The Making of “Frankenstein Or Dracula” by The Diamonds
The Diamonds are a Canadian vocal quartet who rose to fame in the late 1950s. During this time, they produced a string of hits that helped reignite the popularity of doo-wop music. One of their standout tracks is “Frankenstein Or Dracula,” which was released in 1958. The song became an instant classic and earned The Diamonds a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. But how did this iconic song come to be? Let’s take a closer look.
The Inspiration Behind the Song
The idea for “Frankenstein Or Dracula” seems to have come from The Diamonds’ own imaginations. According to the group’s lead singer, Dave Somerville, they were simply looking for a spooky theme for a new song. They settled on the idea of writing about two of the most famous literary monsters of all time: Frankenstein and Dracula.
The Composing and Recording Process
Once they had their concept, The Diamonds set to work on the song. The track’s opening was composed by soprano singer Ted Kowalski, who based it on the main riff from Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italien”. The rest of the melody and lyrics were written by the group’s arranger and pianist, Jesse Belvin. The Diamonds recorded the track at Gold Star Studios in Hollywood under the guidance of producer, Gerry Granahan.
The Reception and Legacy of the Song
“Frankenstein Or Dracula” was released in 1958 and quickly became a hit, peaking at number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s success helped cement The Diamonds’ place in the music industry, and it is still a beloved track among doo-wop enthusiasts today. In fact, the song has been covered by other artists, including The Moontrekkers, who recorded an instrumental version in the early 1960s.
FAQs
1. What inspired The Diamonds to write “Frankenstein Or Dracula?”
Although there isn’t a specific inspiration behind the song, The Diamonds were simply looking for a spooky theme for a new song. They settled on the idea of featuring two of the most famous literary monsters of all time: Frankenstein and Dracula.
2. Who composed the melody for “Frankenstein Or Dracula?”
The song’s opening was composed by soprano singer Ted Kowalski, who based it on the main riff from Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italien.” The rest of the melody and lyrics were written by the group’s arranger and pianist, Jesse Belvin.
3. Where was “Frankenstein Or Dracula” recorded?
The Diamonds recorded the track at Gold Star Studios in Hollywood under the guidance of producer, Gerry Granahan.
4. Did “Frankenstein Or Dracula” make it onto any music charts?
Yes, the song peaked at number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1958.
5. What was the reception to “Frankenstein Or Dracula” when it was released?
The song was a hit, cementing The Diamonds’ place in the music industry. It is still beloved today among doo-wop enthusiasts.
6. Was “Frankenstein Or Dracula” covered by any other artists?
Yes, The Moontrekkers recorded an instrumental version of the song in the early 1960s.
7. Is “Frankenstein Or Dracula” a Halloween song?
Yes, the track’s spooky theme and monster references make it a popular choice for Halloween playlists.
8. Are The Diamonds still performing today?
No, the original members of The Diamonds have all retired, but various versions of the group have continued to perform over the years.
9. Did The Diamonds have any other hits?
Yes, The Diamonds had several other hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including “Little Darlin’” and “The Stroll.”
10. What was the peak of The Diamonds’ popularity?
The Diamonds’ peak of popularity was during the late 1950s.
11. How did The Diamonds earn their place in the music industry?
By producing a string of hits like “Frankenstein Or Dracula,” The Diamonds helped reignite the popularity of doo-wop music during the late 1950s.
12. Who produced “Frankenstein Or Dracula?”
The track was produced by Gerry Granahan.