LEN BARRY - 1-2-3 - 1966

Ultra Rare Live TV Performance! This was from a promotional Reel to Reel BETA tape I found in a television station I worked at in the mid 1990's. It was only marked "For Local Affiliates - From your Friends at the Club Vegas" - My assumption is that these promotional videos were made by a music production facility to promote the artists on locally-produced music shows. I really have no idea as to the true origin or specific year!

[@archieandrocket]

A long time ago, while having dinner near Philadelphia, I was having a drink at the bar and the song "1-2-3" by Len Barry was playing. When I mentioned to the bartender that it was one of my all-time favorite songs, he responded, "That's me singing. I'm Len Barry." I was floored! My friend who owned the restaurant, confirmed his story!

[@thurgooddukes7381]

Wow!! What's the chance of meeting him like that!! I'm happy for you ☺

[@lindapestridge3073]

Well that is so cool.

[@Aaron_R]

Wait, He had to go work as a bartender because his music career didn't work out?

[@tombraider7825]

@@Aaron_R Such is the fate of so many one-hit recording artists. Checking the wikipedia article, the song was written by Len Barry and two others. But to further cut into the proceeds, Motown successfully sued for 15% ownership due to it being so close ( but not really at ALL! ) to "Ask Any Girl" by The Supremes for all of 3 notes. I'm going to guess Motown just buried them in legal fees. My childhood would not have been the same without this song! This song was on the "heavy rotation" of my "childhood soundtrack" along with so many songs by the Beatles, The Supremes, The Four Seasons and yes, The Monkees. Thank you Mr. Barry for giving us such a great song!

[@gazooie1958]

The only thing to top that would be him singing with the jukebox right there.

[@masonmason6683]

Today, I'm still loving this song..

[@Hey_its_Koda]

The mens dress style back then was sleek. The narrow ties. The narrow pants and pin point dress shoes. 👌👌 the cuff links bring it all together.

[@harrisonmantooth3647]

Music from the late 1950's through the 1970's, nothing like it ever again. You may ask, "How can I say that"? Because I was there!!!

[@danielmenefee1943]

You better Believe it I was there to,if it came down to 1 decade I have to give the Crown 👑 to the 60s?

[@harrisonmantooth3647]

@@danielmenefee1943 👍 Yes Sir. The Righteous Brothers, Roy Orbison, all of the girl groups especially, The Ronettes, The Murmaids, Kathy Young, etc, etc.

[@chrismoney1468]

@@harrisonmantooth3647 it only makes sense that the natural evolution of music would devolve and get worse. All the good ideas are already gone and things become redundant and just not as good!

[@Rustymouse]

Am with you.

[@Himlee335]

Me too fantastic era of music.. Born 1954 older brothers & sister played it all the time.. We were blessed!!

[@GigiCorrado1]

Love this song. Look at this Man, He's Gorgeous....so Handsome. RIP Len

[@maryellendolton4495]

Reminds me of my first love ❤ Great song happy days

[@MrGandharva108]

Len could sing. I did shows with him in the late 80's...he was still tearin' it up.

[@joycerodgers431]

Thanks

[@cabanna1]

Great singer yes!

[@nicholassaenz4225]

My sister Concha used to play this song in the living room of our house alot AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@normaturner327]

My god he is such a fabulous singer,u know what he is singing about not like the songs now a days there is no sence or meaning to the songs now,I came across this video on spot light and I can't stop playing this song,I was born in 1965 if I had been around those days I would have fallen in love with him,I find he very sexy,they don't make songs like that anymore,he was blessed with a unique fantastic voice,bring back the good music,from norma in Ireland

[@scarsdale22]

A great song that is timeless and remains with you. Mr Barry was a wonderful singer, very soulful. Yet this song makes me feel a bit blue. I cannot explain it. But it is simply one of the great hits of the sixties

[@Goatboysminion]

We've lost another Great Voice today. And Rock n' Roll Heaven just got sweeter. Rest in Peace, Sir. 😥

[@rstefanie2622]

Yes I just learned Len has passed away. Such a fun upbeat song that he left for us.

[@peterostash]

The pride of northeast Philly. Miss you Len.

[@revrotunda3206]

For years I thought a black guy sang this song as I never remember seeing what Len Barry looked like. But I’ve always luved this song.

