Behind The Vinyl: "Sugar Sugar" with Andy Kim

Singer/Songwriter Andy Kim dropped by the boom 97.3 studios once again to talk about one of his hit songs "Sugar Sugar" on Behind The Vinyl! Andy talks about the writing process, how he collaborated with the musicians in the studio, how the song got radio play even though it was made by a made up group called The Archies and more! Watch as Andy goes Behind The Vinyl!
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[@roblund6919]

Andy Kim looks like he could be Gene Simmons brother I never realized he wrote so many great Tunes especially this one

[@dwaynewladyka577]

The sunglasses move reminded me of Gene.

[@daniellaubach7544]

Yeah he alone as a solo artist had a smash hit about 1974 with "Rock Me Gently".

[@equinoxpete]

I agree with you 100%.

[@Reyajh]

@@daniellaubach7544 Yep, I always thought he was a 1 hit wonder with Rock Me Gently! I was 5 years old when Sugar, Sugar came out and until I was maybe 12 I would have sworn it was sung by Archie and Reggie :( lol

[@marsazorean62]

Fuck yea,he does.

[@gulfgypsy]

Whenever hubby heard this, at home or in the car, he'd sing along with it and smile at me. He always said I was his 'Sugar, Sugar'. RIP, darling --- Missing you still and always will.

[@a2zme]

It's absolutely blows my mind that this 'bubble-gum' tune STILL holds up in 2019 .. Wow :)

[@chocomanger6873]

Bubble gum doesn't disintegrate as fast as you may have thought.

[@davidjonathangudlaugson4768]

........Make that......2023!.....ROCK ON!!!

[@luckylady7542]

And 2024. Let's go.

[@rjnuzzi1648]

Rock Me Gently, big hit in the early 70's

[@MC-eu1hx]

I heard the name Andy Kim, but I never knew he was Canadian until June 19, 2024! I love that "Sugar Sugar" song.

[@SmackWaterJack001]

*THIS IS WHY I LOVE KZbin* we grew up loving this simple, but iconic song, and now we get to hear the story, and meet the man... so cool...

[@lucyf9452]

"And here I am, a thousand years later, still enjoying the song when I hear it." Me too!! Imagine my delight! Thank You Andy Kim!

[@hillbill1958]

The #1 song for THE ENTIRE YEAR OF 1969!! Over ELVIS, THE STONES, TEMPTATIONS, etc! FANTASTIC SONG!!

[@MC-eu1hx]

Yes, that is right. I saw that on a 1969 American Bandstand show; Sugar Sugar #1 in 1969.

[@backsmithfakie]

he did this perfectly, wasn't rushed, took his time to go in depth about what life was like at the time and he knew he could talk as long as he wanted. This is an awesome series

[@jennyjohnson7751]

I was 4 years old when this was out and I have loved it every time I have heard it since. I played it at my 56th birthday yesterday!!!! I just love his voice and the words. The whole package. Thank you, Andy Kim.

[@conniecrites1884]

The voice is actually the amazing Ron Dante

[@MC-eu1hx]

Andy Kim did not sing it.

[@mikegike7273]

Grew up in the 60's. Looked forward to every Sat to watch the Archies and Archie saying' now we've learned a brand new dance, now lets hear a brand new song'. Circle of blue, Jingle Jangle, and Sugar Sugar, were some really good songs. Thanks Andy.

[@johnbeckman8916]

Bubble-gum. Done to perfection at a time when the world was tragically serious. Even "The Archies" coming to life off the Comics page to sing it. This song is perfect.

[@daniellaubach7544]

Yep also the cartoon show on CBS at the height of popularity saturday mornings at the start of the 70's!!

[@frankpitochelli6786]

..tragically serious, but, there was an innocence about our childhood. Miss those days sincerely.

[@johnbeckman8916]

YES! It was stolen.

[@jfjoubertquebec]

I truly couldn't listen to this song for years. Hated it! I was wrong, it's a great song. Played it 1000 times since with joy!

[@osoyoosforever9643]

An underrated songwriter and singer, looks pretty cool now too, thanks for the great tunes! Happy Canada Day!

