Charlie Gracie – Fabulous

Charlie Gracie – Fabulous / Just Lookin'

"Fabulous" is a classic 1957 rock 'n' roll single from Philadelphia-born singer "Charlie Gracie", released on Cameo Records as Cameo 107. Following his breakthrough with "Butterfly", the record became another major success for Gracie, reaching No. 16 on the US Billboard chart and No. 8 in the UK.

Written by Bernie Lowe and Kal Mann under the pseudonym Jon Sheldon, "Fabulous" captures Gracie's powerful, emotionally charged vocal style, with the song sitting between rock 'n' roll, rockabilly and rhythm & blues. A contemporary Billboard review described the performance as highly reminiscent of Elvis Presley in its vocal intensity and backing, underlining the song's place within the explosive rock 'n' roll sound of the period.

The flip side, "Just Lookin'", provides a contrasting rockabilly performance with a slick country-influenced guitar backing. Also written by the Mann and Lowe songwriting team, it demonstrates the versatility of Gracie's early recordings and gives the single two strong sides rather than simply serving as a throwaway B-side.

The single was issued in the UK by Parlophone as R 4313, while the original American release appeared on Cameo. "Fabulous" was also included on the 1957 UK EP The Fabulous Charlie Gracie, alongside "Butterfly" and "Ninety-Nine Ways", reflecting the popularity Gracie enjoyed with British rock 'n' roll audiences.

For collectors of 1950s rock 'n' roll, rockabilly, American jukebox singles and early British rock 'n' roll, "Fabulous" / "Just Lookin'" is a fine example of Charlie Gracie at the height of his original recording career, combining a charting A-side with an equally enjoyable rockabilly-flavoured B-side.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Fabulous – 2:18

Side B

1. Just Lookin' – 1:56