Unveiling the Untold Story of Looking Glass and Their Iconic Song 'Brandy'
Table of Contents
Introduction
Formation of the Band
Recording Difficulties
Release and Success of "Brandy"
Reception and Confusion
Changes in the Band
Legacy and Influence
Conclusion
🎵 The Untold Story of the Band Looking Glass and Their Iconic Song "Brandy"
Introduction:
The band Looking Glass, formed in New Jersey in 1969, gained fame with their iconic song "Brandy." From the formation of the band to the remarkable success of "Brandy," this article dives into the untold story of Looking Glass, their journey in the music industry, and the impact their music had on popular culture.
Formation of the Band:
Looking Glass began as a bar band in New Jersey, consisting of three classmates from Rutgers University and a nearby drummer. After graduating, they decided to pursue a career in music and rented an old farmhouse owned by Harry Chapin's aunt for their rehearsals. They played small clubs on weekends while practicing during the week.
Recording Difficulties:
After catching the attention of Clive Davis, the legendary president of Columbia Records, Looking Glass signed with Epic, Davis' label for new artists. In 1971, the band started working on their debut self-titled album. Guitarist Elliott Lurie and bassist Peter Sweval split the songwriting and vocals on the album. Recording the song "Brandy" proved to be a challenge, with two different versions recorded with separate producers. Neither version satisfied the band until they decided to produce it themselves with the assistance of Bob Lifton at New York's Regent Sound Studios.
Release and Success of "Brandy":
Epic released the single "Don't It Make You Feel Good" as a precursor to "Brandy," but it didn't gain much attention. However, Robert Mandel, the promotions man at Epic, brought test pressings of the album to radio stations in the Washington DC and Baltimore area. One of the program directors, Harv Moore from WPGC AM/FM, immediately fell in love with "Brandy" and put it into rotation. The song quickly gained popularity, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Top 100 chart on August 26, 1972.
Reception and Confusion:
Despite the success of "Brandy," Looking Glass faced challenges in establishing their identity as a band. Fans were unsure if they were a pop or rock band, as their other songs on the album had a more rock-oriented sound. The band's appearance with long hair reinforced the perception that they were a rock band. Consequently, their debut album only reached number 113 on the Top 200 Albums chart in 1972.
Changes in the Band:
In 1973, Looking Glass released another single, "Jimmy Loves Marianne," which reached number 33 on the Top 100 chart. However, lead guitarist Elliott Lurie decided to leave the band in 1974 to pursue a solo career. The remaining members recruited a new lead singer, Michael Lee Smith, and changed their name to Fallen Angels. They later shuffled the lineup and became Stars, releasing four albums on Capitol as a hard rock band.
Legacy and Influence:
The song "Brandy" has had a lasting impact on our culture since its release 50 years ago. Interestingly, Barry Manilow's breakthrough hit "Mandy" was initially a cover of a British pop song also called "Brandy." Manilow had to change the title of his song to avoid confusion. The success of "Brandy" also influenced the popularity of the name itself, leading to a significant rise in the number of babies named Brandy in subsequent years. Additionally, the song has appeared prominently in popular films and TV shows, such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
Conclusion:
Despite Looking Glass' initial struggles to establish themselves as a band, their song "Brandy" became a timeless classic and a pinnacle of their career. The band's dynamic and the unique blend of pop and rock sounds continue to resonate with audiences today. Looking Glass may not have achieved enduring commercial success, but their contribution to the music industry remains significant.
FAQs
Q: Who wrote the song "Brandy"?
A: "Brandy" was written by Elliott Lurie, the guitarist and vocalist of Looking Glass.
Q: Did the members of Looking Glass receive royalties for "Brandy"?
A: Elliott Lurie received royalties for airplay and publishing of "Brandy," but the other band members did not receive any money until 1999 due to a recoupment clause in their contract.
Q: How did "Brandy" influence popular culture?
A: The song "Brandy" has been featured in various films and TV shows, with notable appearances in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Additionally, the popularity of the song influenced the rise in the number of babies named Brandy in the early 1970s.
Q: What happened to the members of Looking Glass after the band's breakup?
A: Elliott Lurie pursued a successful career as the head of the music department at 20th Century Fox. The other band members went on to various endeavors, including teaching and landscape architecture.
Q: Is Looking Glass still active as a band?
A: Looking Glass disbanded in the mid-1970s, but the members occasionally reunite for special occasions or performances.
