10 Jun 13 Happy Together Is a Show Worth Seeing

By Sam Moore

I admit it. I am a sucker for ’60s music. Given the opportunity to catch a show from one of the singers or groups still touring, and I try to be there. Put five of them together, and you get a can’t miss opportunity. Such is the case with the current Happy Together 2013 tour. This week, you have three chances to see them in Texas.

I attended the tour opening Saturday night in Biloxi. It features, obviously, the Turtles, who made “Happy Together” one of the most enduring songs of the ’60s era. The concert also includes Chuck Negron from Three Dog Night, Gary Puckett, Mark Lindsay from Paul Revere and the Raiders, and Gary Lewis and the Playboys.

Each of these performers carved their own spot in rock/pop music history. Gary Lewis knocked the Beatles off the top of the charts in 1964 with “Save Your Heart for Me.” Mark Lindsay was one of the original teen idols, featuring his signature ponytail and string of hit songs, including “Indian Reservation,” “Kicks” and “Hungry.” Gary Puckett and Union Gap sang to the teenagers with “Lady Willpower,” “Woman” and “Young Girl.” Chuck Negron was the voice behind one of the most popular songs in rock history, “Joy to the World.” (As he said in the show, “I don’t get it. It’s a song about a bullfrog!”) In addition to “Happy Together,” the Turtles also had hits with songs such as “Elanor” and “She’d Rather Be With Me.”

Happy Together appears in Stafford on Tuesday night, Midland Wednesday and Austin Thursday. If you get a chance, go to the show. Listen to the lyrics and melodies. You’ll get hooked, just like the millions from the ’60s who helped make these performers musical legends.

Posted by: Sam Moore

Tags: Chuck Negron, Gary Lewis, Gary Puckett, Happy Together, Mark Lindsay, Texas music, Turtles