Crew Cut Capers

 

Are You Havin' Fun Yet

Crew Cut Capers
Orchestra Conducted by David Carroll
Mercury Records MG 20143
1957

From the back cover: Today's popular music scene seems to be based on a continuous raft of new personalities who jump to the top and then disappear before you hardly get a chance to know them. The reverse, however, is true of this group which Mercury Records takes pleasure in presenting to you on this Long-Playing recording-the ever popular and favorite, Crew Cuts. The Crew Cuts, to be sure, did make their bid for fame in a fast, meteoric rise, but they have not faded from the scene, and from the response of the music loving public, it seems they never will. They are truly the perfect example of young America personified. They have captured the hearts of young people clear across this large country we live in and their antics have made them loved by the young as well as the old.

The Crew Cuts, to the younger set, are themselves in action, and to the older set, they bring back memories of their youth. The group can kick up their heels and ring out in song in a zestful manner that defies comparison or imitation. It is for this reason, that the group decided to choose this particular repertoire of songs – it depicted their spirit and they had fun recording the tunes. The title is an apt one, "Crew Cut Capers", a connotation of fun, and a happy-go-lucky spirit.

Off stage, the Crew Cuts weren't always a happy Crew. At one point in their career, they were so broke that they accepted an engagement in Cleveland, Ohio, many miles from their home town of Sudbury, Ontario, and drove the entire distance in a blinding snow storm in a 15-year old car, all for the grand salary of $100. This trip, however turned out to be the turning point in their career, for it was during this appearance at Cleveland, that a disk jockey heard them sing and called the head of Mercury Records and asked that they be auditioned. The audition was held, and the rest is history. Their first recording, "Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby", became a nation-wide hit, and the boys were on their way. Each new release after that, has gained immediate acceptance by the record buyers and the boys are now firmly entrenched in the enviable position of being regular box office draws. The group consists of Ray Perkins, his brother Johnnie, Rudi Maugeri, and Pat Barrett. They got their name of course from the way their hair is cut. In fact, they started a national fad with their odd style of hair-dos. Each of the lads has a flair for comedy as well as for singing and it is this quality which shines thru not only on the stage, but on records as well. Add sincerity to their list of traits and you will see why the Crew Cuts are here to stay.

The entire repertoire of this Long-Playing recording was chosen thru the collaboration of all four of the Crew Cuts in an effort to give you the listener an example of the type of tunes they themselves love to do for you. Listen now to such exhilarating tunes as "Blue Moon," their first big smash "Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby," "I Spoke Too Soon," "Sure She Will," "Blue Jean Gal," and the popular "In A Little Spanish Town." You will also hear excellent performances on such tunes as the happy "Dixie Danny," the romantic "Glory Of Love," "Present Arms," "Oh Yes I Know," the jumpy "Are You Having Any Fun," and the haunting "Unchained Melody". Here is an album that will soon find itself among your most cherished recorded items, a truly favorite musical treasure.

Blue Moon
Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby
I Spoke Too Soon
Sure She Will
Blue Jean Gal
In A Little Spanish Town
Dixie Danny
The Glory Of Love
Present Arms
Oh Yes I Know
Are You Havin' Any Fun
Unchained Melody