flipped with the vocal track “Am I Asking Too Much,” emerged as the standout, climbing to number three on the U.S. charts in early 1961. Its successor “Brass Buttons” also reached the Top 40, while the third single “Should I” fell just short of that ranking.
Further 45s and the album Pick-A-Hit Featuring “Wheels” appeared before Warwick declared bankruptcy in 1962. The String-A-Longs then moved to Dot, where “Twist Watch,” “Replica,” and “Myna Bird” attracted little notice. The 1965 release “Caravan” fared no better, after which the group dissolved. McCormack, already the composer of Jimmy Gilmer & the Fireballs’ chart-topping “Sugar Shack,” stepped in for Gilmer three years later.
Albums
