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The One-Hit-Wonder File: “96 Tears”

96 tears

It’s not necessarily a bad thing to be known as a one-hit-wonder. ? and the Mysterians topped the charts in 1966 with the now-classic “96 Tears.” The song features an unforgettable organ riff and a distinctive lead vocal by the group’s sunglasses-wearing lead singer, Rudy Martinez. Once you hear the song, it’s tough to get it out of your head. The spare production and unique style of the tune has made it a long-time favorite of many rockers, especially punk bands like The Ramones, The Cramps, and X, who consider it something of a proto-punk anthem.

Related: “10 Movies That Are Punk AF”

? and the Mysterians actually grew out of a trio from Michigan featuring Bobby Balderrama and Larry Borjas on guitar, and Robert Martinez on drums. They initially played surf music and guitar-based instrumentals in the style of The Ventures and Duane Eddy. After the British Invasion took the world by storm, the group added Robert’s brother, Rudy (aka “?”) as their lead singer, as well as keyboard player Frank Rodriguez. They borrowed the band’s name, The Mysterians, from the alien invaders featured in a 1957 Japanese sci-fi film. After Larry Borjas and Robert Martinez left the group for military service, the band recruited Eddie Serrato as a replacement drummer and Fernando Aguilar on bass, who was later replaced by Frank Lugo.

Post-“Tears,” ? and the Mysterians continued to play well-received live gigs in their native Michigan. The band’s music shifted to a tougher-edged rock sound, and the group began working on songs to record. The enigmatic “?” quickly became the central figure in the band, and his intense personality and offbeat stage presence greatly contributed to their success. He was fond of making unique proclamations, like claiming that he was from Mars, and often gave conflicting, yet profound origin stories for some of the group’s music. There’s no question that “96 Tears” composed by “?” and powered by that ingenious, carnival-like, Vox Continental organ riff (improvised by keyboard player Frank Rodriguez) is their most memorable song.

Originally released as part of a single (with the song “Midnight Hour”) in April 1966 on the independent label Pa-Go-Go Records, “96 Tears” quickly gained traction in Michigan and developed into a regional hit. The song caught the attention of record executive Neil Bogart, then president of Cameo-Parkway Records, who picked up the rights, and released the song nationally. “96 Tears” climbed up the charts and hit number one in October 1966. The band appeared on shows such as American Bandstand and Where The Action Is to perform their big hit. This song was everywhere. Contemporary cover versions were recorded by The Music Explosion, Jimmy Ruffin, and Aretha Franklin. Yes, you read that right: even The Queen of Soul recorded “96 Tears.”

While subsequent releases didn’t match the success of “96 Tears,” the band did have two more singles land in the Top 100, “I Need Somebody” and “Can’t Get Enough of You, Baby” which was later covered by Smashmouth. During the 1990s, with the rights to their music tied up by infamous record executive Allen Klein, the band actually re-recorded their debut album (including “96 Tears”) in its entirety, though their original recordings were later successfully released on CD and digital formats. Over the years, the band has reformed and regrouped in various configurations, always led by “?”. “96 Tears” is certainly one of the most indelible singles of the 1960s. In 2014 it was declared Bay City, Michigan’s official rock and roll song by then-Mayor Christopher Shannon. It was also recognized by Rolling Stone as #213 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of all Time.

-John Visconti

Photo: Fair Use Image of the single

PS. We first published this back in 2019, but such a classic deserves another look.

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5 comments on “The One-Hit-Wonder File: “96 Tears”

  1. In this band, bassist Frank Lugo was replaced by Mel Schacher who toured with ? and the Mysterians during 1967 and the rise of 96 Tears on the charts
    Thereafter Schacher joined what was to become Grand Funk Railroad, which soared to stardom after their performance at their
    1969 performance at the Atlanta Pop Festival.

  2. Darien Leslie Taylor

    Interesting to explore the links, if any, between this band and 1960s cholo, rock y roller music and culture.

  3. FIRST HEARD THIS SONG ON MY TRANSISTER RADIO ALL THE WAY IN NEW YORK CITY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT ON A LANSING, MICHICAN RADIO STATION. BEEN ONE OF MY FAVORITES EVER SINCE. I THOUGHT I HAD PICKED UP A PIRATE RADIO TRANSMISSION.

  4. One of my childhood friends father claimed to have been an original member of the band and helped write 96 tears and played the bass guitar for the band. I have never seen his name mentioned anywhere though. I still believe him, this guy also wrestled bears when it was a popular thing to do. His name is Dennis Davis, and was from Lansing Michigan.

    • Willem Reese

      I wouldn’t doubt it; attribution for some of the work in 60’s music was often missing or sketchy. This was aggravated by the fact that bands would often change names and membership, especially in their “pre-fame” days, and may have recorded a song with one set of members that was released later.
      I had a fraternity brother in college that played bass on the Boxtops’ “The Letter”, but left the band to start college before it was released. You have to really dig to confirm that info online, and it’s only due to the efforts of enthusiasts in hunting down and compiling bits and pieces of information some of that stuff is now on record.

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