Biggest Hits – THE ORLONS****

The Wah-Watusi/South Street/Not Me/Don’t Hang Up/I’ll Be True/Them Terrible Boots/He’s A Rebel/Keep Your Hands Off My Baby/Something’s Got A Hold On Me/I Met Him On A Sunday (Ronde Ronde)/Dedicated To The One I Love/My Best Friend

The Orlons were a soul group from Pennsylvania who enjoyed several hits in the USA during the early sixties, although they are largely unknown in Britain. Like many other artists of the time the hits came to an end with the British invasion.

“The Orlons were always my favourite group on Philadelphia's Cameo and Parkway labels. Lead singer Rosetta Hightower had such a booming yet endearing voice. When she belted out Don't Hang Up, you knew you'd better comply (or risk serious injury).”

“The Orlons had a highly recognizable sound. Not just because they had great harmonies and lead singer, Rosetta Hightower sang with such conviction. But they also had a sole male member Steve Caldwell chiming in with an 'oh baby' here and there. Their hits had a funky, light hearted, feel-good groove to them.”

“I was immediately taken by their tight, upbeat sound. If you like catchy, positive Motown-esque songs, this collection is for you.”

“The Orlons had a style and a sound that was meaningful and nothing short of excellent. They could sing just about anything they ever wanted.”

“The Orlons were among the first hit making groups to come out of Philadelphia in the early 1960s. They were known for light, fun dance tunes, had three big hits in succession, Wah Watusi, Don't Hang Up and South Street. Although at various times their membership varied between three and five girls, they weren't exactly a girl group, as they featured the basso profundo of their high school friend Stephan Caldwell. Their act was killed dead by the 1964 British invasion.”

“I always liked their classic hits such as South Street and Don’t Hang Up, but I had never heard some of the splendid lesser known cuts, such as I’ll Be True, which are superb. Their takes on other groups' hits are all professionally performed with remarkable harmonies.”