[@lizziesangi1602]

It's the background chicks

[@jorge1uno1]

Damn, had me fooled as well

[@Cyphix1986]

The younger generation needs respect for this kind of music. I'm 22 and this is one of my favorite tunes.

[@cynthiapickett7403]

Maybe if everything hadn't been decentralized (hence the multiple talk radio channels, especially on AM radio) for the last 20 years (don't get me started on these advertisers pandering to millenials at the expense of everything/everyone else). Outside internet and/or satellite radio, hardly any true oldies stations exist stateside.

[@melaniemarshall874]

You have good taste! This was one of my favourites as a toddler!

[@Cyphix1986]

@@melaniemarshall874 I'm 34 now and still listening :)

[@elonmust7470]

@@Cyphix1986 You better get a job

[@serotoninsyndrome]

How did the last twelve years treat you?

[@hollies65]

With it's slamming backbeat and dynamic horn chart, there was no way this record could miss. Add Mr Barry's superb vocal and it screams SMASH HIT! One of the 60's signature records.

[@rvillegas775]

I love this song! I was 12 when it came out. My friends and I would squeal when it came on and just started dancing like silly little preteens. Those were the days!

[@jijawm]

This song came into my head from memory, it was driving me crazy! One two three 🎵 🎶... I searched for it and here it is! Len Barry. I had no idea who the artist was, but I do now!

[@rockinroll7947]

A true Soul singer.

[@cliveevans9795]

Still sounds brilliant

[@okAngelface]

Lord.....his voice is amazing! I always assumed that Patti Drew or Regina Spector sang this song, but I've never really heard the whole tune until now. It's genius 🙌 👏🏼

[@felixnorman9562]

Damn, I always thought Len Barry was a black dude, I've been wrong for 47 years! The white boy has soul.

[@robertguthrie1943]

Felix, that's what I thought until some years ago I saw his picture. He really got some soul. I thought hewas a Brother. A very cool musical

[@RedLP5000S]

Holy shite! Me too. 😮

[@iriswood3744]

I Believed the same thing Len has got soul

[@georgiawalsh8520]

Same! 😮

[@djlarspeterson7099]

Original “Blue Eyed Philly Soul” Guy

[@elonmust7470]

I swore that this guy was black before seeing him. SO COOL to see how we are all so similar!!!

[@darkestserenity6775]

there is so much Soul in that voice

[@downunderrob]

I've just read that this Wonderful Man has passed away. Rest in Peace, Sir.👏👏😥

[@anitawatkins954]

Omg this song still sounds so cool. 1-19-24.

[@rons5319]

1965, One of the best years ever for music, and this one was one of the best. To be on the charts in those days, a song had to be one of the best ever, and they were competing with so many great bands and performers--all in their prime years. So nice to grow up to these songs. It still takes me. I came to listen again after I just read Lloyd Holiday's Amazon book, The Cost of a Thing. He takes you back in a quirky way, back to the great times and music of the 1960s when he was growing up. I wish I could pop back there right now and see Mom and Dad and the all the others while the beautiful music just kept coming. What a great time it was.

[@micklo1]

Great song. Female background singers in this song are the girl group "The Cookies" who did hits like "Don't say nothing bad about my baby" and "Chains".

[@zxr92]

Also "The Tymes" were on it too.

[@soulerheat]

also, its a Holland-Dozier-Holland production.

[@rubedogg6969]

Love those 60's soul inspired background vocals

[@jamesanderson348]

This song was SO cool back in the day. Thanks for posting this and bringing back good memories.

[@k.de.3838]

Yes, this song was at the top of the pop and R&B charts for a long time.

[@TheDejael]

Len Barry was formerly the lead vocalist for The Dovells, an all-white male singing group from Philadelphia, Pa. whose biggest hit was "The Bristol Stomp" on Cameo-Parkway Records in March 1962. This song was his first solo effort, and a big smash hit in April 1965 on Decca Records.

[@pab9ub447]

Dejael Long I didn't know who performed this song but I always though it was from the Motown stable. Mr Barry's vocals are so right on this track.

[@jobacon2198]

Len Barry really was a great singer. George Harrison was right, when he named Barry as the singer he'd most like to see. Catchy tune here, too. Harrison's comment is at the end of following press conference (on KZbin): "Beatles Los Angeles Press Conference 1966"

[@jackiebrookman9910]

Bristol Stomp: learned at age 9 years old--Philadelphia! 'Kids in Bristol are Sharp as a Pistol, when they do the Bristol Stomp!'