[@Licenciadopedro]

In 1969 I was 8 years old and I remember my mum, my three younger sisters and me dancing Sugar Sugar the number 1 hit in Top of the Pops and in front of our house, the trees from John Lennon´s house. Back then this flashback didn't mind very much but as the years went by, dancing and singing "Sugar sugar, honey honey" in the height of The Beatles in England with John and Yoko being our neighbours. What a wacky experience back then

[@kaymuldoon3575]

I’m the same age as you, and I just loved this song like mad. I didn’t have John and Yoko as my neighbors, however. 😒

[@Licenciadopedro]

@@kaymuldoon3575 George Harrison was a nice guy, we saw him nearly every day, he is his enormous Mercedes Benz 600 and us in my dad's Austin A40 car or when my mates and I were riding our bikes he used to challenge us for a race, we peddled hard to win him but as you guessed, we never won a race.

[@MC-eu1hx]

Yah right. Can you prove it?

[@jd6549]

This was the first record in my collection, and I still have it👍🇬🇧

[@sinjinadams2862]

@jd6549 Wow! This was also the first record I ever bought but unfortunately I do not still have it. I bought it in 1969! What year did you buy yours?

[@jd6549]

1969

[@sinjinadams2862]

@jd6549 Okay, I guess we're a couple of old fogies aren't we. 😊😊

[@bonesc7201]

Betty and Veronica co-authored... that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

[@TheReubenKincaid]

And Reggie screwed them out of the publishing

[@DunmoresMovieMania]

hahahaha Betty wrote it on the tambourine.

[@MC-eu1hx]

😆😆

[@333ohmy]

What a great story of how "Sugar Sugar" came to be! I really enjoy Andy Kim's music. Ron Dante did the lead vocals to a great song!

[@Singincwby66]

Thank you, Andy (and Jeff) for writing such a cheerful hit! Number 1 song of 1969!! It has already proven itself to be a timeless hit, and personally, one of my favorites! The band you finally chose to perform "Sugar, Sugar" was perfect... "The Archies" made it such a global hit that even my Russian girlfriend had heard of it! Again, THANK YOU!!!

[@NeoComicus]

When this came out my dad was managing the top rock AM station in Panama City, FL. The song was huge. A year later, it was *still* the most requested song on that station.

[@oldiesgeek454]

Top selling single for the year 1969.

[@chocomanger6873]

Go figure.

[@aburden8580]

@@chocomanger6873 Thank you for your (useless) contribution.

[@crisrose521]

This song is single handedly responsible for starting the commercial pop song revolution in the early 70s . Too many to list really . . My Baby Loves Lovin , Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes , Baby Blue , It’s Magic , just a real plethora of hits all stemmed from this gem of complete bubble gum sugar coated song 🌟

[@michaellamneck2116]

Ray Stevens on backing hand claps, cool details here!

[@rachelm2041]

I remember the Archie's album when it came out. My sister was 12 yrs old when our Mom bought it for her and I was just 6 yrs old. LoL! Old memories! 🎶

[@mainst714]

Yes I am the sister lol that my mom bought it I was so Happy that she bought it !! I played it over and over !! I love Andy Kim's songs great artist and our mom grew up in Montreal by the way !!! her first language was french she is gone now but she would be elated to know he was from Montreal too!!

[@frankpitochelli6786]

Andy was big in the 60s 70s, and who didn't love that song when it came out..Sugar by The Archies..nostalgic.!!

[@BrooklynMusicForum]

I was a kid and still had the sense not to love it.

[@uncleelmer]

Andy Kim knows his stuff. It is interesting listening to a real pro talk about what he really understands.

[@jimmybaker2845]

I actually still have the 45 of 'Sugar Sugar' from 1969 along with the 100's of other 45's and albums from the vinly days.

[@rgs4x]

Saw Ron Dante on the Happy Together tour. He still sounded great singing this song.

[@frankenstein3126]

Sugar Sugar was my first favorite song @ 8 years old...

[@mfrankel8321]

Great take from Andy Kim and an amazingly popular song, Sugar Sugar. We can't forget the lead singer though, Ron Dante, who had the perfect voice and energy.

[@Crezelltree4261]

Andy Kim didn't sing lead on this song?

[@mfrankel8321]

@@Crezelltree4261 No. As stated, it was Ron Dante. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Dante

[@Penpalinflorida]

Class guy. Thanks for a great video and thanks Andy for a great song.

[@lanamcqueen]

My dad had the 45 record. Loved this song as a kid. Thanks for the great memories Andy!!!

[@kaymuldoon3575]

I also had the 45, and I loved the B-side, Melody Hill, even better!

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

This song was my first record single purchase ever as a little kid. Flash forward to 2005. I have movers show up with a massive truck. To old guys get out. One comes in and sits down and tells us he was in the band The Archies. (Took forever to load the truck)

[@rodfaragini7110]

My grad year hit song. Love it.

[@toddstokes9909]

Love the Sugar Sugar history. Toni Andy, Ron, Ray.... The whole gang was indeed MAGIC. I had an awesome time growing up with you all. Treasured memories!

[@amarillagriffin7427]

We In the UK loved it and it got to number 1 in here it had such a happy feel to it.

[@juancarlosbarraza1903]

one of the best songs in the world, i play it w my band and people of all ages love it, great story

[@phyllischandler4837]

Andy, thank you for this song. As a young kid it was my theme song.. many great memories

[@bullseyecanada]

I wish he'd credit singer Ron Dante. The public continues to believe Kim *sang* the song on the Archies recording. Ron should be credited with the voice you hear.

[@johnmorris2170]

Jaimie Vernon I didn't know that. Thank you.

[@kevingoins3864]

Not true. Ron's live performances on the PBS series, My Music, as well as his touring with the Turtles and the Association on the Happy Together Tours, have more than reminded the public that he is the voice of the Archies. In fact over the past near 50 years, the public has known Ron as the Archies' lead vocalist (with Toni Wine riding shotgun on the backing vocals) as well as his lead on the Cuff Links' "Tracy". If anything, not many folks even knew Andy Kim had co-written Sugar Sugar. The public knows him best for "Baby I Love You" and "Rock Me Gently". As a longtime music biz and radio broadcasting vet, I'm glad as hell Andy has discussed how the song came to being and his involvement in its co-authorship.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I remember when this song was first released. Back then with stuff like this the only info available was the writer(s) and Producer, because that was printed on the 45 or album. But I've known for at least 30 years that Ron Dante sang the lead with Andy Kim doing back up and the incredible voice of Toni Wine handling the female end of it.

[@adventuressurvivalinthailand]

Lol I think everyone knows about Ron, I didn't even know about this guy until I saw this video

[@charliedontsurf70]

He wrote it.

[@BirdRockin]

Andy Kim looks much younger than his age. What a great pop song. Interesting story behind the song

[@chocomanger6873]

It's hard to get Homer Simpson and dancing lolly pops out of my head whenever I hear this song.

[@Boomer715]

Heard this in the convenience store next day I find this video.... this song just has such a happy vibe... the way you feel when the woman you dig comes into view...And oh did I love DKRC great performances before MTV etc....

[@myles-spikewebby8519]

"Sugar Sugar" is one of the best songs. Thanks Boom!

[@v.e.7236]

I used to have a vinyl collection of over 1000 records, including all of the 45s I'd purchased as a kid in the 60s. My oldest sister would dance the Pony to this tune, just like the girls in the cartoon. lol I'm now 60, what memories.

[@JENDALL714]

I always wondered what dance the girls in the cartoon were doing?

[@robinmarshall4858]

I was super young, watching the Archie's. I think I literally got a copy of this song off of a box of Super Sugar Crisp. LOL! Love this song! Takes me back to happier days.

[@lauracorbett4577]

I love Sugar Sugar by The Archies I play it all the time on my Spotify playlist

[@deniselockhart2882]

Such a humble man and great artist. The Archie's version is the very best

[@estherloske8180]

I CANNOT imagine living my life without ANDY KIM in it !😍

[@vickiroman189]

No matter what, this song always makes me happier!

[@equinoxpete]

Ron Dante sang it on the record. Kim and Jeff Barry wrote it. Kim neglects to tell us that Ron Dante is the guy who sang lead on "Sugar, Sugar" who also Ron Dante was co-producer on Barry Manilow's first 9 albums.

[@bigdaddy2123]

equinoxpete I always thought that Andy Kim was the singer.

[@Taconix]

Ron Dante also recorded as Bo Cooper.

[@s.carbone5683]

Boom 97.3 this is the best thing anyone has ever came out with . Omg my tears are filled with such happiness, I wish to be a guest host one day .... my passion for music is alive and the universe helps me from day to day .

[@valerieromeos9592]

Lil back story to my comment, sorry in advance for length. So my entire life my fam has been self employed , we own and operate a marina. (Evolution started and evolved through many years to become marina) as a kid we had pinball machines, a pool table and a beautiful old jukebox. Our benefactor would come out and periodically change records, Sugar Sugar was my all time favorite song, it stayed in that juke for years! And when at last it was removed I was gifted the single! Tho the grooves were deep and the sound was grainy, it remained the favorite. I will always remember our jukebox and the man who through the years gifted me with many hit singles, the songs of my lifetime. I always smile when one of these golden oldies comes on, and I can recall with perfect clarity the days of carefree childhood! Such sweet memories! Still remains a favorite amongst many! Love this behind the scenes series, many favorites have been shown, feels like your inside my head! Great job!

[@monicasehuprt3298]

This was one of the first songs I ever heard and I loved it.

[@SitarZan]

A couple of friends & I met Andy probably late 1969 or early 1970 at an autograph signing event hosted by a now defunct department store in Memphis called Goldsmiths (now Macy's). The line wasn't that long so we were able to speak with him for about 8-10 minutes as I recall. We'd just heard he was there over the radio so it was definitely a last minute decision to go there & I didn't really have anything for him to sign so I tore open my Marlboro cigarette box (I quit when I was 19) & had him sign that. I haven't a clue what happened to that autograph. :/

[@jhowe5571]

I was like 3 or 4 when I heard this song, was one of my first favorites and earliest music memories! It motivated me to figure out how to operate stereo equipment! Turntable, on-off, volume, tone, etc... Then, I'd get up in the middle of the night and start playing records!!! :-) There were two other favs of mine, back then... "Chewy Chewy" & "Yummy Yummy Yummy", by the Ohio Express... :-D

[@oldiesgeek454]

Those songs are so bubblegum sweet, you could develop a tooth cavity just listening to them... 😉😊

[@KOLDBLU3ST33L]

Wonderful memories. Great pop song.

[@daniellaubach7544]

Same here too!!

[@Ukeepthelies8471]

My older sister had Andy Kim records. I was a huge fan of his from childhood, and I collected Archie comic books, watcehed the TV show.. Every few years a new group of young girls discover "Sugar, Sugar" and some of his other songs. That includes me back in the early-mid 70's. Growing up in Niagara Falls, NY, I bought 45's at Jupiter's, or record stores, great memories. Some one needs to thank Andy Kim for all of his great music! Laurie Mitchell Jones

[@tomcummings711]

Cool ! You were the Greatest !

[@pcno2832]

I remember hearing this song on the PA system at a stock car racetrack without any idea of who did it and focused my attention on it until it ended. I didn't care if it was by a "group" that only existed in cartoons; I didn't care about the fact that it said almost nothing; it just sounded good. And, it still does!

[@williamgunter6801]

What a humble guy.

[@rebeccaswift7588]

Omg..I was in 7th grade when this song came out..❤

[@Swaggletail]

Me too!

[@rimaty123]

Have it on an Archie’s vinyl from the 70’s..one of my moms favorites

[@macsnafu]

Bubble-gum pop, maybe, but definitely the BEST of bubble-gum pop music!

[@McRocket]

He's aging well. Fascinating story and well told, imo. ☮

[@chrissy0078]

💕I love this song! Reminds me of summer & hanging out @ the public pool💦 Fun times! 🎵💕...I use to read the Archie comic books 🎵

[@docwobbles]

This record is 50 years old, so now I really feel ancient.

[@alukuhito]

You are extremely old, and it's showing.

[@haliyaks]

An antique maybe? 🤣 you are loved either way!

[@kevingoins9858]

Folks, Ron Dante gets MUCH credit from many and he's made it known for decades that he sang lead on this. Okay so maybe Andy was remiss in not giving him a mention but a lot of folks didn't even know that Andy Kim wrote the song, nor did many knew he's a songwriter at all (especially since his then-biggest hit was a remake)

[@seacoast4950]

Talented guy ❤

[@irenepoczynek5722]

Love Andy Kim!

[@ashratempel5094]

Never gets old.

[@saxmidiman]

Dude just defined "Cool"!!!😗🤩😍😎One of the best songs in History!!!

[@clarkgordon5724]

now I know who wrote the song of the Archies I watch as a kid in the 60's, remember andy Kim singing Rock me Gently in the early 70's

[@micheleboucher6843]

I love Andy Kim, he is so dreamy

[@susanb2015]

Always reminds me of standing by a jukebox with other kids at a bar playing this song over and over and over when I was a kid in the 70s.

