The Knickerbockers Biography & Awards

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Artist Info

Formed

1964 Bergenfield, NJ

Disbanded

1968

Members

Jimmy Walker, Beau Charles, John Charles, Buddy Randell

Biography

In early 1966, the Knickerbockers hit the Top 20 with "Lies," the best and most accurate early Beatle imitation ever recorded; the lead vocals were a dead ringer for John Lennon and the whole production could have fit in snugly on the second side of A Hard Day's Night. Actually a frat rock band from New Jersey who didn't write much of their own material, they never made anything else as successful. A couple decent follow-ups -- "One Track Mind" and the similarly mock-British Invasion "High on Love" -- were small hits, but their albums were even blander than many of the era's other one-shot artists. Their three noteworthy singles were all featured in Rhino's Nuggets series. Drummer and singer Jimmy Walker briefly replaced Bill Medley in the Righteous Brothers. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide