The Rivieras
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | early 1960s in South Bend, Indiana, United States |
| Headquarters | South Bend , United States |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
The Rivieras were a rock ensemble from the United States, established in the early 1960s in South Bend, Indiana, and gained recognition for their popular rendition of "California Sun".
History
Originating at South Bend Central High School, the group initially performed under the name the Playmates. Due to a naming dispute, they adopted the name Rivieras, inspired by the Buick Riviera. They emerged as part of the early 1960s frat rock scene.
The founding members included Marty "Bo" Fortson (vocals and guitar), Joe Pennell (guitar), Otto Nuss (organ), Doug Gean (bass), and Paul Dennert (drums). Their 1964 version of "California Sun" achieved chart success during the height of the British Invasion era.
Soon after their hit recording, Fortson, Pennell, and Nolte enlisted in the Marine Corps. Subsequently, Jim Boal, Willie Gaut, and Bobby Wantuch joined the lineup, while manager Bill Dobslaw took over lead vocal duties. Some original members departed due to parental insistence on prioritizing education; their places were filled by Jeff McKew, Terry McCoy, and Rocky Geans—the latter remaining with the band for more than 25 years.
Facing draft obligations, frequent personnel shifts, and evolving musical trends influenced by British bands, the group dissolved after approximately two years. During the 1980s, Fortson, Gean, and Nuss reunited to record a 10-track album that was distributed at live performances.
In 2000, Fortson, Pennell, and Dennert reassembled under the name Wildcat—drawing inspiration from the Buick Wildcat—and incorporated a contemporary hard rock sound following Gean and Nuss's retirement.
Joe Pennell passed away on April 21, 2011, at age 66; Marty Fortson died on September 26, 2012, aged 67.
Members
- Marty "Bo" Fortson (April 14, 1945 – September 26, 2012) — lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1962–1963)
- Doug Gean — bass guitar (1962–)
- Joe Pennell — guitar (1962–1963)
- Otto Nuss — organ (1962–1966)
- Paul Dennert — drums (1962–1964)
- Stanley "Chip" Baginski — drums
- Bill Dobslaw — lead vocals (1963–)
- Willy Gaut — vocals, rhythm guitar (1963–1965)
- Jim Boal — lead guitar (1963–1965)
- Bobby Wantuch — drums
- John Swoveland — bass guitar (1966–1967)
Albums
- Let's Have a Party (1964)
- Campus Party (Riviera, 1965)
Singles
- "Played On/California Sun" (Riviera, 1964)
- "California Sun/H.B. Goose Step" (Riviera, 1964)
- "Let's Have a Party/Little Donna" (Riviera, 1964)
- "Rockin' Robin/Battle Line" (Riviera, 1964)
- "Whole Lotta Shakin'/Rip It Up" (Riviera, 1965)
- "Whole Lotta Shakin'/Whole Lotta Shakin'" (Riviera, 1965)
- "Let's Go to Hawaii/Lakeview Lane" (Riviera, 1965)
- "Somebody New/Somebody Asked Me" (Riviera, 1965)
- "Never Feel the Pain/Bug Juice" (Riviera, 1965)
- "California Sun/Little Donna/Back in the Sun" (Riviera, 1965)
- "California Sun '65"