Together since high school, the Ohio Express were the ultimate
bubblegum band. Their lead singer, Joey Levine, sang like he had a
huge wad of bubblegum in his mouth. His super nasal vocals are a
bubblegum trademark. The band played tense go-go grooves with
chug-chug-chug-chug--chug-chug-chug-chug guitars & roller rink
keyboards. Compared to most bubblegum bands, the Ohio Express were
HEAVY.
Their first single, "Beg, Borrow And Steal", had
originally been recorded by the group under its old moniker in
1966 before it was reissued the following year by Cameo Records. Their biggest hit,
"Yummy Yummy Yummy" is
the foundation of power pop. It's opening riff has been borrowed
by everyone from the Cars to Judas Priest. It was a ten
million seller as was their next big hit, "Chewy,
Chewy".
During their 1968 - 69 heyday, the group put out several albums
and a ton of singles for Buddah Records including "Sweeter
Than Sugar", "Mercy" and "Down at
Lu-Lu's". Kasenetz, Katz and Levine kept sticking together
hit after hit for the Express as its membership constantly
mutated. The Express's final chart bow was in 1969 with "Sausalito
(Is the Place to Go)".
Three decades later the Ohio Express remains dazzling with their
truly good time happy music. The lyrics sound just as fresh and
the arrangements are as much fun as they were then when the Ohio
Express topped the charts.
Today, an international sensation, the Ohio Express has a huge fan
base in Europe as well as the United States and tour all over the
globe.
Sit back and get ready as original Tim Corwin, along with his band,
will bring you back in time to the fun songs of the late 60's and early 70's.
On special occasions original Doug Grassel will also join the group.
