Rhythm ‘n’ News, August13,1965
“A GOOD record company good management, and most of all continued hard work” has put the Olympics, who have been together 11 years, in a class by themselves.
As the group’s leader Walter Ward puts it: “What has happened is we’ve become a standard.” But more than that, the Olympics, who chose their name “because we all were fond of and participated in outdoor sports in high school” have gained a reputation as being one of the most wailin’ groups to break up a r&r show. Their performance at Disneyland’s ‘Humdinger’ on August 2 was no exception.
The group’s organization happened by chance. At age 7 Walter had his own radio show in Mississippi. When he was 15 he and his cousin Eddie Lewis were singing in a club in California. They met Melvin King and Max Starr, then part of another group, and the four decided to team up. Through the guidance of the late Jessie Belvin, their first record ‘Western Movies’ was an immediate smash and the “original groovers” were born.
Though their style has remained the same, Walter commented on the popularity of the English groups and its effect on the Olympics following: “In a way, they have brainwashed the public to the ‘English sound’ — and this has hurt. But it has helped in another way in that it has got the kids back into the music shops buying records.”
In the past the Olympics have toured England, Holland, Turkey, and Canada where they received “just great” receptions. Walter mentioned that the ‘Good Lovin” four liked working at Disneyland because “the atmosphere is wonderful.”
He felt, “‘Hully Gully’ was our biggest break because we were taking a big chance. Since it was one of the first dance records, we weren’t sure what the reaction would be. Luckily it was good.”
About the group which has one of the most distinctive and entertaining stage presentations, Walter made the surprising statement that “we never have rehearsed our dancing or singing much. When we’re on stage we sort of watch the guy on the right. It’s mostly ad lib.”
Their latest record ‘Another Lonely Saturday’/’No More Will I Cry’ was released August 4 and a new album is due for next month.
© Ann Moses, 1965
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