"As Long As I Have You" by Garnet Mimms

How was Garnet Mimms nothing more than a one-hit wonder in the 60s? This Philly raised soul singer soared up the charts to #4 with his debut single, "Cry Baby," in 1963 (the same song Janis Joplin took to #42 in 1971). He had a few other top 40 singles hit as the decade progressed, including "For Your Precious Love" (#26), "Baby Don't You Weep" (#30), and "I'll Take Good Care Of You" (#30), but he remains largely unknown.

In a perfect musical world, "As Long As I Have You" from 1964 would be a classic from the era that everyone knows. After floundering in the biz in the 70s and releasing some funk tunes, he gave up pop music for gospel and ministering to prisoners.

"Daddy Rollin' Stone" by Derek Martin

Hailing from Detroit, Derek Martin worked feverishly in multiple groups to get a major hit in the 50s and 60s but never quite reached the mark. His lone chart appearance came in 1965 when "You Better Go" reached #78.

"Daddy Rollin' Stone" is a masterful cover of the 1953 version by Otis Blackwell. Martin's rendition came out in 1963 and marked his first solo effort - it didn't chart, but it started getting him the attention he deserved. Too bad it didn't translate into a sustained chart career.

"I Gotta Let You Go" by Martha & The Vandellas

Few groups got off to such a successful start as Martha & The Vandellas. The Vandellas, fronted by the great Martha Reeves, sang backup on several tunes by Marvin Gaye. When they teamed up with the songwriting powerhouse Eddie Holland, magic happened and they became the 50th most successful act of the 60s.

In 1963, they scored their first hit with "Come And Get These Memories," which went to #29. The rest is history with a string of impressive hits like "Heat Wave" (#4), "Quicksand" (#8), "Dancing In The Street" (#2), "Nowhere To Run" (#8), "I'm Ready For Love" (#9), "Jimmy Mack" (#10), and "Honey Chile" (#11).

As the 60s turned into the 70s, the music scene was a-changing, and their malt shop style was losing fashion. Released in 1970, "I Gotta Let You Go" only reached #93 - it probably would have gone top 10 if released a decade earlier. The group scored one final chart hit when "Bless You" reached #53 in 1971. Martha Reeves then left to pursue a solo career, which didn't pan out.

"The Man In Me" by Lonnie Mack

Indiana native Lonnie Mack didn't sound like your typical 60s artist. Mack fused rockabilly with blue-eyed soul, an unexpected combination that few others could ever hope to pull off. Mack achieved modest chart success with hits like "Memphis" (#5, 1963) and "Wham!" (#24, 1963). He also did a lot of session work for the likes of James Brown and The Doors. You can't get more versatile than that!

"The Man In Me" showcases yet another side to this underrated musician, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 74.

"She Is Still A Mystery" by The Lovin' Spoonful

It is hard to find a tune by The Lovin' Spoonful that did not sweeten the charts already. Starting in 1965, this New York-based band racked up a phenomenal string of seven consecutive top 10 hits including "Do You Believe In Magic" (#9), "Daydream" (#2), "Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind?" (#2), and "Nashville Cats" (#8). The band managed to top the chart with the classic smash, "Summer In The City," which reigned for three weeks at #1 in 1966.

"She Is Still A Mystery" has the dubious distinction of being the band's last top 40 hit. After landing at #27 in 1967, the band squeaked out a a few minor hits before breaking up in 1970. Why they faded away so quickly after their impressive hot streak is still a mystery.

"Going Nowhere" by Los Bravos

Imported from Spain, Los Bravos were a garage rock band that scored one big hit in the 60s with "Black Is Black," which peaked at #4 in 1966. The brave boys could not match this success, but they had some other great tunes up their sleeves. "Going Nowhere" kind of describes what happened to their music career, as the song only reached #91 (it deserved so much better!). They had one other chart appearance in 1968 when "Bring A Little Lovin'" stalled at #51.

"Function At The Junction" by Shorty Long

Shorty Long was a talented up and coming R&B singer whose life was tragically cut short in 1969 in a boating accident. He was only 29 years old and just scored a top 10 hit with the terrific "Here Comes The Judge" (#8).

Shorty Long had a few other minor splashes on the chart before his big hit, like "Function At The Junction," co-written with Eddie Holland. This one landed at #97 in 1966 -- why it didn't perform better is a mystery.

"Takin' Back What I Said" by Little Eva

Hailing from North Carolina, Little Eva was discovered by the great Carole King while babysitting her daughter - talk about a lucky gig! With her husband, Gerry Goffin, King ended up co-writing many of Little Eva's hits.

