“Wah-Watusi” Performed By The Orlons (1962)

I went off on a little tangent on my last blog about “South Street” and forgot to tell you anything about the Orlons.

This song was their first big hit before “South Street”. “The Wah-Watusi” (Cameo 218) debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on June 9, 1962 and remained on the Hot 100 for 14 weeks; it peaked at #2 and held the position for two weeks. It also charted #5 R&B.

The Watusi was really popular in the early 60s, almost as much as the Twist. I remember in the news it was a big deal when Luci Bird Johnson (or was in Lynda Bird?) was dating George Hamilton, and they were photographed doing the Watusi while out clubbing. It made headlines everywhere back in the day.

In more recent times, remember Patrick Dempsey (before he became Dr. McDreamy) doing the Watusi, after seeing an African tribe do the dance on a TV documentary on Africa in the teen movie “Can’t Buy Me Love”? He thought he was watching American Bandstand (LOL)

Here’s Ronald Miller, Patrick Dempsey’s character, in 1987′s “Can’t Buy me Love” doing his dance. I love this movie!

Now, I have no clue what the Watusi is or was. But I loved The Orlons’ song then and now.

Thanks for stopping by.

Related posts:

1. “Don’t Hang Up” Performed by The Orlons (1962)
2. “South Street” Performed by The Orlons (1963)
3. "Locomotion" Performed by Little Eva (1962)
4. "Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)" Performed By Dee Dee Sharp (1962)
5. "Soldier Boy" Performed by The Shirelles (1962)

Filed under: Cameo/Parkway, Co-ed Vocal Groups, Dance to the Music, R&B, Sixties, The Orlons, Wah-Watusi