Beach Music Now

Beach music is a kind of music that is famous in the Carolinas and Virginia.

Beach music has a distinctive and joyous sound that takes the listener to a carefree summer paradise.

Bringing you the best mix of Beach, Blues & Feel Good Variety, that’s Flip Flop Live Radio! Streaming 24/7 at: https://t.co/DtMeCHzBNd, mobile app, on your Amazon Echo devices and on the Live365 app. pic.twitter.com/J0jwsXktM1

— FlipFlopLIVE (@FFLBEACH) May 17, 2022

A balanced mix with tinges of r&b, soul, country, pop, big band, and rock. 

Beach music is timeless; no matter what year it’s from, it seizes those sunny, misty days at the coast we all value so much.

Don’t Touch That Dial!

There are many incredible radio stations devoted to playing beach music.

From legendary DJs to iconic bands, these stations are the places to uncover all your favorite beach tunes this season.

Let’s glimpse some of the best beach music stations near you! 

Terri Gore’s Radio Show 

Terri is the daughter of Jackie Gore, one of beach music’s most precious icons, so you know you’re in for some great tunes when listening to her show. She plays traditional beach songs and fresh releases from contemporary artists — ideal for tapping your toes no matter what beach music fan you are.

Terri is also a stage performer singing the classics she helped make famous.

Myrtle Beach Station 

Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular places for radio stations dedicated to Beach. This town has got you covered if you’re looking for great tunes from all corners of the shagging scene!

94.9 The Surf

Catch on to the rhythms at the Myrtle Beach station with The Surf. This station is known as one of the top radio stations in South Carolina, and it’s easy to see why.

Tune into 94.9 The Surf and enjoy all your favorite classic hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and today! Enjoy dancing away to the incredible beach, shag and oldies hits at 94.9 

Each day, they feature special programming like “70s at 7” and “80s at 8,” so you can listen to songs from those decades. And if you want even more music variety, check out their “Weekend Classic Countdown,” where they count down the top 30 greatest classic rock songs of all time every Saturday morning.

Jim Quick

For 25 years, Jim Quick has been playing beach music favorites, from Carolina beach music classics to contemporary songs for locals and tourists alike. Jim Quick and Coastline are performing Carolina Swamp Soul, bringing an enhanced level of enthusiasm for beach music that is contagious!

His radio show on 94.9 FM brings together his love for old-school shag dance favorites with modern selections from regional artists. Tune into Jim’s show every Friday at 5 pm for some toe-tapping good times! 

Craig Woolard 

Craig Woolard is well known as the lead vocalist for The Embers Band, but you can also catch him on his weekly beach radio show called “The Craig Woolard Show” on 107.9 WNCT every Sunday night from 6 pm until 10 pm. 

On his show, he plays a wide variety of classic and contemporary beach music while talking about upcoming concerts in the area. He frequently features special guests, such as bands or solo artists, who talk about their latest projects during an interview with Craig himself. It’s always a fun time when Craig takes over the airwaves! 

John Barkley

John Barkley has been spinning beach music since the 1980s when he started as a DJ. He is known as one of the most beloved DJs in North Carolina for the years spent playing beach music classics on his show. Barkley is also credited with forging the term “shaggin’,” which has become synonymous with beach music culture. You can listen to him play at WSGE 91.7 FM!

Eric Bowman

Eric Bowman is a legendary beach music DJ from Virginia who began his career in 1975. Bowman is perhaps best known for his involvement with various Beach Music communities throughout Virginia. He was nominated in the Carolina Beach Music Awards for his dedication to preserving beach music culture throughout Virginia and beyond. Hear Eric live every Saturday at WDZD 99.1 FM — on his “The Wave New Beach Music Countdown.”

Betty Anders

Betty Anders has been a significant voice in the beach music scene since she commenced her career as a DJ, playing swing and rhythm & blues that would later become known as “beach music.” She is credited with popularizing beach music throughout North and South Carolina. Throughout her career, Betty has worked tirelessly to encourage beach music, bringing together fans from all over the country. Listen to her live at WCGX 1360 AM! 

Darin & Anita 

Darin & Anita quickly gained notoriety for their exceptional style of blending classic rock with traditional rhythm & blues. With their blend of genres, they helped popularize what is now known as “Virginia Beach Music,” with hits like “Get Your Love In” becoming an instant classic among fans across both Virginia and South Carolina. Catch them live at WLNC 95.1 FM!

Remembering the Legacy of Charlie Brown 

We all grew up with Charlie Brown, the cherished radio personality and DJ who passed away recently. Ed Weiss was the man behind the name, and his 40-year radio career conveyed joy to innumerable listeners. 

Charlie Brown influenced many people during his long radio career. He was instrumental in embarking on the careers of many successful DJs, such as Sway Calloway and Big Boy from Power 106 FM in Los Angeles.

His influence extended beyond music; he was also involved in philanthropic activities. Most notably, though, he provided happiness and entertainment to millions of people throughout his career, which has left an enduring imprint on everyone who listened to him on air or knew him personally.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for classic jams or brand-new releases from today’s top talent, plenty of fantastic beach music stations are just waiting to be discovered!

So don’t wait — tune into any one (or all) of these great radio shows for hours upon hours of fun!

Are you looking for beach music stations near you?

Beach music, also known as Carolina beach music, is a genre of music that originated in the Carolinas and is characterized by its smooth, shuffling beat and catchy melodies. If you’re a fan of beach music and want to find a station near you that plays it, there are a few different options you can try.

One option is to use an online radio directory or streaming service that allows you to search for stations by genre. These directories often have a list of stations that play beach music and will allow you to search by location to find ones that are nearby. You can also try streaming services like Pandora or Spotify, which have curated playlists featuring beach music that you can listen to on your phone or computer.

Another option is to use a traditional radio dial to find beach music stations. Many beach music stations are located in the Carolinas and along the East Coast, so if you’re in that region, you may be able to tune in to a station on your FM or AM radio. If you’re not in the Carolinas, you may still be able to find a beach music station by searching online or using a radio dial app on your phone.

No matter which method you choose, there are plenty of beach music stations out there that you can tune into and enjoy. Whether you’re looking for classic beach music hits or more contemporary tracks, there’s a station out there for you. So grab your flip-flops and a cold drink, and get ready to sway to the smooth sounds of beach music.

So what are you waiting for? Get ready to rock n roll with these excellent beach stations near you this season!

Everything You Need to Know About Carolina Beach Music

From the danceable beats of Luis Fonsi’s Despacito to the funky rhythms of Bruno Mars’s That’s What I Like, there are plenty of classic songs that come to mind when you associate music with laid-back beaches and sunny shores. But there’s one type of music that existed long before the likes of DJ Khaled and Bruno Mars graced our boom boxes. And that is Carolina Beach Music.

The excitement that this music genre evokes is perhaps only eclipsed by the extent to which it is underappreciated. Today, we will give you a complete 101 of this genre of music; what it sounds like, its history, and the big name bands associated with it.

So, grab your rattles and get your groove on, we’re about to introduce you to a world of catchy melodies and toe-tapping beats.

What is Carolina Beach Music About?

As the name suggests, Carolina Beach music finds its roots in the traditional R&B scene of the Carolinas. Add a razzle dazzle of soul, rock ‘n’ roll, country, and jazz music elements to this rhythm and blues, and you end up with beats that evoke positive emotions and make you think about the South and nostalgic beach trips.

pic.twitter.com/g2afD5T8Ew

— Beach Music Now (@BeachMusicNow) December 16, 2022

The smooth beats of this genre are also super easy to dance to. In fact, the shag dance is signature to Carolina rhythms. This dance is a lot like the other swing dances popular on the seashore. But these swing moves are usually accompanied by smooth gliding strides in shag. It is for this very reason that Carolina Beach Music is also called  “shag music”.

A Brief History of Carolina Beach Music

It all started in the mid 90s when a mixture of drums, electric guitar, and horns was recorded in the Carolinas. The rhythm that grew out from this combination was not just smooth but also super catchy. Thus, Carolina Beach Music came into existence. Over the next decade, the interest in this genre was boosted by radio hosts and clubs who jammed to the beats of Carolina all along the coast. By the 70s plenty of bands had come into existence who refined and personalized this genre into what it is today.

In present times, Carolina Beach Music may not be topping the charts on Spotify every month but it holds a special place in the hearts of the people who live along the coast who ensure the genre continues to evolve while maintaining its originality.

Carolina Beach Music: Famous Bands

Some of the most prominent bands of Carolina Beach Music are:

1. The Band of Oz

Inducted into the Hall of Fame of Beach Music, The Band of Oz has only produced hits and bangers ever since their inception in the early 70s. From  Chuck French’s trumpet to Keith Houston’s guitar Oz was all about playing from the heart. And America loved them.

2. The Castaways

From The Durham NC area The Castaways Band knows the classics and plenty of up to date party tunes. This band has entertained tens of thousands for decades and as the song says- It Will Stand..

3. The Cat5 Band

The Cat5 Band was equally good at producing top-energy music that would attract massive crowds. But that’s not the only way you can experience Cat5. The beach band has also released plenty of albums, two DVDs, and a live show CD.

4. The Catalinas

If you appreciate a blend of classic beach music hits and modern bangers, consider attending a performance by the Catalinas. Started in the late 50s, the band has stood the test of time. More than 70 musicians have called the Catalinas their band and today, it is a proud member of the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.

5. The Coastline Band

From relaxing rhythms to groovy beats, The Coastline Band can do it all. Many of their hits can be streamed on Spotify which is great news for the modern listener.

6. The Drifters

What happens when you combine electrifying beats and unrivaled stage performance? Well, The Drifters come into existence. The funky dressing of this band is the perfect embodiment of their performance style. Rest assured, you won’t be able to resist taking the dance floor when attending a performance by The Drifters!

