How does this piano duet merge the melancholy of "One (Loneliest Number)" with the upbeat "Happy Together"? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover The Turtles: Sunshine Pop Pioneers and 'Happy Together' Hitmakers
"The Turtles" was an American rock band best known for their 1967 hit song "Happy Together." Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Songwriters: "Happy Together" was written by Garry Bonner and Alan Gordon, two songwriters who were part of the New York-based band The Magicians. The song was initially offered to other artists, including The Monkees, who turned it down before The Turtles recorded it.
Number One Hit: "Happy Together" became The Turtles' biggest hit and their only number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It topped the charts in March 1967 and stayed there for three weeks.
Signature Sound: The song is known for its catchy melody and harmonies, which were a hallmark of The Turtles' sound. The harmonies were a significant part of their appeal, and they were often compared to other harmony-driven bands like The Beach Boys.
Cover Versions: Over the years, "Happy Together" has been covered by various artists and featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials. It remains a popular and recognizable song, thanks to its timeless quality.
The Band's Name: The Turtles originally formed in 1965 and were named after the slow-moving reptile because they wanted to choose a name as absurd as The Beatles. Their humorous name reflected their lighthearted approach to music.
Hit Album: The song "Happy Together" was part of The Turtles' album of the same name, which also achieved commercial success. The album reached No. 25 on the Billboard 200 chart and helped solidify the band's place in music history.
Legacy: The Turtles are often associated with the mid-60s folk-rock and pop music scene. While "Happy Together" is their most famous song, they had several other charting hits, including "She'd Rather Be with Me" and "Elenore."
Legal Battles: The Turtles were involved in a significant legal battle in the 1970s regarding their royalties. Their lawsuit against their former record label, White Whale Records, led to changes in copyright law and the establishment of artist rights in the music industry.
"Happy Together" by The Turtles remains an iconic song of the 1960s and continues to be cherished by music enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados.