Thursday, November 12, 2015

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-The Mystics

Artist:The Mystics
Song:Hushabye
Album:16 Golden Classics





The Mystics scored their only big hit with Hushabye in 1959. I think folks know the song but know nothing about The Mystics. They were very typical of Italian American doo wop groups. They were from Brooklyn and at first were called The Overons. The lead singer was Phil Cracolici and the other members were his brother Joe Cracolici, George Galfo, Bob Ferrante and Al Contrera. They changed their name to The Mystics and a demo got them manager Jim Gribble. He got them a deal with Laurie Records who were already having success with Dion and the Belmonts. The Mystics recorded a single but Laurie owners Bob and Gene Schwartz weren't happy with it and wouldn't release it. Gribble hired the legendary songwriting team of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman to write a song. That was Teenager In Love but Laurie gave it to Dion and the Belmonts instead. It was suggested that Pomus should write a song similar to The Elegants hit Little Star. That was Hushabye and it reached #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1959. Attempts to follow up that hit were unsuccessful. The Mystics always seemed to take a back seat to Dion and the Belmonts. And Phil Cracolici left The Mystics in 1960 and they had a tough time replacing him. Paul Simon was their lead singer for a while and he was followed by Jay Traynor of Jay and the Americans. They split up soon after that. This Collectables CD covers the Laurie recordings. Various versions of The Mystics have toured the oldies circuit for years. Phil Cracolici returned to The Mystics in the 80s and he and George Galfo still lead them today. Here's The Mystics performing Hushabye 1981.

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