It all began with the iconic smash, "The Loco-Motion," which topped the charts in 1962 and became a Grammy Hall of Famer. Little Eva scored a few more notable hits including "Keep Your Hands Off My Baby" (#12) and that Thanksgiving favorite, "Let's Turkey Trot" (#20).

It is puzzling why Little Eva didn't score more big hits - "Takin' Back What I Said" surely has all the right stuff. Little Eva passed away in 2003 from cancer at the age of 59.

"The Loser (With A Broken Heart)" by Gary Lewis & The Playboys

Gary Lewis is the son of comedy legend Jerry Lewis, but there's nothing funny about the way he and his band ripped up the charts in the 60s. Beginning in 1965 with their now classic anthem, "This Diamond Ring," which spent two weeks at #1, Gary Lewis & The Playboys would rack up six additional top 10 hits and several more top 40 hits.

By 1967, their amazing chart run was nearing an end. Perhaps they had saturated the airwaves enough, but they were still making strong songs with attitude like "The Loser (With A Broken Heart)." This feisty song stalled at a surprising #43. The band would have a modest resurgence in 1968 when "Sealed With A Kiss" went to #19.

"What A Walk" by Bobby Lewis

Indiana native Bobby Lewis scored a massive hit in 1961 with "Tossin' and Turnin'," which spent an impressive 7 weeks at the #1 spot. He hit the top 10 again when the follow-up single "One Track Mind" reached #9 later that year.

Also in 1961 came his grossly underrated tune, "What A Walk." This danceable ditty stalled at an inexplicable #77. Lewis would make one final chart appearance in 1962 with a sequel to his smash hit; but, "I'm Tossin' And Turnin' Again" went to sleep at #98.

"I'll Make Him Love Me" by Barbara Lewis

Michigan singer and songwriter Barbara Lewis had a big splash debut when her classic "Hello Stranger" landed at #3 in 1963. She scored a handful of other top 40 hits throughout the decade including "Puppy Love" (#38), "Baby, I'm Yours" (#11), "Make Me Your Baby" (#11), and "Make Me Belong To You" (#28). She really liked songs with "make" in the title!

Her final chart appearance was in 1967 when the peppy and wonderful "I'll Make Him Love Me" stalled at #72. This one sounded like top 10 material to my ears, but Lewis could not make radio love her anymore.

"She May Call You Up Tonight" by The Left Banke

The Left Banke was a baroque pop band from Manhattan that made their debut on the charts in 1966 with the sweet classic, "Walk Away Renee," which hit #5 and became a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame song. Their follow-up, "Pretty Ballerina," also did well, landing at #15. Outside of a blip on the chart at #98 with "Desiree" in 1967, the band was never heard from again.

Going through some of their other songs, I can understand why. While nothing is horrible, nothing particularly stands out. Perhaps they set too high a bar with the magical harmonies in "Walk Away Renee." There is one track, however, that I stumbled across that deserved chart action, the infectious "She May Call You Up Tonight."

The band broke up in 1969 after releasing just two albums, although they did release an attempted comeback LP in 1986. Primary songwriter and pianist Michael Brown would later join a band called The Stories. He passed away in 2015.

"Wedlock Is A Padlock" by Laura Lee

Laura Lee is hands-down one of the most underrated soul singers of her time. During the late 60s and early 70s, this gifted vocalist from Chicago was belting out some awesome tunes, many with lyrics to empower women. She only scored a single top 40 hit when "Women's Love Rights" landed at #36 in 1971. How songs like "Wedlock Is A Padlock," "Crumbs Off The Table," and "Rip Off" didn't soar into the top 10, I'll never understand.

"We Got A Thing Going On" by Ben E. King

A one-time star of The Drifters, who sang lead on their big hit, "There Goes My Baby," Ben E. King also struck gold after leaving the group in 1960. His chart debut as a solo artist was the #10 hit, "Spanish Harlem." While born in North Carolina, King was raised in Harlem after moving there at the age of 9.

In 1961, he scored again with "Stand By Me," which went to #4 and reappeared on the chart to peak at #9 in 1986 after being featured in the film of the same name. King had some lesser known hits through the decade, including "Don't Play That Song (You Lied)" (#11) and "I (Who Have Nothing)" (#29). Ben E. King also had a big comeback hit in the 70s that many people have forgotten: "Supernatural Thing (Part 1)" went to an impressive #5 in 1975.

"We Got A Thing Going On" was a duet he performed with Philadelphia R&B star Dee Dee Sharp. These two powerhouse vocalists couldn't get the song to chart for some reason when it was released in 1968. I think most people hearing it now would be surprised it didn't perform better.

Ben E. King passed away in 2015 at age 76.

"Ain't Gonna Lie" by Keith

James Keefer, who chose the stage name Keith, seemed destined for stardom. "Ain't Gonna Lie" marked his chart debut in 1966, but he is best known for his follow-up smash, "98.6," which went all the way to #7. 

