Note:Question Mark and the Mysterians

Guide Note

Question Mark and the Mysterians are an American band best known for their 1966 #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit song "96 Tears". The band is often said to be the first group classified as rock.

Fast Facts

1. Years Active: 1962-1967, 1970s-present
2. Origin: Flint, Michigan
3. Labels: Cameo-Parkway Records, Norton Records
4. Birth name of lead singer Question Mark remains a subject of debate
5. A fire destroyed Question Mark's home in 2007
6. Named after 1959 Japanese science fiction film [The Mysterians]
7. Discography

Significance

Though the band precedes the "punk era" by well over a decade, they were one of the first bands labeled, as well as a crucial influence on what would later be called garage rock. Just as importantly, along with Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, the Mysterians were one of the successful 1960s Latino rock acts, providing a crucial bridge between 1950s acts like Ritchie Valens and later bands, such as The Zeros and Los Lobos. Other past and current bands that owe a musical debt to Question Mark and the Mysterians include: Mudhoney, New York Dolls, The Gories, The Oblivians, Reigning Sound and The Fuzztones.