7. The Embers 

Craig Woolard has perhaps done more for the Carolina Beach Music scene than any other artist. His band, The Embers has undergone plenty of lineup changes over the past few years but one thing remains constant: A-level music and groove.

8. The Entertainers

Song catalogs don’t get any bigger than the bangers produced by The Entertainers. From chill blues to electrifying ques, this band has got something for everyone.

9. The Tams

Currently on a tour of the US and Canada, The Tams have been featured in dozens of movies and shows. You can stream their jazzy albums online or book a show and watch them live.

10. Too Much Sylvia

Similar to The Tams, Too Much Sylvia has also been featured in movies and TV shows. Their six albums are all equally good and are sure to get you in the shag dance spirit. Too Much Sylvia is famous for its extensive tours. So, whether you live in the US or on the other side of the Pacific, stay tuned for tour updates from their social media pages.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Carolina Beach Music

It’s been more than six decades since the beats of Carolina Beach Music first graced human ears. Since then, this genre of music has only grown. The laid-back vibe and danceable beats of this kind of music have continued to be the highlight of any trip to the Carolinas. Granted, the golden era of Carolina Beach Music was probably in the 70s and 80s but modern streaming apps have ensured a global audience can now enjoy this genre.

So, will you be trying out a Carolina Beach Music playlist next time you hit the beach? Let us know in the comments below!

Carolina Beach Music

Yes it sounds a bit cliche to say this but…there’s something about beach music that makes you feel good.

Maybe it’s the laid-back rhythms, the soulful vocals, or the memories it evokes of lazy summer days.

Whatever the explanation, Carolina beach music is one of the most exciting and underappreciated genres.

If you’re unfamiliar with Carolina Beach Music, think of it as a cross between R&B, soul, and country.

The result is a sound that is both nostalgic and distinctly southern. There’s no room for negativity or pretension here — just toe-tapping beats and catchy melodies.

So, if you’re looking for a fun way to enjoy the summer months with your partner or friends, try out Carolina Beach Music. With its catchy tunes and positive vibes, this genre will surely put a smile on your face. 

What is Carolina Beach Music?

It’s is a music style developed in the coastal regions of North and South Carolina. Also known as “shag music,” it is a kind of music often characterized by its strong beat and easy-to-follow dance moves. 

Started in the 1940’s and 50’s

While Carolina Beach Music has its roots in traditional rhythm and blues, it also incorporates rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, and country elements. As a result, it has become one of the most popular genres of music in the Carolinas.

Evolution of Carolina Beach Music

Carolina Beach is music that has its roots in the sounds of the Atlantic Coast. The music is characterized by its use of the electric guitar, drums, and horns. Carolina Beach Music has its origins in the mid-1900s when the first recordings of this type of music were made. 

The genre gained popularity in the 1960s when it was played on the radio and at clubs along the coast. Carolina Beach Music continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1970s and 1980s, becoming one of the region’s most popular genres of music.

Today, it is still enjoyed by many people who live along the coast. The music has evolved, but it retains its original unique sound and style.

Some Big Names in Carolina Beach Music

Carolina beach music is a kind of music that is heavily influenced by rhythm and blues, soul, and Gospel. Check out The Main Event Band plus Some of the other most prominent names are:

1. The Band of Oz

There’s just something about The Band of Oz that makes them stand out. I mean, sure, they’ve got the standard lineup of instruments – drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards — but they also have something that no other band has. That something is the heart. You can tell when you listen to their music that they’re playing from the heart. Their performance will leave you wanting more!

2. The Embers 

Carolina Beach Music would not be the same without the smooth sounds of The Embers featuring Craig Woolard. While the band has undergone several lineup changes over the years, one thing has remained constant: their commitment to delivering top-notch entertainment. Whether playing at a local club or a major festival, The Embers always bring their A-game. 

3. The Catalinas

You haven’t lived until you’ve seen The Catalinas play. What’s that, you say? Have you never heard of them? Well, let me tell you, you’re missing out. These guys are the real deal. They’ve been playing together for years and know how to get a crowd going. They play a mix of old-school beach music and contemporary hits and always get the party started.

4. The Castaways

The Carolina Beach Music scene would not be the same without The Castaways. For those who don’t know, they are a group of seasoned musicians who bring a level of experience and expertise to their performances unmatched in the beach music world. And let’s not forget their signature sound – a blend of beach, soul, and R&B that can get your toes tapping. 

5. Too Much Sylvia

Too Much Sylvia is known for its elevated liveliness and catchy original songs. Too Much Sylvia has released six albums, including its latest, “Shake It Up.” The band has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and its music has been featured in movies and TV shows. 

6. The Cat5 Band

The Cat5 Band is known for its top-energy music and lively stage show. The band has been playing together for years, and their experience shows in their performance. Their music is known for its catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms. In addition to their albums, The Cat5 Band has released two DVDs and a live CD. 

7. Coastline Band

Music lovers rejoice! The Coastline Band is here to provide the perfect soundtrack to your life. Whether you’re looking for something to help you relax on the beach or get pumped up for a night out, this band has got you covered. The Coastline Band is sure to please any music fan with a mix of Carolina Beach Music and contemporary pop.

8. The Tams

The Tams are a Carolina Beach Music band known for their R&B sound. They have released several studio albums, and their music has been featured on the soundtracks of several movies and television shows. The Tams are currently touring the United States and Canada. 

9. The Entertainers

The Entertainers are sure to get you out on the dance floor. With a wide variety of songs to choose from, they can keep you entertained all night long. Whether you are looking for a slow song to dance the night away or an upbeat tune to get your feet moving, The Entertainers have something for everyone to sway their hips. 

10. The Drifters

Carolina Beach Music is a type of music that is perfect for dancing, and The Drifters have some of the best dance songs in the genre. Their music is cheerful and energetic, and their lyrics are catchy and easy to sing along to. In addition, The Drifters have a unique style of dress that sets them apart from other bands in the genre. Their stage presence is electric, and they always seem to have a great time. 

Conclusion: Where Will It Go From Here?

As any music lover knows, genres come and go. What’s popular today may be forgotten tomorrow.

It’s no surprise that some people wonder what the future holds for Carolina Beach Music. Will it continue to be popular? Or will it fade into obscurity?

One thing is certain

Carolina Beach Music has a lot to offer. It’s perfect for summertime listening, with its laid-back vibe and catchy melodies. And it has a rich history, dating back to the early days of rock ‘n’ roll. This gives it a unique appeal that other genres don’t have.

So what does the future hold for Carolina Beach Music?

Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: it’s a good timing, shag dancing, hang loose and enjoy yourself music that deserves our attention.

Whether it’s here to stay or not, Carolina Beach Music is worth listening to. We predict- It Will Stand.

The Embers will be performing Saturday the 24th at the Emerald Isle Beach Music Festival.

It’s a busy weekend of festivals, fairs and more around Eastern North Carolina. Check out the Emerald Isle Beach Music Festival, which returns for the first time since 2019. https://t.co/LPLSCsdHdM

— WNCT (@wnct9) September 22, 2022

( from conversation)

It’s coming up Saturday. We’re very close to it.

This will be at the Western Ocean Regional access and your beach chairs, blankets and sunscreen to Emerald Isle.

Enjoy Excellent Bands

This year Too Much Sylvia, Chairman of the Board, The Embers Tams all playing.

It’s time to head back to The Crystal Coast because Emerald Isle Beach Music Festival is BAAACK September 24, 2022 🗓🎶
This FREE Carolina beach music event takes place on the beach in Emerald Isle: https://t.co/vL2q7QMUzZ pic.twitter.com/Uub6x4crNx

— Crystal Coast (@CrystalCoast_NC) August 11, 2022

Please know the event schedule has been updated. So if you’ve seen a web report or some other report, may have seen it here on beach music Now, another beach music website that has been updated.

So, you know your mileage may vary depending on that particular schedule that you’ve seen, but that is the lineup as of late let’s see 1030 to 11 30 Too Much Sylvia will be on. Then next is Chairman of the Board after them The Embers and at 230 to about 345 will be the Tam’s. MC Sammy O’Bannon.

Food Folks and Fun

they’re gonna have food trucks alcohol is allowed in areas and it’s gonna be a great big time for everybody

at the Western let me see here I’m gonna get this right western ocean regional access, got restrooms, things like that there and liquor will be prohibited in certain areas as well as beer and wine but there will be out in other areas. It’s all at this years Emerald Isle Beach Music festival.

So, but looking forward to a great big time for the Emerald Isle beach music festival back after the pandemic.

Salt Life Is Spoken Here

Everybody’s very excited to be back in the swing of things and as a result this will be one of the last outdoor events for this year.

The weather getting a little bit cooler.

It’s been a great Summer of fun and great events. They have been a blast. The weather is changing. This will be one of the final outdoor get togethers featuring shag music. beach music now is very proud to support beach music here in the Carolinas.

Here are the official guidelines for the Festival.

Tents or umbrellas are not permitted within 100 feet of the stage.

Beer and wine is permitted on the beach strand only (21+ years of age) but is prohibited in all areas of the Western Ocean Regional Access.

including the restrooms,

volleyball courts,

parking areas, etc.

Liquor is prohibited.

No beer or wine will be sold on-site.

Parking will be permitted along the grassy Highway 58 right-of-way.

Handicapped parking will be available at the Western Ocean Regional Access. 

Call 252-354-6350 for more details.

When you want to hear a nice variety of beach music you can easily access it by finding a radio station.

There are plenty of channels to choose from so let’s get started and find your favorite shagging tunes just like the old days.

