Biography

The Exciters was a 1960s American pop group whose one big hit was the perky and upbeat Jerry Leiber / Mike Stoller tune "Tell Him" in 1962.

Originally a girl group consisting of Brenda Reid, Carolyn Johnson and Lillian Walker, they later added Herb Rooney--Reid's husband--to their lineup. "Tell Him" reached #4 on the US charts in 1962. Their other distinction is that they were the first to record "Doo Wah Diddy Diddy", in 1963; it was covered by Manfred Mann shortly thereafter, and while it wasn't much of a hit for The Exciters, it was a huge international hit for Manfred Mann. In 1978 the group had a hit with "Reachin' for the Best", which made #31 on the UK singles charts.

Brenda Reid's and Herb Rooney's son Mark Rooney grew up to be a producer and executive with Sony Records. Group member Carolyn Johnson died on May 7, 2007, at age 62.
- IMDb mini biography by: frankfob2@yahoo.com

In late 1963 they were the first to record "Do Wah Diddy Diddy", which later became the theme song from Stripes (1981).

Their 1963 single of "The Power" was featured as an "early" music video, shown on a screen in a 25-cent "Video Jukebox". It was believed, at that time, that this "new" record venue would replace the type of jukeboxes that still exist today.

The group formed in 1961. Members have included Brenda Reid, Herb Rooney (her husband), Carolyn Johnson and Lillian Walker.