Dick and Dee Dee, Singing with the Blossoms on Shindig Finale
Aug 19th, 2007 by deedee
I just got a comment from someone who visited YouTube and watched the video we posted called Lightening Strikes. They requested that we give credit to the Blossoms, who are singing with Dick and me in the background. The video of Lightening Strikes ( Lou Christie had the original hit) happened to be the last Shindig TV show ever taped (I wrote about this experience in my memoir, Vinyl Highway). The show replacing Shindig was Batman and Robin and the network (Channel 7, ABC) wanted to promote their new show, Batman and Robin, on the final Shindig Show. The show producers dressed Dick up as Batman (he was not happy, as the mask covered his entire face and he thought he would not be recognized) and me as Robin. Hooking a wire to the back of Dick’s costume, at random times they hoisted Dick into the air and flew him around the stage. He soared over everyone. Dick did look funny. The cast couldn’t stop laughing. Dick reacted by “overacting” the song, and I could only smile and shake my head. The Blossoms had huge grins on their faces as well. (To see the video, check it out on www.dickanddeedee.com or YouTube, posted under Lightening Strikes.
I’d like to give the Blossoms credit as they were the most underrated, but extremely talented trio of female singers to record in the Sixties. The group consisted of three girls, Darlene Love, Fanita James and Jean King. They hit the big time (although no one knew it) when Phil Spector was looking for a group to record “He’s a Rebel.” He wanted to use his group, The Crystals, but they refused to come to L.A. from New York due to fear of flying. In desperation Phil booked the Blossoms to sing the song. On July 13, 1962, they recorded “He’s a Rebel.”
The Blossoms assumed their names would be on the record, but instead, Phil put out the record with the Crystals name on it. By November, 1962, He’s a Rebel was number one in the country.
Phil also knew talent when he heard it and signed Darlene Love (lead singer on He’s a Rebel) of the Blossoms to his label, Spector. But Phil seemed to have a problem giving Darlene credit. He teamed up the Blossoms and male singer, Bobby Sheen, to record “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.” But when it was released, the credit on the label went to Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans.
In 1963, the Blossoms recorded He’s Sure the Boy I Love, which climbed the charts to number 11 in the country. The credit on the label again went to the Crystals. Finally, Phil Spector recorded Today I Met the Boy I’m Going to Marry,” and put Darlene Love’s name on the record.
In 1964 the Blossoms became backup singers on the television show, Shindig. The last show of the series, with Dick and I dressed as Batman and Robin, featured the Blossoms singing with us. I have wonderful memories of the Blossoms. They were sweet, kind and unaffected by their tremendous talent. Darlene Love’s amazing voice and commercial sound launched many records. I’m proud to have worked with girls and smile every time I see the video Lightening Strikes.
Wow..I’m loving this insite behind the stars like you. Thank you so much.
Why is the video cut off at the instumental part. would love to see whole video. Great song took me years to get a copy of it. Also is there dvd of the shows?
Thanks for answering my email. I didn’t expect to get a responce from yourself. I’d never heard of you guys before,(I’m not from the states) just come across the Lighting Strikes video on “youtube” and thought it was Lou Christie at first. The Shindig version is very good. It is actually Dickanddeedee singing?(you’re laughing nearly all the way through) My mother’s friend worked on Ready Steady Go (you guys appeared on the show) next time I see her I’ll ask her if she remembers anything. She was the one that handed out the money to the performers! Oh by the way I’m from Edinburgh in Scotland. I’ll look out for your book and if I can’t get it over this side of the Atlantic I’ll be in touch. All the best Roger
Hi Roger:
Thanks for adding a comment to the YouTube site for the Lightening Strikes, the Dick and Dee video. This video was the last Shindig show ever taped. Shindig was a national television show on ABC that aired from September, 1964 to January, 1966. Every major rock performer was on the show at one time or another. Dick and I did not make the original recording of Lightening Strikes (It was recorded by our good friend, Lou Christi), but, as semi-regulars on the show, we were often told to sing songs by other artists as well.
The video is cut off because the song ended there and they went to commercial directly afterward.
There are copies of Shindig floating around on the internet. To see other Shindig shows Dick and I performed in please visit the Dick and Dee Dee site (www.dickanddeedee.com). Best Wishes, Dee Dee Phelps
On occasion, I search the internet to see who has said what about The Blossoms. I am the oldest daughter of Jean King. So thanks for giving them the credit they deserve. God knows they didn’t receive it back in the 60’s or 70’s and by 1983, my mom was gone. I know that my mother did a lot of things that I don’t even know about. I was familiar with Shindig (even though I was just born when they were performers on the show) and of course all the things they did during the 70’s and early 80’s. I guess I’ll try to find tapes/recordings on the internet.
Debbie Johnson-Hatfield
Seattle, WA
Debbie: Thanks for leaving your comment on the blog. Your mother was a wonderful talent. If you go on YouTube and search for The Blossoms you might find more footage as well as searching for the girls backing up the other performers. As you probably know, the Blossoms were the regular girls back up group for all the acts on Shindig so they should be in many shots.
I’m sorry to hear your mom is gone, but she left a wonderful legacy behind, especially through her children.
Best Wishes,
Dee Dee Phelps
Hello Dee Dee,
Darlene Love plays Danny Glover’s wife in the Lethel Weapon series of movies. She is great. A few years ago Spector issued a 4 CD pack of songs from Spector Records with a book showing the various groups and individuals like Gene Pitney who wrote He’s a Rebel. Of course, the Cystals are on it. Plus even Sonny Bono and Cher. I love this stuff and have all the Doo Wop albums and the DVDs from the Public Broadcast featuring some real old times. Bought it all. Glad to see your involvement in recreating the music from our era. I will be purchasing your book via your web today.
Best regards,
Fred Oliveri
Morgan Hill, CA