"1 - 2 - 3" is a 1965 song recorded by American blue-eyed soul singer Len Barry, who also co-wrote it with John Madara and David White. The recording's chorus and accompaniment were arranged by Jimmy Wisner. The single was released in 1965 on the American Decca label.[1][2] The writers were sued by Motown Records at the time, claiming that the song is a reworking of Holland-Dozier-Holland's "Ask Any Girl" released by The Supremes as the B-side to their single "Baby Love" the year before. They denied the claim, but after two years of litigation, agreed to give the Motown writers 15% of the song's writing and publishing royalties.[3] Holland-Dozier-Holland are listed as co-authors by BMI.[4]
| "1 - 2 - 3" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Len Barry | ||||
| from the album 1 - 2 - 3 | ||||
| B-side | "Bullseye" | |||
| Released | October 1965 | |||
| Genre | Blue-eyed soul, pop | |||
| Length | 2:24 | |||
| Label | Decca 31827 Brunswick 05942 (UK) | |||
| Songwriter(s) | John Madara, David White, Len Barry | |||
| Producer(s) | John Madara, David White | |||
| Len Barry singles chronology | ||||
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The personnel on the original recording included Vinnie Bell, Bobby Eli, and Sal Ditroia on guitars; Joe Macho on bass; Artie Butler on percussion; Leon Huff on piano; Artie Kaplan on sax; Bill Tole and Roswell Rudd on trombones; Lee Morgan on trumpet; Fred Hubbard on clarinet; and Bobby Gregg on drums.[5]
"1-2-3" reached number 2 in the US Billboard chart ("I Hear a Symphony" by The Supremes kept it from the number 1 spot).[6] "1-2-3" also went to number 11 on the Billboard R&B chart.[7] Overseas, the song peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.[8] In addition, it was also a Top 10 hit in Ireland, where it went to number 8.[9] It sold over one and three quarter million copies, and was awarded a gold disc.[10]
| Chart (1965–66) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada RPM Top Singles[11] | 3 |
| France (IFOP)[12] | 40 |
| Ireland (IRMA)[13] | 8 |
| New Zealand (Lever Hit Parade)[14] | 6 |
| United Kingdom (Record Retailer)[15] | 3 |
| United Kingdom (NME)[16] | 1 |
| South Africa (Springbok Radio)[17] | 4 |
| United States (Billboard Hot 100)[18] | 2 |
| United States (Billboard R&B Singles Chart)[18] | 11 |
| United States (Cash Box Top 100) | 1 |
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