This novelty pop song by The Playmates describes a competition between the drivers of a Cadillac and a Nash Rambler — with a surprise ending. “Beep Beep” was written by group members Donny Conn (born Donald Claps) and Chic Hetti (born Carl Cicchetti). In 1958, the song rose to #4 on the U.S. Billboard Top 40 Chart at #4. It sold more than one million copies and earned an RIAA gold records. The group appeared on Milton Berle’s show in December of 1958. The song was also popular in the U.K. Because of the BBC policy that songs could not mention brand names in the lyrics, the U.K. version replaced Cadillac and Nash Rambler with limousine and bubble car. The song is known for its use of “accelerando,” which is a musical term for when the tempo speeds up through the song. And it is used very appropriately in “Beep Beep.
The Playmates were Chic Hetti (piano), Donny Conn) (drums), and Morey Carr (born Morey Cohen) (vocals and alleged automobile hornist). They were from Waterbury, Connecticut, and met at the University of Connecticut. They began as a comedy group called “The Nitwits” and toured in the U.S and Canada. They became The Playmates as they took up singing. However, comedy routines continued to be part of the act. They had three other Top 40 hits in the 1950s/early 1960s.
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This is one of my all-time favorite songs/bands (coming from a millennial!) These guys are the definition of underrated. Does any live footage of this band exist? Beep Beep or otherwise?
Not seeing it on YouTube. Sorry.