Beach Boogie and Blues is a favorite in Eastern North Carolina.  They play the best classic beach hits. They also feature dee jays including Craig Woolard of The Embers who know the many flavors of this special music.

Check us out on Twitter for updates about live shows.

The Great Band Of Oz doing a fun song! Check out this quick clip!😎 pic.twitter.com/MzRwh751pe

— Beach Music Now (@BeachMusicNow) September 14, 2022

Listen Live Daily

You can go straight to the source with this link.

You can be listening in seconds to a variety of super songs that bring back memories. https://www.accuradio.com/channel/carolina-beach-music/1662/

 Shagdance.com

ShagDance.com has a great chart that will help you find a station to tune to. 

In case you missed a few or need another selection this site will get you dancing quickly.

Sand Surf and Good Times

We’ve mentioned 94.9  the surf in Myrtle Beach before so let’s be sure you know this resource for great beach sounds. Non stop- 

The best of the beach is available wherever you may roam. There is always a supply of favorite tunes to take you back to a time when friends and family gathered for fun. 

FlipFlop live offers a list you’ll want to bookmark https://www.flipfloplive.com/stations

Tradition and Dedication

Over the years, have kept this special Carolina Coastal music in the spotlight. You’ve come to the right place to find beach music radio stations near me.

Tune In AM and FM

The radio stations of the 1950’s and 60’s featured the fun and rollicking music. It has become what is now known as Carolina Beach.

Songs by the Drifters, Jerry Butler, Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions, and hundreds of others contributed to the shag style of today.

Groups like The Okaysions, The Embers, The Catalinas, and The Swinging Medallions, The Poor Souls, The Fantastic Shakers, picked up where ‘race music’ left off.

Hollywood Loves It Too

The motion picture ‘Dirty Dancing’- filmed largely in North Carolina near Lake Lure staring Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze used this early soul music extensively.

Radio played these songs which were often a means of rebellious expression for teenagers.

It Will Stand- A General Norman Johnson song became an anthem to the youth of the Western World. History was made when Motown and Stax and later Atlantic records joined the wave of music in demand by young people. Radio played a vital role in the distribution of this music as owning records was not always an option in those days.

Now The News

Audiences all over were glued to radios for news, weather, and a sense of community by way of music, request shows, and dedications.

The motion picture American Graffitti captures the warmth and angst of those formative years in both teenagers and America. The great Dj Wolfman Jack hosts a widely heard radio show shared by young people. He died at his home in Belvidere North Carolina and is buried there.

The Early Days

Of beach music has a similar evolution from blues, soul origins, later developed by local bands with a regional audience base.

Todays shag music is born from those early influences and has expanded to serve as a shared soundtrack of good times from days gone by as well as currently shared events.

There were three big hit singles in 1969.

• May I,
• I’ve Been Hurt,
• What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am –

all from this phenomenal band, Bill Deal and the Rhondels.

Amazingly, they also had a single called Swinging Tight in December of that year.

What happened to Bill Deal and The Rhondels?

The band broke up in 1975 giving rise to Fat Ammons Band, then they got back together and still carry on the tradition today playing Carolina Beach Music songs even after the death of Bill Deal. 

Some of the members of the Rondel‘s included Bill Deal himself born in 1944 and died in 2003.

He sang, played organ and electric piano, and used bass pedals to fill in bass lines from time to time.

Who was the lead singer of Bill Deal and The Rhondels?

Ammon Tharp born in 1942 in Norfolk Virginia. Tharpe died in September 2017. Amman started the Fat Ammons band, sang and played drums.

Performing classic soul throughout Virginia, North and South Carolina, and parts of Georgia, this group is a well known party band playing Carolina Beach Music songs at weddings, clubs, and corporate events

Who were the original members of Bill Deal and the Rhondels ?

George Bell, Ronnie Hallman, Jackie Shelton, Joel Smith on guitar, Bill Weaver on saxophone, JT Anderson guitar, Ammon Tharp drums, David Williams trumpet.

Theses well versed musicians know the standard Carolina Beach Music songs and perform them easily with a sense of fun that lightens the mood where ever they are played.

Well known as classic soul bands these musicians contributed to what is widely known as Beach Music.

The areas along the coast have been the predominant venues for these bands as Beach Music is a main form of entertainment for summertime vacationers and revelers.

These bands like Fat Ammons, and Bill Deal and The Rhondels play a hybrid classic soul music starting from the mid 1950s and reaching a peak in the mid 1970s.

Influences include Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Temptations, and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.

Carolina Beach Music songs like Miss Grace, Thank You John, When She Was My Girl, Far Away Places, and Never Found A Girl To Love Me Like You Do are still popular today!

Catalinas Beach Band was formed in Charlotte in 1957. Later in 1970 Gary and Johnny Barker and a group of friends kept the tunes going and they became a regional hit.

This band’s sound is a blend of classic soul and Carolina Beach.

Catalinas are still touring and making music today, and their loyal fans continue to support them.

If you’re looking for a fun, laid-back band to listen to, then look no further than Catalinas Shag Band.

