Thurston Harris first appeared in the music scene as the singer in an R&B group called The Lamplighters in 1953. He stayed in the band while it went through a bit of an identity crisis, changing the name multiple times before finally landing on the name the Sharps. In 1957 he got a solo deal, and recorded Little Bitty Pretty One, with his old band backing him on the track. Like I mentioned a few days ago, this song was actually written by Bobby Day, but was made famous through Thurston. The song sold a million copies, and reached #6 on the Billboard 100. Through going solo, I believe he still remained part of his old group, and after Thurston's success the band changed names again, settling on The Rivingtons. Thurston did have other top 20 hits after this one, but he is most remembered by all generations with this song, as it's been featured in hit movies such as Matilda, Christine and Telling Lies In America. Many other groups have covered it since the release including the Jackson Five, Aaron Carter and Frankie Lymon. Fun Fact: Frankie Lymon's highest charting solo hit was actually his cover of this song in 1960 which made it to #58 on the R&B charts. So that ends our oldies week, it'll be back to the newer stuff tomorrow. I do still have about two weeks worth of oldies saved up so if you're craving more let me know and I'll set up another one later this year.
Peace.
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