[@bossgirl2023]

I remember the Bristo Stomp

[@carolynzaremba5469]

@@jobacon2198 I loved this tune. I graduated from high school in 1966. I liked the Bristol Stomp, too.

[@JediBunny]

This was stuck in my head all morning. So nice to see a live performance of it here! Wow.

[@Lonette]

OMG I was in the 5th grade when this hit came on L.A. radio via KHJ and KRLA. and I always thought the singer was a black artist. Some songs just stay in your memory forever. Forever loved the saxophone part in the middle. Thank you for posting this gem.

[@adgie104]

Always loved this it has that Motown sound about it .

[@moemcgovern7345]

This is the Sound of Philadelphia.

[@timsmith3621]

Just learned about the passing of Len Barry. He might not have had a long consistent career, but this song is one of the catchiest ever.

[@reesesm3730]

I was ending my freshman year in 1966. I loved this song. In fact, it's on my You Tube & Spotify list.

[@onlybosslion9267]

Just a great oldie! Every now and then you just to hear it! Actually my buddy introduced me to this song and I have to say it’s just excellent!

[@mikeliolive]

awesome song..and those dimples!

[@marshaharmon1585]

Music from 50"s, 60's ,and 70's best ever!!!!

[@kevincleary5953]

Nowhere to hide singing this one ,,,only the greatest 😎

[@palcanon6888]

Simple beautiful love songs!!! What happened???!!!!

[@debbieautry-skubik6594]

So in love with him, always loved his music, nothing like the oldies, he was so handsome, fantastic! This song was from 1965. Back when men dressed like men and women were ladies, so thankful I grew up in this timeframe.

[@jun24juanhuerta14]

I was a teenager when Len Barry was recording his great hits. Bristol Stomp was my favorite one, The Dovells.

[@glynisroberts5029]

I really love this song!

[@thurgooddukes7381]

Absolutely beautiful!! Love you until the end of time Goldie!!!💖

[@lianneoost720]

Listing to this song every now and then since 15 years (iam from 1988) but damn it gives me goosebumps every single time!

[@scubagrl]

This takes me right back to walking on the boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey in my mid-teens and hearing this playing on the jukebox in one of the boardwalk restaurants there...hot sun, hot feet, cold ocean water...young me...those really were the days... wouldn't you love to go back for just one day to some special moment like that? *sigh* Thanks for posting this!!! ♥♥♥♥

[@bluesmokerH1]

My days and nights in the French Quarter back then were full of spirit, even for a kid.

[@ThePHILALLENSHOW]

9 years old played this always in the jukebox at the diner

[@melaniemarshall874]

This was my favourite song at 4 yrs old!

[@magistrumartium]

One of my favorite songs growing up in the '60s!

[@Duane-tl2zc]

Always liked this when I was kid and even now, with it's kinda Motownish sound

[@sauquoit13456]

On this day in 1965 {November 14th} Len Barry's "1-2-3"* peaked at #2 {for 1 week} on Billboard's Top 100 chart, the week it was at #2, the #1 record for that week was "I Hear A Symphony" by The Supremes... "1-2-3" reached #3 on the United Kingdom's Singles chart... Between May 1965 and September 1966 the Philadelphia, PA native, as a solo artist, had six records on the Top 100 chart, with one reaching the Top 10, the above "1-2-3"... The Dovells, with Len Barry as lead singer, charted eight times on the Top 100, two made the Top 10, "Bristol Stomp" {#2 for 2 weeks in 1961} and "You Can't Sit Down" {#3 for 1 week in 1963}... Len Barry, born Leonard Borisoff, will celebrate his 78th birthday come next June 12th, 2020... * And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the rest of the Top 10 on November 14th, 1965: At #3. "Get Off of My Cloud" by The Rolling Stones #4. "Rescue Me" by Fontella Bass #5. "Let's Hang On" by The Four Seasons #6. "Turn! Turn! Turn (To Everything There Is a Season)" by The Byrds #7. "A Lover's Concerto" by The Toys #8. "Ain't That Peculiar" by Marvin Gaye #9. "A Taste of Honey" by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass #10. "You're The One" by The Vogues

[@jaycooper2624]

Len (Leonard Borisov) Barry was originally the lead singer in The Dovells of "Bristol Stomp" fame and this record was played at every all-nighter and disco throughout the land (UK that is )in 1966 consequently it brings back great memories,Thanks for posting!

