ABOUT
The Routers were an instrumental pop/surf rock group from Los Angeles that became famous during the early 1960s. Formed in 1961 by Michael Z. Gordon and signed to Warner Bros. Records, the original lineup consisted of Gordon, Lynn Frasier, Al Kait, Randy Viers, and Scott Engel (who later joined The Walker Bros.), with a number of personnel changes.
The Routers debuted in 1962 on the Pop/Rock charts with the clapping song, "Let's Go (Pony)" which became a Top 20 hit. This smash introduced to pop culture the famous cheerleaders' chant (clap-CLAP clap-clap-CLAP clap-clap-clap-CLAP "Let's Go!"), a longtime fixture at numerous sporting events. The Routers also had a string of minor hits the following year with "Sting Ray," "Half Time," "Big Band," and "A-Ooga."
The Routers were among several performers featured in the 1964 movie, "Surf Party." The band toured actively for a number of years and released four albums before finally disbanding around the early 1970s.
In addition to forming The Routers, Gordon was also the founder of The Marketts (of "Out Of Limits" fame) and a prolific songwriter who, with Jimmy Griffin, penned over 60 songs, many of which were recorded by such top bands and artists as Lesley Gore, Brian Hyland, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, and Bobby Vee.
LINKS
- For more information about the history of The Routers and The Marketts, visit Michael Z. Gordon's official website.
- For more information about Michael Z. Gordon's long career as a composer, musician, producer, and screenwriter, visit his page on IMDB.
- Although the band's exact lineup at different stages of its 10-year history remains uncertain, it is fairly well known that various members of The Wrecking Crew and other top session musicians had served for a time with The Routers as either touring and/or recording members. As for who may or may not have played on The Routers' final album, "Superbird" (1973), see The Routers' page on rockabilly.nl.
MERCHANDISE
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- The Routers - CDs, vinyl, & more - Amazon.com
- The Routers - Digital music - Amazon.com
- The Routers - Rare vinyl, CDs, & more - MusicStack.com
SONGS
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The Routers
- Let's Go (Pony) 1962
(Instrumental)
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