The Hollywood Argyles are a one-hit wonder rock 'n' roll group that etched their name into music history with the song "Alley Oop," which soared to the top of the Billboard charts in 1960. The group's creation is somewhat a tale of studio convenience and improvisation, as it was primarily put together by producer and songwriter Gary Paxton. Paxton, known for his work on novelty songs and a string of other hits, capitalized on the popularity of the comic strip "Alley Oop" to inspire the creation of what would become the group's definitive hit. The name "The Hollywood Argyles" was evocative of a star-studded California flair combined with the mundanity of a common sock pattern, which mirrored the playful and unpretentious vibe of their music.

Despite their short-lived peak, The Hollywood Argyles offer a snapshot of the early '60s rock scene, where dance crazes and catchy choruses ruled the airwaves. The group wasn’t actually a stable band but rather a fluid collection of studio musicians, with Paxton usually providing the lead vocals. Their subsequent releases, including the attempted follow-ups like "Honky Tonks" and the repackaged anthologies such as "Golden Selection (Remastered)" and "Backseat Memories of the 1960's - Vol. 1", have been attempts to recapture the magic of their initial hit. Although they didn't achieve enduring success beyond "Alley Oop," The Hollywood Argyles remain an emblematic part of early rock 'n' roll's eclectic history.

Genres

Novelty

Latest Release

Alley Oop

The Hollywood Argyles

Single - Released June 9, 2023