The Rip Chords

about

Just out of high school, Ernie Bringas and Phil Stewart started singing together in 1957. In 1962, they landed a recording contract with Columbia Records and were assigned to a 20 year old, novice record producer named Terry Melcher (Doris Day's son). Calling themselves The Rip Chords, the duo released their first recording, "Here I Stand", in early 1963. The record met with moderate success, peaking nationally at #51 and paved the way for future promise. On their second release, "Gone", Bringas and Stewart were joined by a talented singer named Bruce Johnston, a friend of Melcher. Although "Gone" also reached the national charts, it was not quite as successful as their debut single, but the Rip Chords name had been established nationally. All that was needed now was a top-notch song to record. At this point, Erine Bringas decided to leave the music business to pursue three years of graduate studies at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Phil Stewart now found himself without a singing or touring partner, but quickly resolved the problem by recruiting Rich Rotkin and Arnie Marcus to accompany him on tour. Now the story of The Rip Chords starts to get a little muddy. Melcher and a young songstress named Carol Conners, had written a song called "Hey Little Cobra". Recognizing the song's potential, Melcher decided to record and release the song under the Rip Chords name. Although Phil Stewart claims to have sung some vocals for the song, that has been disputed by

top songs

albums

Hey Little Cobra

The Very Best Of The Rip Chords

Three Window Coupe

The Best Of The Rip Chords

Hey Little Cobra and Other Hot Rod Hits

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#1 Surf Album of All Time

The Best Of The Rip Chords...Today!

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Malt Shop Memories - Top Down Convertible Sound

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The Birth of Surf

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Pop Music: The Golden Era 1951-1975

Cobra Beach

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Hits Of The 60s (100 Songs)

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