From Doo-Wop Dreams to Music Legends
The Stereos, originally known as The Buckeyes, were a doo-wop group from Steubenville, Ohio. They formed in the mid-1950s and initially struggled to find success. However, their fortunes changed with the release of their hit single “I Really Love You” in 1961.
One interesting story about the Stereos involves their biggest hit. Leroy Swearingen, who was a member of the group, wrote “I Really Love You” before leaving the band. Despite his departure, the song became their most successful release, reaching number 15 on the U.S. Black Singles chart and number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success was a bittersweet moment for the group, as it came after Swearingen had left.
Years later, George Harrison of The Beatles covered “I Really Love You” for his 1982 album “Gone Troppo,” bringing renewed attention to the Stereos’ original version. This cover version helped introduce the song to a new generation of listeners and cemented its place in music history.
The Stereos continued to release singles throughout the 1960s, but none matched the success of “I Really Love You.” Despite their brief time in the spotlight, their contribution to the doo-wop genre remains memorable.
And speaking of The Stereos’, their hit song “I Really Love You” is first up in a special Valentine’s episode of Sock Hop Saturday Night with Bruce Vasbinder at 8pm.
Sock Hop Saturday Night with Bruce Vasbinder
Originating in the 1950s, the sock hop was a social dance put on normally by school groups. Because they were usually held in gymnasiums, shoes were forbidden, and the dancers danced in their socks. Bruce brings back the music that was the heart and soul of that wonderful tradition.
Sock Hop Saturday Night is presented by Mark Wilson and IFR Flight Training School in Georgetown. Information at (512)751-6275 or flyifr.com.
Playlist for Episode 707
| I Really Love You | The Stereos |
| Train of Love | Annette Funicello |
| I’m In Love Again | Fats Domino |
| Book of Love | Monotones |
| Heart and Soul | Jan & Dean |
| Tonight You’re Gonna Fall In Love With Me | The Shirelles |
| Fools Fall In Love | The Drifters |
| (‘Til) I Kissed You | The Everly Brothers (Chet Atkins on Guitar) |
| Puppy Love | Paul Anka |
| I Love How You Love Me | The Paris Sisters |
| Since I Met You Baby | Ivory Joe Hunter (1957) |
| I Love You So | The Chantels |
| Lotta Lovin’ | Gene Vincent |
| The Game of Love | Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders |
| Funnel Of Love | Wanda Jackson |
| Everlovin’ | Ricky Nelson |
| Love Me to Pieces | Jill Corey |
| How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) | Marvin Gaye |
| Kissin’ Time | Bobby Rydell |
| We Got Love | Bobby Rydell |
| Oh-Oh, I’m Falling In Love Again | Jimmie Rodgers |
| Your True Love | Bob & Shirley and the Valiants |
| Unchained Melody | The Righteous Brothers |
| Sixteen Reasons | Connie Stevens |
| Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart | The Coasters |
| I Love You | The Volumes |
| Stupid Cupid | Connie Francis |
| The ABC’s of Love | Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers |
| I Love You Darling | The Valentines |
| Cupid | The Impalas |
| Love Me Do | The Beatles |
| I Put A Spell On You | Screamin’ Jay Hawkins |
| A Groovy Kind Of Love | The Mindbenders |
| Miracle Of Love | Eileen Rodgers |
| Just Ask Your Heart | Frankie Avalon |
| Heartbeat | Buddy Holly (Next to last single he released.) |
| Hey, Little Cupid | The 5 Thrills |
| Cupid’s Boogie | Johnny Otis |
| L-O-V-E | The Halos |
| Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat | Herman’s Hermits |
| Baby, I Love You | The Ronettes |
| Cupid | Sam Cooke |
| Love Me Tender | Elvis Presley |
| My True Love | Jack Scott |
| Pledging My Love | Johnny Ace |
| Goodnight My Love | Jesse Belvin |
KNCT 