Keith scored another top 40 hit in 1967 when "Tell Me To My Face" hit #37. One final appearance on the chart came later that year when "Daylight Saving' Time" stalled at #79.

Keith's budding career was cut short when he was arrested while on tour for dodging the draft. He tried multiple times to mount a comeback after that, but never saw chart action again. Keith also spent time touring as a member of Frank Zappa's band.

"Baby Make Your Own Sweet Music" by Jay and the Techniques

Jay and the Techniques were a rock and soul band from Pennsylvania that had a couple hits in 1967, but should have had a sustained career that made them a household name. This underrated group is remembered for the lost gem, "Apples, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie," which went to #6. Their follow-up singles, "Keep The Ball Rollin'" and "Strawberry Shortcake" hit #14 and #39, respectively. 

In 1968, "Baby Make Your Own Sweet Music" stalled at #64 and became their last chart appearance. What a shame. Such a terrific song; not sure why this group didn't keep it up well into the 70s. Help yourself to their greatest hits to see what I mean.

"Why Can't You Bring Me Home" by Jay & The Americans

Jay & The Americans took the charts by storm in the 60s, earning themselves rank of #340 in the most successful charting artists of all-time. This New York-based group first scored in 1962 when "She Cried" hit #5. But their biggest hit was to follow: 1964's "Come A Little Bit Closer" reached #3. Other big ones included "Cara, Mia" (#4) and "Let's Lock The Door (And Throw Away The Key)" (#11).

The group sustained hits until 1968, scoring another classic with "This Magic Moment" (#6). But the wind had gone out of the sails by 1970, when their last charting single, "Capture The Moment," peaked only at #57.

"Why Can't You Bring Me Home" is a peppy number that got lost in the mix of their heyday hits, reaching just #63 in 1966. In my mind, it deserves to remembered as another classic in the band's catalogue.

"Linda" by Jan and Dean

Sometimes confused with the Beach Boys, Jan and Dean were a famous surf pop duo of the 60s, first hitting the chart with the #10 smash "Baby Talk" in 1959. Their other biggest hits include the #1 "Surf City" from 1963, "Dead Man's Curve" (#8), and "The Little Old Lady (From Pasadena)" (#3).

The duo's career effectively ended when Jan was badly injured in a car crash in 1966. Dean would later sing on the 1966 Beach Boy hit, "Barbara Ann," but the duo quickly faded into memory until 1978 when their documentary, "Dead Man's Curve," reminded everyone of the tragic story that befell these very talented guys.

"Linda" is one of their lesser-known hits. It reached a respectable #28 on the chart and was released just prior to their biggest hit, "Surf City."

"Somebody Cares" by Tommy James and the Shondells

Ohio native Tommy James formed his group, the Shondells, when he was just 12 years old. They would go on to become the 47th most successful group of the 60s, scoring two #1 hits with "Hanky Panky" and "Crimson and Clover." Other top 10s included "I Think We're Alone Now" (#4), "Mirage" (#10), "Mony Mony" (#3), "Sweet Cherry Wine" (#7), and "Crystal Blue Persuasion" (#2). You'll probably recognize many songs on this impressive list as having been covered by other artists like Joan Jett, Tiffany, and Billy Idol.

Tommy James struck out on a solo career in the 70s and, save one big hit with "Draggin' The Line" (#4, 1971), he didn't come close to the success experienced with the Shondells. Moving into the 80s, he adapted his sound to match the synth pop at the time, but this failed to reignite his career. If you're curious to hear the 80s version of Tommy James, check out "Go" and "Annie Came Knockin'" from the record "Hi Fi."

"Somebody Cares" goes back to the glory days of 1968 when this wonderful tune peaked at a disappointing #53. However, it was the follow-up to "Mony Mony," - pretty big shoes to fill!

"Seven Day Fool" by Etta James

The legendary pipes of Etta James (aka Jamesetta Hawkins or Miss Peaches) should have racked up a ton of top 10 hits through the 60s, but surprisingly she was a stranger to the upper echelons of the chart. Her best performer was "Tell Mama," which managed to creep up to #23 in 1967. Perhaps her best known song, the sultry "At Last," which is a Grammy Hall of Fame winner as well as a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, only reached #47.

James died of cancer in 2012 at the age of 73, living long enough to enjoy another Grammy, this one for Lifetime Achievement. She has left us the gift of an unmatched legacy of songs with breathtaking vocals.

Most people recall her ballads, but James could belt out some earthshaking rock and roll, too. "Seven Day Fool" is a testament to this, but also revisit "Security" and "You Got It" for reminders.