The American Breed - Bend Me, Shape Me

The American Breed - Bend Me, Shape Me

[@jeffreyschwartzberg7827]

Being 64 I was 8 when Bend Me Shape is one of my favorite late 60's songs.Who besides me is listening to this great tune it's October 27th 2024?

[@bcarrbill]

I am 75 but sure don't feel like it......these kids from Chicago were great! The Buckinghams were also from Chicago. FUN music!

[@Dale-fe7ib]

I surely remember this song in1968.remember those 45 records?well me and two friends got caught shoplifting this 45record in a tg&y store in austin.we were about 11years old.; got in a lot of trouble for that. You do stupid things when your young.

[@Dale-fe7ib]

So let them laugh I don't care! 🤣😅

[@Dale-fe7ib]

I noticed someone playing a trumpet or coronet but you don't see them.only at the end of the song the drummer does.

[@rosemarycornwell1528]

I always love these videos with the group singing without mics, cords on the guitars to amps, drummers playing air and brass playing background.

[@danielmarin6811]

It's 2020...Who Still Digs This Cool Tune....I am 70 years old...I loved then & I love it now..."Let them laugh I don't care"

[@jeffkharpoharpo3472]

I Dig It!! I will always Love This! im 69

[@suchWASi]

❤️ it

[@donholt2025]

I'm only 62, but i'm still diggin it! They don't make 'em like that anymore!

[@cruisebumify]

I'm 71 and still love this song. Good high school memories!

[@adriantomlin2902]

Good stuff!!

[@Liberty-or-Death-1776]

The dude in the back is a drummer, dancer, and an entire brass section. The dude rules!

[@robertterrell3065]

60s musicians could do it all. Even play electric guitars not plugged in!

[@davidmelton2091]

Lee Graziano is the drummer and trumpet player.

[@Paulonius-j2e]

@@robertterrell3065 Yea, how they do that? 😮 😎 🤣

[@HelenMcCarthy-rd9cq]

Dont have music like this anymore

[@johnpaulmakowski7464]

In 1966, I was a mere 7yo, and starting third grade. But I definitely remember this song, one of my earliest memories! Loved it all my life!

[@garyrasberryjr.552]

Part of the great Chicago sound of the 60s. Also had The Buckinghams, Shadows of the Night, Cryan Shames, New Colony Six, Spanky and Our Gang and of course Chicago. There is a great doc from the Chicago PBS station (that is on YT) about the bands from Chicago in that era.

[@michaelfoort2592]

Wow...still fresh and original...great voices!

[@Ray-se1km]

Gary was my Flight Instructor back in the Eighties and was instrumental in me getting my first Airline job. Been to Pumpkin studios and his house as well as getting lost in the clouds with him. God bless you Gary and even though its. been over 20 years now I'll never forget you. A very humble and nice guy with some great stories. Fly high my friend. I'll see you on the top.

[@judykingston10]

Gary, you and your team so memorable .

[@ftsjr]

One of my favorite 1960s one-hit wonders. It was an era when quite a few great bands hit the big time for their one moment of fame, and then faded back into obscurity.

[@donbennett1374]

God, that brings back memories

[@skyemacallister1306]

There was always "Step out of your Mind" still my fav from these guys

[@schuberttim]

The American Breed actually had a few hits. This was their biggest national hit, but they had a bunch in Chicago and other markets.

[@returnofthebrotha]

Every decade had great one-hit deals.

[@davidmelton2091]

​@@schuberttimStep Out of Your Mind was their first hit and made #24 and Green Light made #39.

[@reginascruggs3326]

Love the lead-in to this great song! Great arrangement with the horns!

[@michaelallday6285]

I was in high school, and this was a staple on AM radio

[@billgardner6796]

Written by the amazing Larry Weiss, who also gave us "Rhinestone Cowboy" and several others, this is a timeless classic that I love playing on my radio shows in many American cities. Thanks Larry.

[@josephhalecki3394]

Great .group..Not .like .the..music .Today

[@audioworkshop1]

I went to High School [Lindbloom] with Gary the lead singer, he was very approachable , not the typical "hard guy" southsider. the first time I heard them they were playing at a K-mart, no kidding, on the south side were we all grew up. I had my own basement band at the time, what great memories. I was already in the Army when this came out in 66'

[@dianasnow7065]

Thank the dear lord we still got the music hits from the wonderful great past still wanting to hear this great music.

[@markwirth5334]

Sorry to say that Lead Singer Gary Loizzo lost his fight with cancer on January 16th. He was a Great Guy and a Great Sound Engineer.

