Thursday's Top Tune Throwback: Manfred Mann's "Doo Wah Diddy Diddy"

September, 1964 – An English band, led by Manfred Mann, Tom McGuinness, Mike Hugg, Mike Vickers, and vocalist Paul Jones was atop Billboard with its version of a Top 78 hit that The Exciters placed on the charts earlier that year.
This No. 1 hit by Manfred Mann is often heard today between innings at Major League Baseball parks as well in college venues. “Doo Wah Diddy Diddy” definitely has weathered the test of time.
Other charted hits by Manfred Mann included “Sha La La,” a cover from The Shirelles, which climbed to No. 12; “Pretty Flamingo,” which only made it to No. 29; and a Top Ten hit in 1968, “Mighty Quinn (Quinn the Eskimo).” The latter two, plus “Doo Wah Diddy Diddy,” all reached No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart.
In the 1970s, the name of the group changed to “Manfred Mann’s Earth Band.” Manfred Mann was the keyboardist of both bands. Following Paul Jones’ exit in 1966, the new vocalist became Mike d’Abo.
Referencing The Exciters earlier, their No. 4 hit in 1963, “Tell Him,” is definitely a classic from this early ’60s era.
The British Invasion of 1964 certainly altered the American musical landscape for many years to come. Led by The Beatles and Rolling Stones, bands such as Manfred Mann had their impact as many of their top hits are still being enjoyed today, even for those who don’t like baseball.

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
For questions or comments, email hottytoddynews@gmail.com.