The Grasshoppers

The Grasshoppers? Wait...this sounds like the...yes, the Chipmunks! The Chipmunks were so phenomenally popular, eventually spawning an animated television series and 22 hits, that they had inspired other species to join in on the 'sing-a-long'! The Grasshoppers -- Dennis, Archie, and Rickey -- were so inspired that they recorded their own versions of "The Chipmunk Song" and "Alvin's Harmonica". In fact, the Grasshoppers probably equaled or surpassed the Chipmunks in sales as their debut album, originally released in 1959, was re-issued in over half a dozen versions over the years, under various Peter Pan Record Labels; Parade, Spin-O-Rama, Promenade, Twinkle, Pirouette Records, and Diplomat. But...the big difference is with the song arrangements, quality and overall sound the Grasshoppers had over the Chipmunks -- at the time. With the direction of Big Band leader Eddie Maynard, their debut album was a good contender for the Chipmunks.

Soon after the success of David Seville and the Chipmunk's song, titled "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" in 1958, other "creatures" jumped on the bandwagon too. Among them, Chippy the Chipmunk, Woody the Woodchuck, and the Happy Crickets -- all featuring their versions of "The Chipmunk Song". Another "group", The Nutty Squirrels, in late 1959, featured their own Top 40 hit song, titled "Uh-Oh". In 1963, there were the Busy Beavers, and the Chippers. And, in 1984, The Happy Hamsters. And all have since lapsed into obscurity. But none of them released as many records for as many years as the Grasshoppers.