[@raylopez7622]

Great memories growing up in 1966 my sister had this 45 brings back memories still sounds good today love the intro

[@tinadavies4195]

Absolutely buzzin track. Great on the n.s.scene. love it gets me every time.

[@rudieloraine]

I love this guys voice so much, he is soulful.

[@mikericcitelli9431]

I grew up in that era and I haven't heard theat song in a long time! It's just as GREAT now as it was then!! You don't hear sounds like that anymore!!!!!!!!

[@BillDerBerg]

perfect song to hear in a mid 1960s Las Vegas Casino

[@joycemartin4889]

WOW, I REMEMBER BEING IN SENIOR HIGH, DRIVING AROUND THE SCHOOL WITH THIS GREAT GUY. WE HAD THIS SONG BLASTING !!!!!!!!!!

[@lloydmorris1492]

I lived in Colonial Village in S. Norwalk, CT when this was ROCKING! ....Peace and Love!

[@sauquoit13456]

On this day in 1965 {September 19th} "1-2-3" by Len Barry entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #93; and on November 14th, 1965 it peaked at #2 {for 1 week} and spent 15 weeks on the Top 100... It reached #7 on the Australian Kent Music Report chart... His next biggest hit was "Somewhere", it reached #26, and right behind it was "Like a Baby", at #27... The week "1-2-3" was at #2, the #1 record for that week was "I Hear A Symphony" by the Supremes... Mr. Barry celebrated his 72nd birthday three months ago on June 12th {2014}...

[@chernand58]

Len Barry had the Philly soul and sang it well. Thanks for posting

[@lilamydogscruffy8842]

I remember my Mom playing this song on a 45 record. It's a great beat for dancing and just a fun song! The fantastic 60's.

[@mgill0715]

Born in 1990 and still playing this in 2013, Goes to show 60s and 70s greatest hits will never die.

[@lizmilne1752]

I love all this music it was brilliant those were the days

[@albertadriftwood2306]

These "white soul" singers were so good. I loved it when this song would come up on the AM car radio. That little break in the middle is so cool.

[@racketman2u]

It certainly has a Motown vibe to it, doesn't it?

[@medusabrown420]

Alberta Driftwood Yes He and quote a few white singers had soul! Love it and still do! They put thw soul called singers like Timberlake to shame.

[@beckyandrus3977]

@@racketman2u OH YEAH!

[@brendadunlop2033]

What a great song, you got that right those were the days! GREAT MEMORIES!!!

[@reggiemars2k8]

We need to get this classic to a million views. It deserves that much.

[@CarlyWaarly]

Fabulous song, sounded like a Motown track an all time favourite from the 60's!

[@juliestrom412]

Every one Loved it!

[@josalynbuchanan8812]

I Remember !!!!! Great Song Too.

[@brucepowell9252]

Think how many times I've heard this song since I was in school all through the 60's, and I still love it--great memory here!

[@lilianmackenzie4248]

That song is the most very special one in my life. Bitter sweet memories.

[@Morganasnotarobot0]

Great Song! Keep the tape Rolln! Nxt Song please! 🎶 So Good hear Golden Oldies,Toptracks,Thanks, Cheers! 🎇⭐💛Blessings and Love 💜 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐....

[@matteowatteo1296]

Great song. Mid 60's. So much great music, so much great music to come.

[@antonematos6241]

He died on November 5th!! So weird, I haven’t seen anybody post about it.

[@supremesfan2]

RIP Len Barry, thank you for the music.

[@cynthia6637]

Come on... 1 2 3 ... Like taking candy from a Baby.. What a Fantastic oldie

[@cynthia6637]

Thanks for stopping over Great year, Great song

[@cricketwhite208]

Love love this

[@trymenot81]

One of the first songs we learned to sing to. It was truly so much easier then. People walking around singing along to happy songs. 'It's so easy...'

