The Exciters facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Exciters
The Exciters in 1964
Background information
Also known as	The Masterettes
Origin	Queens, New York City, United States
Genres	R&B, pop music
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1961–1974 (as group)
Labels	United Artists, Roulette, Bang, Shout, RCA, 20th Century
Past members	Brenda Reid Carolyn Johnson Lillian Walker Sylvia Wilbur Penny Carter Herb Rooney Ronnie Pace Skip McPhee

The Exciters were a popular American pop music group from the 1960s. They started as a girl group and later added a male member. At their most famous, the group included lead singer Brenda Reid, Herb Rooney, Carolyn Johnson, and Lillian Walker. They are best known for their big hit song, "Tell Him".

The Group's Journey

Starting Out as The Masterettes

The group began in 1961 in Queens, New York City. Four high school friends, Brenda Reid, Carolyn Johnson, Lillian Walker, and Sylvia Wilbur, formed the band. They first called themselves the Masterettes. This was because they were like a "sister group" to another band called the Masters. In early 1962, they released their first song, "Follow the Leader."

Soon after, Sylvia Wilbur left the group. Penny Carter joined in her place. The group then tried out for famous music producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. They impressed them and won a recording contract! Penny Carter then left, and Herb Rooney from the Masters joined. Brenda Reid and Herb Rooney later got married.

Becoming The Exciters and Their First Big Hit

The group changed their name to The Exciters. Their first big hit was "Tell Him". This song was produced by Leiber and Stoller for United Artists Records. It became super popular, reaching number 4 on the U.S. pop music charts in early 1963.

"Tell Him" was a very important song. Singer Dusty Springfield heard it in New York City in 1962. She was so inspired by its powerful sound that she decided to become a solo pop and soul singer. She said the song "got you by the throat" and made her want to sing that kind of music.

More Hits and Touring with The Beatles

The Exciters released other songs like "He's Got the Power" and "Get Him." They also recorded "Do-Wah-Diddy" in 1963. Another group, Manfred Mann, later covered this song. Their version, "Do Wah Diddy Diddy," became a huge international hit.

In 1964, The Exciters had an amazing opportunity. They were one of the opening acts for the Beatles! This was during The Beatles' first tour in North America. During this tour, The Exciters made history. They were the first black musicians to perform at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida. The stadium managers first said no because of their race. But The Beatles said they wouldn't perform either if The Exciters couldn't. So, The Exciters were allowed to go on stage.

Later Years and Legacy

After 1965, The Exciters changed record labels. They continued to record music throughout the 1960s. However, they did not have as many big hits. The group eventually broke up in 1974.

In 1975, Brenda and Herb Rooney, performing as The Exciters, had another hit song in the UK. It was called "Reaching for the Best" and reached number 31 on the UK charts. Later, Brenda and Herb also had a hit as "Brenda & Herb."

Herb Rooney passed away in the early 1990s. Brenda Reid and Lillian Walker still sometimes perform together as The Exciters. Carolyn Johnson died in 2007. The Exciters left a lasting mark on pop and R&B music.

Music Released

Chart Singles

Albums

• Tell Him (United Artists, 1963)
• The Exciters (Roulette, 1965)
• Caviar and Chitlins (1969)
• Black Beauty (1971)
• Heaven Is Where You Are (1976)
• The Exciters (1977)

See also

In Spanish: The Exciters para niños

• List of 1960s one-hit wonders in the United States
• United Artists Records
• List of doo-wop musicians