When they were known as The Sharps they did the backing yells for Duane Eddy. As The Rivingtons they hit the top fifty in 1962 with "Papa Ooo Mow Mow" (White - Frazier - Wilson - Harris). The novelty tune was issued as a single.They too recorded "The Bird's the Word" in 1962.

The Trashmen (Tony Andreason, Dal Winslow, Steve Wahrer and Bob Reed) got into the top five in 1963 with their mash up of the two mentioned Rivingston's tunes known simply as "Surfin' Bird". Early versions list the Trashmen's drummer Steve Wahrer as the composer. That wrong was soon righted.