American Bandstand 1967 – Mirage, Tommy James and the Shondells

Airdate: May 6, 1967

Whether you prefer the song played forward as “I Think We’re Alone Now” or backwards as “Mirage”, both were big hits for Tommy James in ’67. “I Think We’re Alone Now” peaked at #4 just two weeks ago and “Mirage” is at #40 today and will peak at #10 next month. I really wish they hadn’t cut the last 30 seconds of the song to go to the Hotline. It looks the kids are surprised and disappointed as well.

The AB regulars dancing today: Famous Hooks & June Strode (in front of the podium at the opening at 0:05), Don Sanuskar & Roni Menacker (walking out of the stands at 1:15), Frank Vanderpuil & Peggy Waggoner (1:51), Marcia Silverman (2:03), John Pollard (2:04), Marcel Poitier (2:11), Judy Gordon (2:13), Michael Michaud (2:24), Frank Herrera (2:25), Barbara Prentiss (2:36), Steve Rodrick (3:05), and on the riser today are Stan Sobern & JoAnn Edmonds.

…..And in a few hours from this broadcast, the 93rd running of the Kentucky Derby will take place at Churchill Downs. Black citizens of Louisville, who had been protesting for months to get laws passed banning housing discrimination, had threatened to disrupt the race. The Ku Klux Klan also threatened to show up “in full regalia” to fight the protestors. After the governor sent in the National Guard and Martin Luther King came to Louisville and convinced organizers not to protest at Churchill Downs, there was no disruption. 30-to-1 shot “Proud Clarion”, with jockey Bobby Ussery, won the race and “The Roses” and Louisville would go on to pass a fair housing law in 1968.


(Enjoy today’s 145th Kentucky Derby @Jean Lankton!)