Template:Multiple issuesThe Rip Chords were an American singing duo originally called the Opposites, composed of Phil Stewart and Ernie Bringas. This original twosome (Phil and Ernie) eventually expanded into four primary voices, adding Columbia producer, Terry Melcher and co-producer, Bruce Johnston best known as a member of the Beach Boys. The group came to be associated with the hot rod/surf genre of the day, although their first single release, "Here I Stand," did not reflect that style. They recorded at Columbia Records in Hollywood from 1962-1965. The group placed five singles on the Billboard Hot 100. They are best known for their No.4 single, ″Hey Little Cobra″, one of the highest ranking hot rod songs of all time.
The group's name was suggested by Doris Day. Her son, Terry Melcher, was the group's producer, and when they were trying to come up with a name, Doris suggested the name "Ripcords", after a popular TV show at the time about sky divers (Ripcord (1961)). The name was eventually slightly altered to "Rip Chords".
$1.9 Million