Their original hit Summertime’s Calling Me was released in 1974. This unique song became a summertime anthem for many people, and it still gets radio play today.

Catalinas are a band that knows how to have fun, and their music is the perfect soundtrack for a sunny beach day .

This is a band that will make you smile. The group famous for Summertime’s Calling Me – Catalinas Band.

They’ve have been entertaining audiences for over four decades, and show no signs of slowing down.

They continued to perform and record over decades, becoming one of the most enduring groups in beach music and still today this group of excellent musicians perform regularly.

Catalinas brought the sound of Carolina beach music to larger populations. With their laid-back style and catchy tunes, they quickly became a favorite among sun- and sand-lovers.

Their most popular song, “Summertime’s Calling Me,” perfectly captures a carefree spirit of beach lifestyle.

Catalinas have been a staple of Carolina and Virginia’s music scene for decades, performing at countless beaches and festivals.

Even as members changed over time, their sound remained constant, providing listeners with a taste of Summertime’s Calling Me all year round.

Catalinas will always be remembered as a most iconic beach band. In 1995, they were inducted into Carolina’s Beach Music Hall of Fame. In 2013, Catalinas were inducted into North Carolina’s Music Hall of Fame.

Their music was the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing day on the coast, and their legacy will continue to bring smiles to those who hear it.

Thanks for the memories, Catalinas! We’ll never forget you.

***

Carolina Beach Music is still popular today, and they are one of the most well-known groups in the genre.

Carolina Beach Music originated in the Carolinas and Virginia, where shag dancing is popular.

The Catalinas Band has been playing Carolina Beach Music for over 50 years, and they are known for their lively performances. Based in Statesville Charlotte Greensboro , they have a large following of fans who love to shag dance.

When you travel on vacation or go to the beach do you always make a list of your perfect songs?

I would guess that you do make music a part of your travels.

Of all the places I go, the beach is the one special location where I really want to listen to music. If you’ve had a cold winter you especially understand.

Planning to vacay somewhere with sand and seagulls?

I’ve got a list of 97 beach music songs that will be just perfect for any beach.

This is a variety of songs that include mostly Shagging Music –

Sticking with the genre of songs from the Carolinas and Virginia they’re perfect to put you in a good mood.

You can relax by blue water and palm trees and take the sounds of the summer along.

Here’s how to plan your beach play list of songs.

I have found a list of 97 songs.

They are compiled by category and there’s such a variety everybody will enjoy at least five or six of these songs.

If you only take a few songs- these are classic-

1. Sixty Minute Man – Dominoes

  2. Carolina Girls – General Johnson & the Chairmen of the Board

  3. I Love Beach The Jackie Gore original Music the anthem of this special style that resonates with thousands of fans and is played at most every shagging occasion.- Embers

  4. Ms. Grace – Tymes

  5. Summertime’s Calling Me – Catalinas

  6. Stay – Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs

  7. My Girl – Temptations

  8. Cool Me Out – Lamont Dozier

  9. Under The Boardwalk – Drifters

10. Myrtle Beach Days – Fantastic Shakers

Tradition

I have a soft spot for music I grew up with and I’m sure you do too.

That’s what makes great memories. Especially when you go to the beach and you smell the salt air and hear the seagulls. The waves crashing off in the distance and that summer breeze bring these classic tunes home and they really hit the spot.

My Girl, Get Ready, Brown Eyed Girl, Into the Mystic, Build Me Up Buttercup, Gypsy Woman, Love Potion Number 9, Do You Love Me (from Dirty Dancing.)

11. Brenda – O.C. Smith

12. One Mint Julep – Clovers

13. It Will Stand – Showmen

14. Rainy Day Bells – Globetrotters

15. Lady Soul – Temptations

16. Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy – Tams A legendary Beach Music group

17. You’re More Than A Number In My Little Red Book – Drifters

18. Hey Baby – Bruce Channel

19. With This Ring – Platters

20. Nip Sip – Clovers

Many Motown songs are reminiscent of Carolina Fun in the Sun and of course Bill Deal and the Rhondels with their fantastic versions of songs like I’ve Been Hurt, May I, and What Kind Of Fool plus songs by the fabulous Tams.

Any Beach playlist needs slow romantic songs to bring back memories of a first kiss. Nothing takes you back like the sound of sea gulls off in the distance and the smell of coca butter suntan lotion. Obviously we’ve got plenty of Marvin Gaye, Four Tops, and the Queen – Aretha Franklin 

Traveler tip- I enjoy making a playlist on my phone and then take along an external speaker (waterproof of course) to play on the beach. Easy to toss in a bag and the sound quality is a lot better.

