In the early era of rock’n’roll three Canadian singing groups were predominant on the hit parade: The Four Lads, The Diamonds and The Crew Cuts. I met The Crew Cuts – Rudi Maugeri, Pat Barrett, Ray Perkins and John Perkins – during a 1956 Vancouver appearance shortly after Bill Haley and the Comets had played Vancouver. They were all from Canada. Cleveland DJ Bill Randle suggested that they change their name from “The Canadaires” to the Crew Cuts due to their hair styles.

The Crew Cuts recorded 1954’s “Sh-Boom” – a cover of the Chords‘ doo wop hit – and made it acceptable for white audiences.

Next: a label change for The Crew Cuts, and we’ll hear the original version by the Chords.