The Rivingtons

The Rivingtons, an American band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1962. The group initially consisted of Willie Ray Rockwell, Matthew Nelson, and Leon Hughes, who met at Jordan High School and began performing in local clubs such as the Barrel House and Bardu Ali in Watts. Their early career saw them accompany various artists such as Paul Anka and Duane Eddy, and they even performed with The Orioles on stage. In 1953, they signed with Federal Records under the name The Lamplighters, releasing their first single "Part Of Me" that year. Throughout the mid-1950s, the group underwent several lineup changes and name alterations, including stints as The Tenderfoots and The Sharps. They also recorded with artists like Jimmy Witherspoon and Lil Greenwood. In 1962, they adopted the name The Rivingtons and released their breakthrough hit "Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow" in 1962. This song, along with "The Bird's a Word", gained significant popularity and was later covered by The Trashmen in their hit "Surfin' Bird". The Rivingtons were known for their energetic performances, which included unconventional stage antics like playing the piano feet-naked and inviting audience members to dance on stage. Despite these successes, the group disbanded in the late 1960s due to internal issues and external pressures. Notable posthumous releases include the albums Doin' the Bird (2001) and Papa Oom Mow Mow (2014).

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