The Viscounts were an American pop group from New Jersey, formed in 1958. They had one hit single, with Earle Hagen's instrumental classic "Harlem Nocturne" in 1959, which peaked at No. 52 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1960; it was re-released in 1965 and hit No. 39 the second time around.Joel Whitburn, The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits. 7th edn, 2000 The single and album of the same title were originally recorded for the Madison label, then both were reissued in 1965 on the Amy label, with the Amy LP having a slightly different track listing than the Madison release.
Members Harry Haller – saxophone Bobby Spievak – lead guitar Joe Spievak – bass guitar Larry Vecchio – electronic organ, piano Clark Smith – drumshttps://www.pottsmerc.com/2003/12/01/despite-exceptional-talent-the-viscounts-never-really-tookoff/ William "Billy" Slavis – guitar
Discography
Singles YearTitles (A-side, B-side)Label & catalogue No.Chart positionsAlbumUS BBUS CBUS R&B 1959"Harlem Nocturne"b/w "Dig"Madison 123522817The Viscounts1960"The Touch"b/w "Chug-A-Lug"Madison 129———"Night Train"b/w "Summertime"Madison 1338252—"Wabash Blues"b/w "So Slow"Madison 1407781—Non-album tracks1961"Shadrach"b/w "This Place"Madison 152———"Little Brown Jug"b/w "Opus 1" (from Harlem Nocturne)Madison 159———"Sophisticated Lady"b/w "Drag Race"Madison 165———Harlem Nocturne"When Johnny Comes Marching Home"b/w "Mark's Mood"Mr. Peacock 101———Non-album tracks1962"Hully Gully"b/w "Continental Walk"Mr. Peacock 107———"Night Fight"b/w "A Girl Like You"Mr. Peacock 112 ———1963"Night for Love"b/w "Ballin' The Jack"Mr. Peeke 125———1966"Harlem Nocturne"b/w "Dig"Amy 9403959—Harlem Nocturne"Night Train"b/w "When The Saints Come Marching In"Amy 949122——"Off Shore"b/w "Come, Come On Back"Coral 62490———Non-album tracks1967"Sweet Georgia Brown"b/w "Moonlight in Vermont"Coral 62520———
Albums The Viscounts (Madison 1001; 1960) Harlem Nocturne (Amy 8008; 1965)
References