| 1 - 2 - 3 | |
| Cover: | Len Barry - 1-2-3.png |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Len Barry |
| Album: | 1 - 2 - 3 |
| B-Side: | Bullseye |
| Released: | October 1965 |
| Genre: | Blue-eyed soul, pop |
| Length: | 2:24 |
| Label: | Decca 31827 Brunswick 05942 (UK) |
| Producer: | John Madara, David White |
| Prev Title: | Lip Sync (to the Tongue Twisters) |
| Prev Year: | 1965 |
| Next Title: | Like a Baby |
| Next Year: | 1966 |
"1 - 2 - 3" is a 1965 song recorded by American blue-eyed soul singer Len Barry, who also co-wrote it with John Madara and David White (the latter two produced the recording). The recording's chorus and accompaniment were arranged by Jimmy Wisner. The single was released in 1965 on the American Decca label.[1] The writers were sued by Motown Records at the time, claiming that the song is a reworking of Holland-Dozier-Holland's "Ask Any Girl" released by The Supremes as the B-side to their single "Baby Love" the year before. They denied the claim, but after two years of litigation, agreed to give the Motown writers 15% of the song's writing and publishing royalties.[2] Holland-Dozier-Holland are listed as co-authors by BMI.[3]
The personnel on the original recording included Vinnie Bell, Bobby Eli, and Sal DiTroia on guitars; Joe Macho on bass; Artie Butler on percussion; Leon Huff on piano; Artie Kaplan on sax; Bill Tole and Roswell Rudd on trombones; Lee Morgan on trumpet; Fred Hubbard on clarinet; and Bobby Gregg on drums.[4]
"1-2-3" reached number 2 in the US Billboard chart ("I Hear a Symphony" by The Supremes kept it from the number 1 spot).[5] "1-2-3" also went to number 11 on the Billboard R&B chart.[6] Overseas, the song peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.[7] In addition, it was also a Top 10 hit in Ireland, where it went to number 8.[8] It sold over 1.75 million copies, and was awarded a gold disc.[9]
| Chart (1965–66) | Peak position | |
|---|---|---|
| Canada RPM Top Singles[10] | 3 | |
| France (IFOP)[11] | 40 | |
| New Zealand (Lever Hit Parade)[12] | 6 | |
| United Kingdom (Record Retailer)[13] | 3 | |
| United Kingdom (NME)[14] | 1 | |
| South Africa (Springbok Radio)[15] | 4 | |
| United States (Billboard Hot 100)[16] | 2 | |
| United States (Billboard R&B Singles Chart) | 11 | |
| United States (Cash Box Top 100) | 1 |