Nancy and the Millionaires - ATOOKA, OKLA. (1966)

NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED - (Frankie 101) Talk about rare and obscure, this fantastic east coast rockabilly scarcity practically never surfaces so when it ever does, original copies fetch a pretty penny. Composed by Nancy Zoppi who is also the vocalist for this ensemble, ’Atooka, Okla.’ is a just under two minute slab of vinyl that takes off right out of the chute and never lets up. According to Nancy, if her memory serves her correctly, the track was recorded in 1960 or 1961 but the record (with ’Atoka, Okla.’ spelled incorrectly as ’Atooka, Okla.’) wasn’t pressed until 1966. A group photo taken with a silver 1960 Cadillac convertible with all of its shark tailfin glory would suggest that Nancy is correct in dating the recording. Nancy Zoppi would continue to be a part of several other musical groups after this Frankie single, most notably her stint with three other woman as the SENORITA BRASS. Somewhat of a nod to Herb Alpert and his outfit, the gals played all of the instruments with Nancy out front on lead vocal. There are some marvelous photos of the group which feature their impeccably coiffed hairdos and matching outfits with their instruments.