[@gambler213]

Sorry to hear that. I always loved this song.

[@artofthelostandfound]

@@gambler213 2016 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Loizzo

[@artofthelostandfound]

@@gambler213 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Loizzo

[@judykingston10]

I knew Gary when the band was starting, he was my hero and the band was just starting out! It's in my head all the time " Bend Me Shape Me". RIP Gary Loizzo!

[@john111257]

So sad to hear , im in uk and this is the best version

[@steeplepossum39]

Golden oldie at its finest.

[@newspapertaxis1]

Trumpet and drums!!!Multi-tasking at it's finest!!!!!!!!

[@mona-gailbest6644]

Its now 2024 still listening, on music can compare to music of the 60's and 70s. Best came from the 60's

[@Bildgesmythe]

I just hope your life as fun as the boomers had .

[@robertthacher]

From Feb. of 68, this was popular song. Love to see the name of the band stenciled in the bass drum. I was in the 10th grade!

[@mikesalvadore9295]

Me too brother I'll be 73 in August

[@Bria6]

God Bless Gary Loizzo. A prince of a man who will be missed not only for the stellar work he did for my ad agency but the example he set everyday on how to be a man and a truly compassionate person!!

[@kathymartin7724]

I looked for this video. And never knew his name until after he had passed. Rip. Gary.

[@robertthacher-ro6bh]

@@kathymartin7724 Why did this young man die so young?

[@carolr6810]

​@@robertthacher-ro6bh Born 1945, died 2016

[@robertthacher-ro6bh]

@@carolr6810 Seems like he died young!

[@carolr6810]

@@robertthacher-ro6bh He died too soon. I didn't realize it was in 2016.. Thought it was recently. A very talented musician. He had fun with Styx, onstage. Great video.

[@alicefitzpatrick5955]

All my 25 years I've thought it was "shake me", not " shape me". Never thought to look up this son till now.

[@michaelwalsh98]

77 and still rocking it with the tunes!!!

[@joycemartin7516]

It’s 1/5/25 in Austin, Tx! Great song and artists! I’m 75 and still rockin’ to the ‘60s for the new year🥳🎶🥂

[@MrRonnieG]

The best 2 years of my entire life were 1967 and 1968. Perhaps this song was first released in 1966 (?) but it takes me back to so many parties that they all just blurr together. People, even today, give me a bad time for feeling that the best years of my life were so long ago but, honestly, I wouldn't trade a heartbeat of those two years for all the future you could serve up. Of course, sadly, I was drafted in Feb 1969 and went off to Vietnam and things were never quite the same again.

[@JohnRobertChinchar]

All these old classics are showing up in tv adds kids today have no idea the song is 50 years old they only hear a small rif

[@nickmendelke]

Gary and this band is the reason I love music today! I grew up and was good friends with his kids! I spent countless days and nights growing up at his shows, at his house, and at Pumpkin Studios. As much as anyone else he was my biggest influence in getting me to play music.

[@caterinascarcella]

Love love this guy and song I’m 65 ❤

[@cgarbiano]

I was only 13 when this came out. Loved it then and love it now. God I miss my youth !

[@rockinron40]

This song was a hit in 1967 and this TV show was from 1967 too.

[@terrencemiller5284]

hey, I was 9 and remember this song so much !!

[@1pcfred]

I miss my youth, but like you I would not want to be young today either. Ah, but then again I do have to live through these times anyways, and being young does have some advantages. Some disadvantages too though. Can I be physically young, but still know what I know?

[@outasynch7143]

Youth is wasted on the young and wisdom on the old.

[@bullsnutsoz]

You must be an old bag by now! I was bent and shaken................

[@gregorysarensen6276]

Love this song and always chuckle at the obvious off camera signs that must have told the females on the set when to scream and the one handed amazing trumpet playing by the drummer at the end 😊😂😅

[@brasso4u]

You got to give kudos to the drummer. He didn't give a shit about faking it. What a great song.

[@KellyGiftShop]

Jeff Lucky lol!

[@bnegs521]

Jeff Lucky LOL He even rubbed it in with the trumpet at the end. Love it!!

[@KellyGiftShop]

bnegs521 LMAO! yeah..its too funny !!

[@malcorub]

Jeff Lucky Tom Selleck on bass.

[@ronstadtfanaz]

Jeff Lucky Not only that he played horns and drums at the same time haha.

