The Ad Libs were an American vocal group from Bayonne, New Jersey, United States, primarily active during the early 1960s. Featuring their characteristic female lead vocals with male "doo-wop" backing, their 1964 single "The Boy from New York City", written by George Davis and John T. Taylor, in 1965 was their only major Billboard Hot 100 hit.
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The Ad Libs | |
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Origin | Bayonne, New Jersey, United States |
Genres | Soul |
Years active | 1964–1981 |
Labels | Blue Cat |
Past members | Hugh Harris Danny Austin Dave Watt Norman Donegan Mary Ann Thomas |
Known originally as The Creators, the group formed in 1964 in Bayonne with Hugh Harris, Danny Austin, Dave Watt, Norman Donegan and Mary Ann Thomas.[1] "The Boy from New York City" was released in December 1964; and by March 1965 had peaked at number 8 on the US Hot 100. The group next recorded "He Ain't No Angel" which reached number 100 in 1965.[2] The next two singles failed to chart, and The Ad Libs' contract was not renewed by Red Bird Records company. In 1969, they had a last R&B chart hit with the song "Giving Up", which peaked at number 34 on the US Billboard R&B chart.[2] They continued to record into the early 1980s, but never repeated the success of "The Boy from New York City".[1]
"The Boy from New York City" charted again in the UK for Darts in 1978 and in the US for The Manhattan Transfer in 1981.[1] The song has been used in a commercial for Everybody Hates Chris on the Paramount Comedy channel in the UK.
Dave Watt died on December 5, 2008.[3]
Year | Name | US | R&B | Record Label | A-Side/B-Side |
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1965 | "The Boy from New York City" | 8 | 6 | Blue Cat Records 102 | B-Side: "Kicked Around" |
"He Ain't No Angel" | 100 | — | Blue Cat Records 114 | B-Side: "Ask Anybody" | |
1969 | "Giving Up" | — | 34 | Share Records 104 | A-Side: "Appreciation" |
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