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The Knickerbockers

The Knickerbockers were an American garage rock band formed in Bergenfield, New Jersey in 1964.[1] They released the 1965 hit "Lies", which was known for its resemblance to the Beatles. The band was formed in 1964 by the brothers Beau Charles (guitar and vocals) and John Charles (bass and vocals) (birth names: Robert and John Carlos Cecchino respectively)

For other uses, see Knickerbocker.

The Knickerbockers

Bergenfield, New Jersey, U.S.

1964–1970; 1983; 1990

Challenge, Sundazed Records

Beau Charles
John Charles
Skip Cherubino
Ned Brown
Peter Glitz
Buddy Randell
Jimmy Walker
Richie Walker
Barry McCoy
John Deleone
Pete LoCasio
Ritchie Costanza
Eric Swanson
Glenn Henry

History[edit]

Formation[edit]

The Charles brothers played with a fluctuating personnel until 1964, when they met Buddy Randell (vocals and sax) (birth name: William Crandall).[1] Randell was previously of the Rockin' Saints and The Royal Teens, who had a hit with "Short Shorts" in 1958. They took their name from Knickerbocker Road (County Route 505), which runs through Tenafly, the next town to the east of Bergenfield.[1][2]


The classic line-up consisted of Randell, the Charles brothers, and drummer Jimmy Walker (previously the drummer with the Massena, New York-based Atco Records act The Castle Kings). They were spotted by producer and singer-songwriter Jerry Fuller playing the University Twist Palace in Albany, New York, and he signed them to Los Angeles-based Challenge Records.

Beau Charles – guitar, vocals (1962–1972, 1983, 1990)

John Charles – bass, vocals (1962–1972, 1983, 1990)

Skip Cherubino – drums (1962–1963)

Ned Brown – keyboards (1962)

Peter Glitz – drums (1963–1964)

Buddy Randell – vocals, saxophone, drums (1964–1967, 1968–1970, 1990; died 1998)

– drums, vocals (1964–1967, 1983, 1990; died 2020)[5]

Jimmy Walker

Richie Walker – vocals (1967–1970)

Barry McCoy – keyboards (1967–1968)

John Deleone – drums (1967–1968)

Pete LoCascio – drums (1962)

Ritchie Costanza – vocals (1970–1972)

Eric Swanson – drums (1970–1972)

Glenn Henry - Bass (1999-2000)