[@maddog.florida]

This cut came out when i was 9. Now 63. My sister is 4 years older tham me. She was a TREMENDOUS influence. I went on to a career in FM radio & wedding DJ. After all these years and 1000 plus weddings. Extensive knowledge is an understatement! Way to often ... A song crosses my mind because of something someone said. I hadn't heard it for probably 50+ years! She planted oh so many. Bend me shape me was one. Mike. "Maddog" Redden Cincinnati Broadcast Radio

[@marymitchell8023]

Lord I miss the 60's!

[@georgeshelton6281]

This definitely takes me back to the time when 'Hanna Barbara's Scooby Doo,' was on the TV airwaves during the 60s, thus I still lived at 520 Mello Ln.

[@suzannemascola4997]

Same!!

[@MyLady120]

Awesome memories. Thanks ❤

[@danaturner7009]

fantastic group...I loved the 60's not just for the music but living them

[@Vraiment66]

One of my favorite songs EVER.

[@jimstewart1584]

You can't beat sixties music !!!

[@sauquoit13456]

On this day in 1967 {December 16th} the American Breed performed "Bend Me, Shape Me" on the ABC-TV program 'American Bandstand'... At the time the song was at #23 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; and thirty-six days later on January 21st, 1968 it peaked at #5 {for 2 weeks}...

[@BuddyNovinski]

I know what I was doing that Saturday, so I know I missed it. I was in downtown Newton NJ shopping for Christmas. $5 went a long way back then (equal to $35 in 2014).

[@georgeshelton6281]

It's hard to believe that I take 520 Mello Ln; a lot like as if it were my favorite place.

[@jamesmcglone4379]

Not as good as the British band amen corners version much more soulful

[@timothyproksch2915]

I always liked that song

[@mcook27]

I absolutely love this song. It was one of my favorites growing up and I still have the 45. I used to play it over and over on the stereo. Still a pretty cute guy as well, LOL.

[@jimkennelly7721]

If this song were to come out today, people would rejoice that a new band is here that can write joyfull, happy, melodic and catchy songs. This tune is way better than any of the crap pop music out there. I will always judge music on how it makes me feel, not on how new it is.

[@twinstu50]

You reflect my thoughts exactly.

[@hocuspocusfocusable]

great horn section...

[@spacetrucker8985]

Jim Kennelly So right man!

[@lindabergman3127]

Darn Right 👍

[@multicrafthub482]

Sorry Jim, but this is the same bubble gum pop crap that's still being put out in today's day and age.

[@henritopintado9984]

Loved this Pop group Then and Now ,The Nostalgia of the 60's spirit.

[@MrJailbird32]

you had to be 17 when this was out to really enjoy the songs of yesterday,i was and i still love the old tunes,take me back to a better place.

[@nuwavedave]

Are you kidding? I was 13 when the song came out - and had been buying 45s since The Twist was big.

[@Dr.BenjiBuddy]

Out of nowhere this song popped into my mind and that's a good thing. Thank you brain.

[@michaelfurminger6432]

Love this late sixties music awesome sax

[@jackmchugh9893]

I, too, loved this song. I listened to it in the 60s driving around Ohio, PA, and W.VA in my sales job. Makes me think of a special girlfriend, who has been dead for years. RIP dear Tracy.

[@rubyred93chev]

I saw them at a local County fair the Summer of 1967. They were in a small tent, playing this song 'live', it was electric!!

[@jjohnmil51]

You'll never know how great it was crusin' the streets of Brooklyn NY in a 1960 Pontiac convertable with this song on the radio, what memories!!!

[@V301H]

This song was written by Larry Weiss and Scott English. They also wrote "Hi Ho Silver Lining" which was a late 60's British hit for Jeff Beck. Weiss wrote "Evil Woman" which was recorded in an epic version by Spooky Tooth for their 1969 album Spooky Two. Glen Campbell's hit "Rhinestone Cowboy" was another well-known Weiss composition.

[@OHUQTU]

I saw them play live ~ 1968, and the drummer actually DID play trumpet & drum at the same time

[@andzwe]

Makes me long back for the kind of kick I got out of this song when I was a kid. It was one of countless 60s singles my oldest brother had and although our relationship became more and more troubled, I still got the best of memories, music-wise.

[@dlighted8861]

That standing up drummer/trumpet player is something else. 🤗😊🤗

[@rickabbott5297]

Loved this song as a kid and still love it ✌️✌️👍👍👍👍👍

[@jerryboucher5622]

Drumming and on the horn at the same time a sight to behold

[@russellcampbell9198]

Remember my older brother bringing this single home. It broadened my musical tastes a little more as did most music from that period.

[@joachimfritz2406]

This time: Better than the original from British group Amen Corner.

[@elainevine3683]

Still listening in 2023, late 60s early 70s. Those were the best years, as teenagers it was all innocent fun.

[@terrencemiller5284]

I remember this song in '68. Glad i was a part of the this " breed " of music !!

[@MichaelSmith-jw8qw]

great horns and solid lyrics--well done and still great to listen to

[@Bildgesmythe]

This song meant a lot to me in the day. I'm soon to be 73, hope you have as much fun as I did, and none of the pain. My mother did give me a bit of advice, never let anyone bend or shape you

[@brucepowell9252]

This kind of music shaped my youth, many years back. No time machine? Sad.

[@edselguru]

So you're saying the music bent you, shaped you?

[@LasVegasJim]

@moc041 I am a couple of years earlier when these guys were still getting it together in Chicago. Proviso East HS, Maywood, IL, 1964. It was a special time. Fine music. I am anticipating the HS class reunion!!

[@ftsjr]

For me, this is a wonderful trip back to the 5th grade. I never got tired of hearing this song.

[@swimlaps1]

Same here

[@tracycapilot2002]

Yes indeedy! All hail the Bicentennial Class of 1976!! 😉 Our Nation could use some peace and love right now in 2023!

[@kimberlyj.sullivan9304]

I have worked plenty of Sonic Drive Ins and I always heard this timeless classic song, at work. Now these days, this unforgotten song is played during a commercial. Let's all celebrate!!!

[@ambertjeblue]

Thankyou for the great sound. RIP.

[@PamelaDrake215]

RIP Gary Loizzo. Can't blame the girls for screaming. What a fine one we lost there.

[@rickmanning225]

The greatest collection of one hit wonders I've ever seen I heard them all when they came out in the 60s little psychedelic pop everything thank you. I saw these guys in concert with Johnny Winter The McCoys The Outsiders in Des Moines Iowa 1967

[@Tomi_BuzzCat]

Heard this song on the 'Oldies' station, reminds me times growing up, even though i was born in the 70s, still

[@Learnamericanenglishonline]

There's a lot of great music being made these days, but it's not found on commercial radio. Give college radio stations a listen and you'll find the same spirit, if not the same musicianship.

[@brianbeaubien7371]

KSLU Canton NY

[@johndrennan279]

@@brianbeaubien7371 WTMD - Towson MD

[@RandyR]

Oh to be young an carefree again. The music shall live forever.

[@applecheeks12345]

I always liked this song.

[@Rittstuff]

RIP Gary. You will be missed.

[@marioiacolucci]

what happened to rest of them?

[@TROOPER5093]

+Mario Iacolucci Lee Graziano (drummer), works part-time security at the United Center. I work with him..a very nice man...gave me an original album of american breed...

[@phildeluca6470]

Grew up in Clearing Chicago , Schooled with my sister Great guy , may he RIP

[@TheLittlecherryolive]

Holyyyy crap this is a goodie gumdrop i remember this one

[@rjplamf61]

timeless tune. 60's were the greatest decade for music period.

[@muspobear]

Great Music. SUPER GREAT DAYS!!!

[@Jany1954]

Oh my gosh!! Love it! My 60's remembering!

[@georgeshara9838]

wow I remember this song when I was young ..love it ...BEND ME BABY

[@StevieB1362]

Thanks for posting this. Memories! What a cool song. This was one song that stopped everyone in their tracks. Hands went up, shoes flew off & fannies & other body parts started shakin'. Even if you weren't cool, this song made you feel cool. Oh yea! Elaine Benis isn't the only bad dancer in the world, but please laugh low when you watch me.

[@Thundergod-]

Now THIS is the definitive version of the song. Sixties nostalgia....

[@XMIR10C]

1968 - One of the best in 2 years of masssssive music. Any 1 song in 1968/69 in the top 40 would be #1 nowaDAYS, Competition was fierce.

[@unclebobunclebob]

They come through so clearly even without mics and guitar amps.

[@strickly60s78]

I Absolutely Love "Bend Me Shape Me" by The American Breed....can't help feeling the driving beat. They had some other Fine Songs. "Sometime In The Morning"...."Mindrocker" and "Don't It Make You Cry" are others that I enjoy. Thank you.

[@davidirwin1549]

I fondly remember listening to this song when it first came out in late 1967. We would crank up the radio and sing along.

