You, too, can have a No. 1 song. It can happen to anyone. It really can.
Write a catchy riff for a Vox Continental, create a bit of mystery with a band name, and back it up with sunglasses you never take off. I wouldn't think it necessary to shave the hair off your chest. Your call.
On this date in 1966, ? (Question Mark) & the Mysterians of Flint, Mich., by way of Mexico, took "96 Tears'' to the top of the charts. Some call them the original punk band, but that's just foolish talk. See for yourself:
You shouldn't need any more inspiration than that. If you do, check out the rest of Billboard's Top 5:
1. 96 Tears, ? & the Mysterians
2. Last Train to Clarksville, Monkees
3. Reach Out I'll be There, Four Tops
4. Poor Side of Town, Johnny Rivers
5. Walk Away Renee, Left Banke
"Poor Side of Town" is a great song - the Vidalias used to play it, Nick Lowe recorded it, and REM stole the riff for "Don't go back to Rockville."
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