The Olympics were formed in 1957 by lead singer Walter Ward. The group included Eddie Lewis (tenor), Charles Fizer (tenor), Walter Hammond (baritone) and Melvin King (bass) and except for Lewis were friends in a Los Angeles, California high school. Their first record was credited to Walter Ward and the Challengers ("I Can Tell" on Melatone).After the name change, they recorded "Western Movies" (Demon Records) in the summer of 1958. Co-written by Fred Smith and Cliff Goldsmith, "Western Movies...
The Olympics were formed in 1957 by lead singer Walter Ward. The group included Eddie Lewis (tenor), Charles Fizer (tenor), Walter Hammond (baritone) and Melvin King (bass) and except for Lewis were friends in a Los Angeles, California high school. Their first record was credited to Walter Ward and the Challengers ("I Can Tell" on Melatone).After the name change, they recorded "Western Movies" (Demon Records) in the summer of 1958. Co-written by Fred Smith and Cliff Goldsmith, "Western Movies" made it to #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song reflected the nation's preoccupation with western themed movies and television programs. It told the story of a man who lost his girl to TV westerns, and it included doo-wop harmonies as well as background gunshots and ricochet sound effects. In 1960 the group recorded "(Baby) Hully Gully," which initiated the Hully Gully dance craze. "Big Boy Pete," which the group also released in 1960, served as inspiration for The Kingsmen's "Jolly Green Giant."The Rascals later covered their song "Good Lovin'" and took it all the way to #1. Over the next 10 years The Olympics recorded upbeat R&B songs, often about dances popular at the time. The Olympics continued to perform on the "oldies group" circuit in the United States and other countries.
The Olympics are one of the great L.A.-based acts who managed to score regional hits on the West Coast by balancing upbeat and often humorous novelty R&B tunes with those about popular dances of the day. They are perhaps best remembered for their "Western Movies," but their other L.A.-area hits include the popular dance number "Baby Hully Gully,". "Big Boy Pete" and "Mine Exclusively" were very popular as well.
Walter Ward, passed way on December 11, 2006, after a lengthy illness. The current group consists of original member, Eddie Lewis, William DeVase, who has been with the group since 1980 and Vel Omarr, who had been an opening act for Brenton Wood, joined the group in 2003.
The OLYMPICS have appeared for Dick Clark, Wolfman Jack, Art Laboe, for several oldie associations and oldie radio personalities. They have appeared at Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain and other theme parks, at the world famous Apollo Theater, several casinos in Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas. They have performed at auto shows, County and State fairs corporate and civic functions. The Olympics have released the group's first ever Christmas CD "Big City Christmas", which is available in record stores and on the internet, worldwide, as well as two new singles, "Lover's Deja Vu" and a remake of their earlier classic, "Stay Where You Are".
Though they continue to perform at oldies revival shows and around the country, they currently dazzle audiences across the United States with their high-energy act (which includes their very own band) when venues are able to accommodate them.
They have been requested world wide and especially in the UK, Japan, and Austria to name a few. Check thier youtube channel to read comments and messages left by their fans of all culures. The Olympics are proud to celebrate fifty years of performing and entertaining for music lovers.
The Olympics thank everyone who continues to support their legacy and what they stand for.
Blessings to all.
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