51 years ago today, New York-based R&B /doo-wop group The Crest lit up the charts with sixteen candles.

On November 10, 1958 The Crest released their classic hit “Sixteen Candles.” The popular cut rose to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Founded by J. T. Carter the group included lead vocalist Johnny Maestro, Talmoudge Gough, Harold Torres, and Patricia Van Dross (older sister of R&B legend Luther Vandross).

The 1984 film Sixteen Candles adopted the song’s title, while 80’s rockabilly band The Stray Cats re-recorded the single for the movie’s soundtrack.

doo-wop . R&B . The Crest This Day in Soul