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The Viscounts (American band)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Viscounts were an American pop group from New Jersey, formed in 1958. They had one hit single, with Earle Hagen's instrumental classic "Harlem Nocturne" in 1959, which peaked at #52 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1960; it was re-released in 1965 and hit #39 the second time around.[1] The single and album of the same title were originally recorded for the Madison label, then both were reissued in 1965 on the Amy label, the Amy LP having a slightly different track listing than the Madison release.[2][3][4]

Members

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  • Harry Haller - saxophone - (August 3, 1936 - January 18, 2011)[5]
  • Bobby Spievak - lead guitar
  • Joe Spievak - bass guitar (March 13, 1936 - February 22, 2020)
  • Larry Vecchio - electronic organ, piano (June 12, 1935 - January 10, 2013)
  • Clark Smith - drums
  • William “Billy” Slavis - guitar (June 16, 1947 - January 1, 1975)

Discography

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Singles

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Year Titles (A-side, B-side)
Both sides from same album except where indicated
Label & Catalogue # Chart positions Album
US US R&B
1959 "Harlem Nocturne"
b/w "Dig"
Madison 123 52 17 The Viscounts
1960 "The Touch"
b/w "Chug-A-Lug"
Madison 129
"Night Train"
b/w "Summertime"
Madison 133 82
"Wabash Blues"
b/w "So Slow"
Madison 140 77 Non-album tracks
1961 "Shadrach"
b/w "This Place"
Madison 152
"Little Brown Jug"
b/w "Opus 1" (from Harlem Nocturne)
Madison 159
"Sophisticated Lady"
b/w "Drag Race"
Madison 165 Harlem Nocturne
"When Johnny Comes Marching Home"
b/w "Mark's Mood"
Mr. Peacock 101 Non-album tracks
1962 "Hully Gully"
b/w "Continental Walk"
Mr. Peacock 107
"Night Fight"
b/w "A Girl Like You"
Mr. Peacock 112
1963 "Night For Love"
b/w "Ballin' The Jack"
Mr. Peeke 125
1966 "Harlem Nocturne"
b/w "Dig"
Amy 940 39 Harlem Nocturne
"Night Train"
b/w "When The Saints Come Marching In"
Amy 949 122
"Off Shore"
b/w "Come, Come On Back"
Coral 62490 Non-album tracks
1967 "Sweet Georgia Brown"
b/w "Moonlight In Vermont"
Coral 62520

Albums

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  • The Viscounts -- Madison 1001 -- 1960
  • Harlem Nocturne -- Amy 8008 -- 1965


References

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  1. ^ Joel Whitburn, The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits. 7th edn, 2000
  2. ^ "45 discography for Amy Records".
  3. ^ "45 Discography for Madison Records".
  4. ^ "Madison Album Discography".
  5. ^ https://www.dayfuneralhome.com/obituary/Harry-HallerJr