Upbeat happy songs

21. Party Time Man – Futures

22. Club Savoy – Rockin’ Louie & The Mamma Jammers

23. Thank You John – Willie Tee

24. Think – The “5” Royales

25. (I’m Just Thinking About) Cooling Out – Jerry Butler

26. My Guy – Mary Wells

27. Come Get To This – Marvin Gaye

28. You Bring Out The Boogie In Me – Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee

29. Hello Stranger – Barbara Lewis (The Main Event Band covers this masterfully)

30. 39-21-46 – Showmen

31. Green Eyes – Ravens

There’s a place for Soul Classics and there’s a few new songs I like to play as well like Happy and every now and then I’ll throw in a funny song like Elvira. They always lighten the mood.

The following songs get on my list year after year- Miss Grace, Up On the Roof, Under the Boardwalk, So in Love by the Tymes, May I Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs, Soul Man Sam & Dave or the great version by The Blues Brothers.

32. It Ain’t No Big Thing – Radiants

33. Work With Me Annie – Midnighters

34. Anna – Arthur Alexander

35. Don’t Drop It – Wilbert Harrison

36. It’s All Right – Impressions

37. Baby I Need Your Lovin’ – Four Tops

38. Good Rockin’ Tonight – Wynonie Harris

39. I Got The Fever – Prophets

40. Just A Gigolo/I Ain’t Got Nobody – Louis Prima

41. Safronia B – Calvin Boze

42. Going Back To Louisiana – Delbert McClinton

43. Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart – Coasters

44. This Old Heart Of Mine – Isley Brothers

45. Stubborn Kind Of Fellow – Marvin Gaye

46. You’re So Fine – Falcons

47. Searchin’ – Coasters

48. Drinkin’ Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee – Stick McGhee

49. The Entertainer – Tony Clarke

50. Lipstick Traces – Benny Spellman

51. She Shot A Hole In My Soul – Clifford Curry

52. Give Me Just A Little More Time – Chairmen Of The Board

There are times when we poke a little fun at country music mostly because we’re big fans of country music especially the Zac Brown Band. Some songs by The Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Chesney, lots of Jimmy Buffett, some Willie, and Alabama of course who got their start playing at the Bowery in Myrtle Beach.

53. Just One Look – Doris Troy

54. But It’s Alright – J.J. Jackson

55. What Kind Of Fool (Do You Think I Am) – Tams

56. I Need Your Loving – Don Gardner & Dee Dee Ford

57. Easy Comin’ Out (Hard Goin’ In) – William Bell

58. Girl Watcher – O’Kaysions

59. White Cliffs Of Dover – Checkers

60. Annie Had A Baby – Midnighters

61. I Do Love You – Billy Stewart

62. A Quiet Place – Garnet Mimms & the Enchanters

63. Kissin’ In The Back Row Of The Movies – Drifters

64. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) – Four Tops

65. Meet Me With Your Black Drawers On – Gloria Hardiman

66. Something Old, Something New – Fantastics

67. It Started With A Kiss – Hot Chocolate

68. Kansas City – Wilbert Harrison

69. Shakin’ The Shack – Fantastic Shakers

70. I Used To Cry Mercy, Mercy – Lamplighters

71. Walking Up A One Way Street – Willie Tee

72. Surely I Love You – Rosco Gordon

73. Kidnapper – Jewell & the Rubies

74. More Today Than Yesterday – Spiral Starecase

75. Across The Street – Lenny O’Henry

Soul Classics

If you have never heard Over the Rainbow by Jerry West with the band of Oz grab a copy of that and there’s a few other great rendition Now all you need is a pair of flip-flops sunscreen sunglasses and a hat let us know some of your favorite beach music songs.

 76. Mercy Mr. Percy – Varetta Dillard

77. Jamie – Eddie Holland

78. I Got Loaded – Peppermint Harris

79. Hold Back The Night – Trammps

80. Double Shot (Of My Baby’s Love) – Swingin’ Medallions

81. Wee Baby Blues – Joe Turner

82. Lonely Teardrops – Jackie Wilson

83. That’s Summertime To Me – Dale Van Horn

84. Rub A Little Boogie – Champion Jack Dupree

85. Flamingo – Earl Bostic

86. (Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean – Ruth Brown

87. Smoky Places – Corsairs

88. Cry To Me – Solomon Burke

89. I Love You 1,000 Times – Platters

90. Searching For My Love – Bobby Moore & the Rhythm Aces

91. Chicken Shack Boogie – Amos Milburn

92. May I – Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs

93. I Just Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind – Four Tops

94. Would You Believe – Tempests

95. Candy – Astors

96. The Last Of The Good Rocking Men – Four Jacks

97. I’m Gonna Miss You – Artistics

98. Ocean Boulevard – Band Of Oz

Note from the publisher of this original list

Criteria: These songs were ranked based upon their initial and lasting popularity among Beach good timing shagging Music good timing shagging fans, and on their impact and influence on Beach Music and its culture.

Edited By: Frankie C.www.beachmusic45.com

It’s no surprise that a great novelist would write a book and call it Beach Music. Pat Conroy of South Carolina fame did just that and to wide acclaim.

This book tells a story that stretches from South Carolina to Italy. It weaves meaning through characters that echo the darkness of the Holocaust.

