The String-A-Longs

The String-A-Longs were an instrumental group from Plainview, Texas, known for their hit single, 'Wheels', produced by Norman Petty on Warwick Records. The band consisted of Richard Stephens and Jimmy Torres alternating lead guitars, Keith McCormack on rhythm guitar, Aubrey de Cordova, bass guitar and Don Allen, drums.

They began recording in Amarillo, Texas, as the Rock'n Rollers, under their first manager Johnny Voss, Keith McCormack's Uncle. Their first single was on the Ven label. In the later fifties they began recording in Clovis, New Mexico, under Norman Petty as "The Leen Teens" but Petty suggested the name "String-A-Longs". They had several releases before recording their big hit 'Wheels'.

"Wheels" was released in December 1960 and hit in 1961. The tune peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the number 8 single of 1961 according to Billboard. The track reached number 8 in the UK Singles Chart. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc.

Warwick Records paid few royalties to the band and they declared bankruptcy as they were being sued to avoid paying more. The writers of the song did receive their royalties, including Norman Petty.

There were approx. 100+ cover versions, including by Joe Loss ("Wheels Cha-Cha") and Billy Vaughn.

The String-A-Longs followed up "Wheels" with "Brass Buttons" (U.S. #35), "Should I", and "Replica". In 1961, they moved to Dot Records; and had disbanded by 1964. Petty still had the "String-A-Longs" name copyrighted, and to avoid confusion with the instrumental Fireballs music and the current vocal hit "Bottle Of Wine" they were having, opted to reuse the name for the LP Wide World Hits on Atco in 1968. It is the Fireballs performing the music under the String-A-Longs moniker.

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