Newbeats: The Pioneers of 1960s Pop-Rock

The Newbeats were an American vocal trio best known for their distinctive falsetto lead and energetic pop-rock sound in the mid-1960s. Hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, the group achieved international fame with their 1964 smash hit "Bread and Butter," which became a defining song of the era and sold over one million copies.

Early career

The trio was formed in 1963 by brothers Larry and Dean Mathis alongside friend Mark Hanna. Their professional journey began after they were discovered by producer and songwriter Dale Hawkins, who secured them a recording contract with the Hickory Records label.

This partnership placed them under the guidance of industry veterans, setting the stage for their immediate and explosive entry into the pop charts.

Breakthrough

The Newbeats' breakthrough was swift and massive, arriving in 1964 with their debut single "Bread and Butter." Released on Hickory Records, the song's catchy piano riff and Larry Mathis's unique high-pitched vocal propelled it to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The single was certified gold, establishing the trio as a major new act and a staple on radio stations across the United States and beyond.

Key tracks

Bread and Butter — This debut single is their signature song, a gold-certified pop-rock classic that reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964.

Everything's Alright — A successful follow-up that cracked the Top 40, demonstrating their ability to produce consistent, upbeat pop material.

Run Baby Run — This 1965 release showcased a slightly grittier rock edge while maintaining their trademark vocal style and chart presence.

Break Away (From That Boy) — Another solid hit that highlighted the group's harmonies and continued their run on the pop charts through the mid-60s.

The group continued to record for Hickory throughout the 1960s, releasing several albums including "Bread and Butter" and "Run Baby Run." Their sound, a blend of pop, rock, and a touch of soul, kept them relevant on the charts and on touring circuits alongside many of the era's biggest names.

While later releases did not match the monumental success of their first hit, The Newbeats remained a popular live act and recording artist. Their work has endured through consistent oldies radio play and inclusion in numerous compilations of 1960s music.

Fans of the energetic, harmony-driven pop-rock of The Newbeats should also explore the sounds of similar American artists from the era. The Knickerbockers shared a similar guitar-driven, upbeat rock and roll approach. The Trashmen captured the same wild, fun-loving spirit of early 60s rock. The Rivieras also mastered the catchy, instrumental-heavy pop-rock single. The Fireballs delivered a comparable blend of pop melodies with a rock and roll backbone.

The Newbeats' music maintains a steady rotation on classic hits and oldies radio stations featured on this website. Their timeless tracks are a fixture on stations dedicated to the golden age of 1960s pop and rock, often featured in special programming blocks celebrating one-hit wonders or vocal group harmonies.

Listeners can discover the iconic sound of The Newbeats, including their classic hit "Bread and Butter," by tuning into the classic oldies and vintage pop stations available on onairium.com, where the spirit of 1960s rock and roll continues to play.