The main character in the story lives in Rome remembering his American roots and his wife’s untimely suicide. When an in law asks him to return and others complete the nudge with a plea to help find a missing friend, he returns to the States and notably the South to continue the journey through this touching, dark, and memorable story. Pat Conroy writes with his well known flare and does not disappoint in Beach Music. The Charlotte Observer called it perhaps the most eagerly awaited book of the year.

Ammon Tharpe, better known as Fat Ammons, was a talented musician and Beach bandleader who helped to popularize the genre.

Southern Sounds

Ammons was born in South Carolina and began playing the piano at a young age.

He eventually formed the Fat Ammons Beach Group, which became a popular local attraction.

The band was known for its tight instrumentals and catchy melodies, and they quickly gained a following among beach music fans up and down the Carolina Coasts and Virginia..

In addition to Ammons, the beach performers playing classic soul style music featured several other notable musicians, including Bill Deal, who went on to have a successful solo career.

The Fat Ammons Beach Band continued to tour and perform throughout the 1970s, helping to keep Carolina Shagging music alive during a period when it was not as popular as it once had been.

Thanks in part to the Fat Ammons beach band music has experienced a resurgence in recent years, and the genre is now more popular than ever.

Here’s How The Story Goes

Ammon Tharp was one of the original members of  the group, Bill Deal & the Rhondels, 

Tharp, who lived in Virginia, passed away in 2017 at age 75.

Fat Ammon Tharp and Bill Deal started playing soul style music off and on casually together and formed the Rhondels as teenagers in South Hampton Roads. 

I’ve Been Hurt

Bill played keyboards and Tharp was on drums. They added  brass – and applied their Beach feel to songs such as  “I’ve Been Hurt;” “What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am;” and “May I.”

Here is a great video of Ammons and some of the well known members of the band doing a medley of these super hits. What a treat!

The Rhondels disbanded the beach group in 1975 and were inducted into Norfolk’s Legends of Music Walk of Fame in 2003 thanks to musicians like Fat Ammons.

The Boss Springsteen Joins In

Here is a rough video of Bruce Springsteen on stage doing Bill Deal and and his famous beach music group The Rhondels’ May I on stage with various musicians backing him up as he performs the classic hit in the same style made famous by The Rhondels.

Bruce had quite a few connections in Tidewater Virginia.

After Bill Deal & The Rhondels, Tharp started Fat Ammon’s Band, playing from 1978 into the 1990s.

Ammon Tharp when not performing was quiet off stage but his talent came through loud and clear on stage.

Bonus Surprise

This link take you to an extraordinary site HeyBabyDays that lists over 70 of the members of Bill Deal and The Rhondels and many Fat Ammons and there are a lot over the years.

The Fat Ammons Band – A great memory. The music lives on. It Will Stand.

It’s great to have you drop by the site. Thank you! If you enjoy Beach tunes or classic soul check out our other posts about this unique style of music.

Carolina and Virginia good time party bands

are popular among locals and tourists alike. The Band Of Oz is a well-known beach band that plays a mix of shagging music and rock.

They have been performing together for over 20 years and have a loyal following.

If you’re looking for some good timing music to enjoy on your next vacation, be sure to check out the Band Of Oz.

Carolina bands have been around for decades, playing at local clubs and bars. But who are these bands?

Where do they play?

There are manyTar Heel -Palmetto State- Virginia is for Lovers- beach bands, each with their own unique sound. Some of the more popular bands include

The Tams,

The Embers, and

Band of Oz.

These ocean drive style bands typically play at local clubs and bars, outdoor festivals, as well as private parties.

If you’re looking for a fun night out,

or just want to listen to some great music, be sure to check out a Carolina coastal band!

Let The Good Times Roll

The Castaways from the Durham, NC area have decades of experience entertaining.

Jim Quick and Coastline, The Main Event Band, and The Cat 5 Band all make musical memories for thousands of music lovers.

Here are just a few more

of the best myrtle beach days- good-timing-let’s-get-the-party started groups of musicians to pick up instruments and blow bang and sing in the Carolinas:

• The Ginger Thompson Band,
• The Entertainers,
• The Swinging Medallions,

The Tams: This coastal Carolina style band has been around for decades, and is still going strong today. They play a mix of beach and soul, and always put on a great show.

The Embers: Another well-known beach band,

The Chairmen Of The Board- The late Norman Johnson of The Chairmen wrote and produced some of the biggest Beach Hits as well as popular classics.

Carolina Beach Music has been around for 60 years, and has gained a loyal following of fans. This type of music is perfect for summertime, and many bands have found success playing it.

bands that play beach music in the Carolinas and Virginia

There are many great Carolina beach music bands playing along the coast, each with their own unique sound.

Bill Deal and The Rhondells from Virginia are still playing even though some original members are no longer performing – The legend lives on- Check out this quick video about them.

Thank you for visiting my site. Have a great day! – Scooter