The Rip Chords were an early-1960s American vocal group, originally known as the Opposites, composed of Phil Stewart and Ernie Bringas. The group eventually expanded into four primary voices, adding
Columbia producer
Terry Melcher and co-producer
Bruce Johnston (best known as a member of
the Beach Boys). This group came to be associated with the hot-rod and surf genres of that day, although their first single ("Here I Stand") did not reflect those styles. They recorded for
Columbia Records in
Hollywood from 1962 to 1965. The group placed five singles on the
Billboard Hot 100. They are best known for their number-four single: "Hey Little Cobra" - one of the best-selling hot-rod songs of all time.