The Hondells were an American surf rock band that rode the wave of the California surfing craze during the early-to-mid 1960s. The group was originally concocted by producer Gary Usher, who sought to capitalize on the hot rod and surf music trends. Despite being more of a studio project than a traditional band, The Hondells managed to make an indelible mark on the genre with their tight harmonies and catchy instrumentation synonymous with the sun-soaked California sound of that era. Their most famous single, "Little Honda," originally penned by Brian Wilson and Mike Love of The Beach Boys, catapulted them to success and became an anthem of the surf rock movement.

Although The Hondells were not a band in the conventional sense—with a revolving door of session musicians and vocalists—their music has stood the test of time, epitomizing the carefree and youthful spirit of the '60s. Over the years, they released a string of singles and albums that are now considered classics of the genre. Their work includes feel-good tracks like "The Hondells" album and the energetic "Go Little Honda." After the group's initial dissolution, their legacy continued through compilations and reissues, such as "California Sunshine Girl: Rare Mercury Singles 1965-1966," which collects some of their less well-known but equally enjoyable tunes. With remastered hits like "Little GTO [Extended Version (Remastered)]," The Hondells’ music continues to evoke the nostalgia and excitement of the surf and hot rod culture they were so intrinsically linked to.

Genres

Bubblegum Pop

Classic Garage Rock

Surf Music

Latest Release

Little GTO [Extended Version (Remastered)]

The Hondells

Single - Released August 26, 2022