[@vasilii6417]

Yep, pushing 70, but what amazes me is when you are at the bar and you play this or " I got a line on you, or Draggin the line, or All right now," or something similar, chicks 40 years younger than you come over and start talking to you. They treat you like Royalty. Cool is the rule.

[@bobsilver3983]

I always loved this song

[@robertduff9058]

Fantastic, I love Robin Trower and band mates. I remember this song well. Thanks for sharing! 👍👍

[@debbiestrand4286]

Just stumpled on this. Wow, baby boomers really had the best music

[@vanceoverstreet4182]

Debbie we sure had some great bands and music. Too bad we have to all that shit autotune computer no talent boybands all the girls sound the same where did all go

[@jeanlemcke6458]

And the best TV shows! You can't top Leave it to Beaver. Wally was so hot!

[@GoldenHairErik]

@@vanceoverstreet4182 literally nowhere. Now we have Janelle Monae, Car Seat Headrest, Beach House, Jessie Ware, Caroline Polachek, Brockhampton and a thousand other great bands and artists making excellent pop music. Theres literally never been more good music in the world. Its your fault for never bothering to go out and find any music beyond the top 40 radio.

[@vanceoverstreet4182]

@@GoldenHairErik Matter of opinion. I lived in the 60's era and loved the music. The wrecking crew for example real pros. I think todays music not very inovative. Yes i do listen outside my bubble not impressed. I just know what i like and makes my toe tap. You like what you like that's what music does it moves you. Stay Frosty

[@sabfan66]

Only ever heard the Amen Corner version previously but love this one. Definitely got a great 60s groove about it.

[@judykingston10]

I will comment on this again. I knew Gary from school. I was introduced to him from a friend of mine. I was so interested in his music, love everything about the American Breed. Gary Loizzo? Missed the talent, sound, voice. RIP.

[@DaveM1260]

I was also a young teen when this came out, and I really liked it. Fast forward to the early 90's, when I played it in the car for my kids. It became my toddling son's favorite song. I will never forget the orders from his car seat for: "Bend me Shape me."

[@j.a.armour2427]

I think I know some trivia about the American Breed. They used to be called Gary and the Nightlights (Gary is the lead singer). The guitars are unusual because I believe they're Baldwin guitars as were their amplifiers back when they were performing live. I think I saw them twice when I was in high school in the late 60's. They didn't care for Baldwin equipment themselves. However, Baldwin was so dependable at providing them with their Baldwin guitars and amps at their gigs either for free or at a very low price that they decided to go along with Baldwin and use their equipment even though it wasn't particularly to their liking. They would have preferred using some other equipment. As for the name change, I think it was a move in the right direction.

[@geoffreyhui830]

Back in 1968 I was in a group of boarding school students who went to a cane juice shop. It was on Nathan Road. It had a jukebox, and our favourite tunes included this one and I Gotta Get a Message to You. Also Tang Lee Chan's adaptation of Chinese lyrics to the tune of a Beatles song. (Possibly She Loves You Yeah Yeah Yeah; Ah Chun has married someone else).

[@cathyarthur3199]

Love this song, I'm 70 but it makes me feel 18 again.

[@ChicagoJoe57]

A great band from my hometown of Cicero. Have always loved the American Breed.

[@andyr1313]

Don't know which was cooler- the one-handed trumpeting or the one-handed drumming- still a great song from sixty-seven...

[@jimgusto]

Another cool 60's song from back in the day. Brings back lots of memories too. Whenever you saw them & others on TV they'd almost always be lip-synching. We knew it. But didn't care that much. We loved hearing the tunes, usually on AM radio. Wasn't really till late 60's that FM got popular with us around here. So we were just glad to see what the people singin' the songs looked like. We didn't sweat the small stuff. Heck, we didn't even have remote controls for our 3 channel TVs, w/antennas.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I've always liked this song. The guitar player on the right reminds me of Carl Wilson.

[@williamwatson8766]

I think that's Al Ciner, who went on to play with Rufus w/Chaka Kahn (this was a Chicago outfit).

[@terrimichaels3018]

One song that all us baby boomers love and will play multiple times and I love the screams from the girls just like hearing them at an amusement park Michigan adventure

[@PixiePal2454]

I have absolutely no idea what show they performed this on, but these guys were sure groovin' to their music, man! lol

[@PixiePal2454]

Thanks, Jeffrey.

[@b_uppy]

They did appear on American Bandstand three times. This might have been one of them.

[@patricialenders8786]

I'm your age. So do I. Love music

[@jon7777ck]

So sweet.