People!


People! was an American one-hit wonder rock band that was formed in San Jose, California in 1965. Their greatest chart success came with their summer hit single I [Love You (The Zombies song)|"I Love You"]. The song, written by The Zombies bass guitarist Chris White, rose to number one in Japan, Israel, Australia, Italy, South Africa, and the Philippines, and peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1968. At various times, band members have included Robb Levin, Geoff Levin, Albert Ribisi, John Riolo, David Anderson, Larry Norman, Gene Mason, Denny Fridkin, Tom Tucker, Bruce Thomas Eason, John Tristao, Steve Boatwright, and Rob Thomas. On October 19, 2007, People! was inducted into the San Jose Rocks Hall of Fame.
After People! broke up, Larry Norman became one of the pioneers of Christian rock music.
People! later recorded an album which was funded through an Indiegogo campaign in May 2018. Current members include Gene Mason, Denny Fridkin, Robb Levin, Geoff Levin, and John Tristao.

Scientology connection

After all of the band members except lead singers Norman and Mason embraced Scientology, Norman claimed other members of the band issued the ultimatum: Join Scientology or leave the band. Norman and Mason both refused. Some band members indicate that Norman was asked to leave the band because he was seen as a "Suppressive Person". Norman claimed that he was harassed by other members of Scientology. On the Jerry Bovino TV show, Eye on Aspen, brothers Robbie and Geoff Levin clarified that they kicked Larry Norman out of the group based on their interpretation of Scientology policy categorizing Larry as an anti-social personality. Levin claimed kicking out members broke up their group.

Discography

Singles (45 rpm)

Title Year
  • "Organ Grinder"/"Riding High" 1967
  • "I Love You"/"Somebody Tell Me My Name" 1968 US No. 14
  • "Apple Cider"/Ashes of Me 1968 US No. 111
  • "Ulla"/Turnin' Me In 1969 US No. 129*
  • "Turnin' Me In"/Ulla 1969
  • "Love Will Take Us Higher & Higher"/"Living It Up" 1969
  • "Sunshine Lady"/"Crosstown Bus" 1969
  • "For What It's Worth"/"Maple Street" 1970
  • "One Chain Don't Make No Prison"/"Keep It Alive" 1970
  • "Chant for Peace"/"I Don't Carry No Guns" 1971
  • "I Love You" /"Nobody but Me"
US Chart is Billboard unless otherwise noted. * Record World singles chart.

Albums

I Love You CD re-release Both Sides of People There Are People and There Are People Larry Norman and People! - The Israel Tapes 1974 A.D. Best of People Vol. 1 - 40 Year Anniversary Best of People Vol. 2 - 40 Year Anniversary People! The Reunion Concert 2006
  • ''I Love You Korea''

Video interviews