[@sauquoit13456]

Len Barry, born Leonard Borisoff, the lead singer of doo-wop group The Dovells, passed away on November 5th, 2020 in Philadelphia, PA. He was 78 years old... Between 1961 and 1963 The Dovells had eight records on Billboard's Top 100 chart, two made the Top with "Bristol Stomp" being their biggest hit, it peaked at #2 {for 2 weeks} in October of 1961, for the two weeks it was at #2, the #1 record for both those weeks was "Runaround Sue" by Dion... Besides "Bristol Stomp", their other Top 10 record was "You Can't Sit Down", it reached #3 {for 1 week} in June of 1963... As a solo artist, Len Barry had six Top 100 records, with one making the Top 10, "1-2-3", it peaked at #2 {for 1 week} in November of 1965, for the week it was at #2, the #1 record for that week was "I Hear A Symphony" by The Supremes... May he R.I.P.

[@dbrinkm1]

he grew up in west Philly and sang "Bristol Stomp" [ 1961] with the Dovells

[@Donny4758]

When this song hit the charts, i was 8 yrs old, but i remember that sax riff, so well!! It's been in my head for 44yrs! and i still love this song!

[@cynthia6637]

PERFECT SONG!!!! IT'S JUST A 1-2-3

[@johnty5]

fantastic what more can you say no one in the world could sing this like len barry made for him

[@normajean4452]

Isn't it crazy how listening to a certain song takes you right back to that sweet memory. My young and cool uncle Tony taught me to dance when I was 10. Good times! Love you uncle!🤗💜

[@brianfinley6798]

I remember seeing Len Barry on shows like "Shindig" and "Hulabaloo" back in '65-'66, and I think he may also appeared on the Saturday afternoon show "Upbeat"out of Cleveland...always loved this song! Jimmy Smith did a great cover with Kenny Burrell and Grady Tate on a Verve LP titled "Got My Mojo Workin'".

[@cynthia6637]

Great song and year for ME 1966, last year of high school! Now I wish I was starting back in high school!!!! Too many years has pass!

[@petalilycompany]

great voice great performance

[@JohnnyNW]

Blue-eyed soul! Always loved Len Barry....real Philly Sound! ...Good times, Cheers!

[@viveleroi888]

Much thanks for posting this. I always liked this song, but never never knew who sang it or to name of it. I figured it was 1 2 3, but I searched this song never came up. Thanks again!!

[@paulkrush1]

Ah the 60's, wouldn't it be nice to go back!

[@beverlylyle5695]

God, how beautiful--- that's music, GREAT MUSIC!!!

[@soundslikefrank]

We were trying to think of what year this song came out just last night as four classmates from Malden High School Class of '66 got together. Those 45 years flew by but Len Barry's song brings back lots of good memories.

[@ClaudioCanova]

WONDERFULL SONG WHEN MUSIC AND LIFE......WAS SO EASY.

[@cynthia6637]

1-2-3-......reach # 2.......What a song......1965.....Come On Let's Fall In Love.......I am loving this song.......

[@catman916]

Len Barry was the lead singer of the Dovells before his solo career.

[@cynthia6637]

Always was a favorite ....Great song... Thanks for your information...... catman916 Welcome

[@pjf654]

this is great too

[@cynthia6637]

Welcome and Thank You stephen dwyer I Just loved this song in 1966 and still today.. What a dancing song..

[@cynthia6637]

haahha... You keep changing your picture.. Hey that is cool...

[@dennicegalea1571]

my teens great song best music 2022

[@toothpick4649]

Sailed To Australia with the family back in the 60s On The Oriana This song was on the Juke box in the youth club always reminds me of that fantastic voyage to the best country in the world.. Now retired and live next to a Beautiful White sand beach I bless the old man everyday for bringing us here. The trip to Vietnam wasn't as good . lol

[@geowhizkid26]

Bob, you reinforce my strong belief that most toddlers and preschoolers LOVE oldies music. You heard this song when you were 3 years old, and remember it? WOW!! This was before my time; I'm 31, but I love oldies music and soft rock music. Probably also because I'm high functioning autistic and in many ways, emotionally, socially, etc. I'm like an average 4 year old. See my comment under the Four Seasons "Rag Doll" :-) Good day

[@GigiCorrado1]

It's not my style to compliment like this but God! Your Handsome ! Those Moves, That Dimple and That Voice ! guess you can say I think your OK...;)

[@allisonday893]

He’s absolutely gorgeous isn’t he

[@davinastanton3865]

@@allisonday893 Totally divine. 💗 I was only 10 when it came out. But my sister was 9 year's older. And this song popped into my head tonight. Stay safe and take care. From me in Bonnie Scotland. 💗🕊⚘