One of the most distinctive instrumental groups of the '50s and '60s, Johnny & the Hurricanes produced the Top Ten hit "Red River Rock," and scored several other instrumental hits that mixed rock & roll with traditional melodies. Originally known as the Orbits, the group formed in Toledo, OH, in 1958, and was led by saxophonist Johnny Paris; other members included organist Paul Tesluk, guitarist Dave Yorko, bassist Lionel "Butch" Mattice, and drummer Tony Kaye. After a stint recording with rockabilly singer Mack Vickery, the group traveled to Detroit, hoping to become a backing band for up-and-coming singers. However, a pair of music promoters, Harry Balk and Irving Michanik, signed them as a group on their own, and they recorded their first single "Crossfire" for the Twirl label in 1959. "Crossfire" went to number 23 and the group moved to the Warwick imprint for "Red River Rock," a rock & roll instrumental of the standard "Red River Valley" that peaked at number five. The Hurricanes responded to their success with more of the same, delivering "Reveille Rock," "Rockin' Goose," "Revival," and "Beatnik Fly" over the next year, touring extensively all the while. Eventually the pace -- and lack of further hit singles -- caught up with the group and Johnny & the Hurricanes disbanded in 1965. Paris moved to Hamburg and formed his own label, Attila; in 1970, he shut down the label and formed a new Hurricanes lineup, which toured during the '70s and '80s. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide