Throwback Thursday: Steam

The 1960s was a decade of liberation and change; especially in the Music industry. The face of pop music had become diversified. Many artists were not only heavily influenced by Rock n’ Roll, but also by R&B. One such group that was influenced, was Steam.

The story of Steam’s origins is quite confusing and unique. Originally founded in Bridgeport, CT, as “The Chateaus” during the early 60s, they had broken up and gone their separate ways. Three of those members: Gary DeCarlo, Paul Leka, and Dale Frashuer, would eventually cross paths again in 1969. DeCarlo had become a solo artist working with former band mate Leka, who had began a career as a producer. Incidentally one night, Dale Frashuer had made a trip to the studio where the other gentlemen were recording a B-side for Mercury Records. Of course, the three men recollected a song that they had failed to record as the Chateaus, and began to work on it. In this song, DeCarlo sang lead vocals, as well as playing the keyboard while the other men blended different tracks into the background. After the song was finished, it was added as a B-side track, from a non-existent band called “Steam”. However, the trio never anticipated the success that was soon to be generated from the record.

When Mercury had given the albums to the radio stations they never believed that they would play the B-side of the track, which indeed a DJ in Georgia had done. Because of this, the song had become an instant hit, due to requests and radio play.

The single would go on to climb the charts reaching #1 in December of 1969. In later years, the song would have such an impact, that it not only became a favorite of the general public, but of that in sports arenas. To this very day, the Chicago White Sox play the song as an anthem to the opposing pitcher when he is pulled from a game. It has also influenced the way younger generations listen to music, as it has been sampled in 2 songs just this year: Kristinia DeBarge’s, ’Goodbye’, and Wale’s, ’Chillin’, featuring Lady GaGa. The song itself still has been able to sell as well. Recent numbers figure it to have sold at least 6.5 million records to this very day.

So here it is, the single that was spawned in one night: Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.