Denise by Randy and The Rainbows

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By 1961 it appeared that doo wop might have run its course. However, in 1962 it came roaring back. This period is sometimes known as “Neo-Doo-Wop ”by those who classify such things and was kicked off with songs that included “Imagination” by The Quotations and “Remember Then” by The Earls. “Denise” was among the last of this period and peaked a few months before America met the Beatles and the music changed. In the following years, other records certainly showcased elements of doo-wop, but it wasn’t their primary signature sound. Randy & The Rainbows formed in 1962 in Queens. Group members for this track were Dominick Safuto, Frank Safuto, Mike Zero, Sal Zero, and Ken Arcipowski. Earlier in 1960, the Safuto brothers had recorded as The Dialtones. They then formed a quintet and called themselves Junior & The Counts. They recorded with the producers of The Tokens and released the single "Denise" in 1963. The song went to #10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Neil Levenson wrote "Denise" with his childhood friend Denice Lefrak in mind. The song later became a European hit for Blondie, titled "Denis."