[@winstontk]

Great episode! I always love when the stories last much longer than the song being featured. Thank you Andy Kim!

[@rayl6901]

Me and my band love to play that song live, as well as the also ultra cool flip side of the original single, Melody Hill. I'd love to hear Andy's demo!

[@peppersander2457]

Boy this was news to me, this was my favorite song in 6 grade when it came out. Oh Sugar Sugar :)

[@marciliopereira5878]

"Andy Kim! Best of the Best - The Legend." (Marcílio Pereira / Brazil)

[@frankpitochelli6786]

I remember this song was huge when I was 12... Still love it.

[@larrym12]

This song is awesome and I really love Baby I love you

[@williambandyk327]

Andy Kim; U know 2 "Rock Me Gently"!!!!! U r CANADIAN!!!!! U KNOW U FUCKIN' ROCK!!!!!

[@TooSkinnyKenny]

what I always liked about the song is how the vocal increases in intensity near the end

[@jimmyjames6267]

These songs will live on forever, not like the stuff out since 2000, those songs will disappear just like Digital, Vinyl will always be here

[@craigbranscum4041]

It's called behind the vinyl folks not shit we all know .credit has been given where it belongs ,I believe the originator deserves some.

[@zeeeOgre]

Love the story!

[@greenatom]

Can't be denied: it's a great song.

[@Montyhugo]

GREAT STORY!🤗🤩

[@DungeonStudio]

Andy Kim is one of my heroes! Something about his songwriting is just so UP and infectious! He is The Lord Of Pop IMHO. :)

[@maryMartinez1813]

Love it.

[@MHB48615]

I’m an old man now but when this tune came out I was very into Southern rock, The Who, etc. But I absolutely loved this song. I had to hide my fondness for it though. I felt sort of like a smoker might today having to sneak outside to catch a drag, lol.

[@DoubleSupercool]

Pop perfection

[@robsemail]

'The Archies' cartoon was a fixture of my Saturday morning routine for years, and I love this old song so much! It's great to hear all these details about its genesis. It was covered many years later, with a bit of a reggae spin, by Duke Baysee, and in that context became a major hit all over Africa: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5rTo6OXfbiYrJI

[@twistedwired]

Andy Kim, great story teller.

[@lockedin60]

Bubblegum Supremo. I know why the station was reluctant to play it. Bubblegum had come and gone and most artist had been recording harder stuff. It was a catchy song. No doubt a product of it's time. Andy thank you for the song.

[@vassa1972]

Very awesome

[@shyman99]

I primarily listen to heavy metal, but I'm secure enough to say this was a substantive recording in music history. The key is the rhythm track, not as much the composition. Throughout history I can pick out the songs that are rhythm-based successes. Two years later "Mr Big Stuff" by Jean Knight was next powerhouse in 1971. There was "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" by Hall & Oates in 1981, "All 4 Love" by Color Me Badd in 1991, and "Family Affair" by Mary J Blige in 2001, to name a few more throughout history.

[@chocomanger6873]

You talk funny. You need more Emo music in your life, dude.

[@shyman99]

@@chocomanger6873 - My Chemical Romance is a mainstay on my turntable. I think I have all genres covered, dude.

[@chocomanger6873]

@@shyman99 What about Yoko Ono?

[@shyman99]

@@chocomanger6873 - Walking On Thin Ice is decent.

[@chocomanger6873]

@@shyman99 Wrong.

[@robertlewis1965]

SUGAR SUGAR , my favorite song in 1969 !

[@frankhamed3928]

Legend ✌

[@mikegike7273]

Also, many people thought Andy was lead singer. It was actually Ron Dante.

[@cwalker3166]

I have always enjoyed his songs but I grew up across the street on Staten Island from Ron Dante so I am partial to praising his skill.

[@conniecrites1884]

Ron Dante is AMAZING! Just saw him on the Happy Together tour and he just sounds fantastic still!

[@robwarren6729]

Great interview - Andy is a very talented guy. Interesting insights. Should have credited Ron Dante who sang it but good anyway.

[@coffinshaker]

I always thought Wilson Pickett wrote it, learned something new. So weird he covered it only a year after it came out. His version is awesome as well.