"Summer of '62" is a song recorded by Ronnie Draper and the Four-Do-Matics, released in 1962 in association with the Seattle World's Fair (Century 21 Exposition). The song was composed by Lou Bianchi and published by Bolmin Publ. Co.
Background and release
The song was released in at least two formats: as a postcard record (6" x 8", 33⅓ rpm) on the Roseland label, and as a 7" single (45 rpm) on the Virgelle Records label (catalogue number V-712), under the title "Summer of '62 In Seattle." The B-side of the Virgelle single was "How It Lies, How It Lies, How It Lies," composed by Sonny Burke. The picture sleeve for the single featured a black-and-white artist photo and noted that "Summer of '62" was "featured nightly at the Tradewinds & the Red Carpet."
Recording personnel
The recording was made at Joe Boles Custom Recorders in Seattle, with Joe Boles serving as recording engineer. The Four-Do-Matics consisted of Jim Iddings (lead), Bill Lacey (tenor), Merve Clements (baritone), and Del Green (bass). Ronnie Draper performed on banjo.
Musical context
The Four-Do-Matics were a Seattle-based barbershop quartet active from the 1950s to the 1970s, known for their success in local and national barbershop singing competitions. According to a 2022 article by historian Feliks Banel on MyNorthwest.com, "Summer of '62" was described as "catchy" and as a potential "earworm." The article noted that three of the four group members worked at local Ford dealerships around the time the group was formed, and that the group's name was a play on words referencing the Fordomatic automatic transmission.
The song was one of several musical pieces created to accompany the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, alongside official fair songs such as "Meet Me in Seattle" (by Joy and The Boys) and "See You in Seattle" (by The Lancers).
