The Showmen, perhaps the group that best epitomizes the east coast Beach Music sound, featured General Norman Johnson on lead vocals for the group between 1961 and 1967. A couple of interesting things about both the group and its lead singer. Their only charted hit, It Will Stand, appeared twice on the Billboard charts, once in late 1961 and again in 1964. The song peaked at #61 and #80 respectively. The other interesting thing is General Johnson went on to become the lead singer for the Detroit group Chairmen Of The Board, which had several hits including Give Me Just A Little More Time, You've Got Me Dangling On A String, Pay To The Piper, and others.
If you're lucky, you may still have the good fortune to see the General in concert up and down the Carolinas where he continues to perform from time to time the much love Beach Music sound. This week the Treasure Island Oldies Blog gets you in the mood for the 50 Plus Special on the show next week with The Showmen and their hit It Will Stand. Enjoy this classic!
Michael
