CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#92 TELL HIM

THE EXCITERS

(1962)

Writer: Bert Berns

The Exciters are often referred to as a girl group, but in fact included 3 females and 1 male. The original line-up of 4 female school friends was formed in 1961, using the name The Masterettes (a sister group to The Masters). Line-up changes ensued and a male member, Herb Rooney (who had been in the latter group), was recruited. Producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller worked on "Tell Him" and suggested the group's new name: The Exciters.
In 1962, the quartet recorded their biggest hit. "Tell Him" was written by Bert Berns (he is sometimes referred to as Bert Russell). Brenda Reid contributed the lead vocal. The single fared well in the USA, where it reached #4 Pop and #5 R&B. Its popularity spread across the globe, climbing to #1 in France and peaking at #5 in Australia. 
The following year, The Exciters released "He's Got The Power", an equally engaging song but this failed to match the success of its predecessor. Later in 1963, the group recorded the original version of "Do Wah Diddy Diddy". By now, the British Invasion was in full swing and The Exciters' version was overtaken by a remake from the UK band Manfred Mann. The cover reached the top on both the British and American charts in 1964. Rooney and Reid wed in the same year.
Sadly, The Exciters never scored another major chart hit. They persisted, even after switching labels and the departure of founding members Carol Johnson and Lillian Walker. Rooney and Reid later released singles as Brenda & Herb. The duo split and later separated as a couple. Rooney launched a cosmetics company. Reid later reformed a new line-up of The Exciters. Rooney and Johnson have since passed away. 

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.

A new song from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.