Bronx doo-wop group The Regents (Guy Villari, Chuck Fassert, Sal Cuomo and Tony Gravangna) were supposedly named after Regents Cigarettes and/or Regent Sound Studio in NYC. Recorded in about a ten minute period, "Barbara Ann" (Fassert) reached the top twenty in 1961. It was written by group member Chuck's brother, Fred for their baby sister Barbara Ann.

Released in 1965 The Beach Boys cover from the album "Beach Boys' Party" peaked just short of number one on Billboard. Brian Wilson and the not credited Dean Torrence (Jan and Dean) were on lead.