The Rivieras

The Rivieras – Rock Band. Formed in 1961 at old Central High School in South Bend, the Rivieras (originally called The Playmates) included Marty “Bo” Fortson (vocals and guitar), Doug Gean (organ), Joe Pennell (guitar), Otto Nuss (bass), and Paul Dennert (drums). Discovered while playing as the house band at a club in La Porte, the band changed its name to the Rivieras after their favorite car, the popular Buick Riviera. Although the short-lived group disbanded in 1966, they were around long enough to record three albums and send “California Sun” to #5 on the Pop Charts. In fact, “California Sun” (1964) was one of the highest charting American songs before the British invasion. Also of note, Marty Fortson, who left the group to join the marines after recording “California Sun,” currently tours with Doug Gean, Otto Nuss and two other musicians from South Bend. In addition, Fortson owns a furniture store in South Bend.