Died On This Date (March 19, 2013) Buddy McRae / The Chords
themusicsover Floyd “Buddy” McRae
DOB Unknown – March 19, 2013
Buddy McRae was a founding member of influential Bronx, New York, doo-wop group, the Chords. Formed from the ashes of a vocal group that McRae started while still in elementary group in 1951, the Chords were no street-corner vocal combo. They were rehearsed and polished enough to get noticed by local record companies. In 1954, Atlantic Records’ legendary A&R man, Jerry Wexler, brought them into the studio to record the Patti Page hit, “Cross Over The Bridge.” But when it was released, it was the record’s b-side, “Sh-Boom” that resonated with DJ’s and music buyers. “Sh-Boom,” which reached #3 on the R&B charts and#9 on the pop charts, is considered a prominent bridge between R&B and rock ‘n roll. To this day, it remains one of the most familiar songs of the doo-wop era thanks in part to appearances in such TV shows and films as Happy Days, Cars, Road House, and Cry Baby. The Chords continued on for several years, but failed to produce another hit so they disbanded in 1960. In 2012, a street in their Bronx neighborhood was renamed Chords Way.
Thanks to Kevin Walsh for the assist.