by Robert Blevins

Created on: September 18, 2009

If you didn't hear their biggest hit on a Saturday morning cartoon show in the 60's, then you probably heard 'Sugar Sugar' on the recent Applebee's commercial. However, who exactly were 'The Archies', and what are 'they' doing today?

'The Archies' were the invention of musician Ron Dante and rock promoter Don Kirshner, along with songwriter/producer Jeff Barry. Back in 1968, 'The Archie Show' had become such a huge hit across America that the producers wanted a musical addition to the program. Kirshner and Barry were tapped to create the sound that would later become 'The Archies'. Jeff Barry was a good choice, since he had either penned or produced hits for Andy Kim, The Dixie Cups, The Monkees, and a long list of other groups. Kirshner, of course, was a natural promoter.

Ron Dante won the audition and became the voice of 'The Archies'. Using studio musicians, Dante's great vocals, and Jeff Barry's exceptional songwriting abilities, the tune 'Sugar Sugar' became the RIAA number one record of 1969.

Dante was born Carmine Granito in Staten Island, New York. He had already recorded an album and scored a minor hit in the mid-60's with a band called The Detergents. After his stint with 'The Archies', he later went on to become Barry Manilow's first producer, and at different times produced for both Cher and Pat Benatar. He scored another big hit on his own with the song 'Tracy'. Although the song is credited to a band named 'The Cufflinks', Ron Dante actually did all the vocals.

Today, Ron Dante still tours successfully in Vegas and elsewhere. You may have heard him recently doing the vocals for the Yoplait yogurt commercial, She Wore an Itsy-Bitsy, Teeny-Weenie, Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini'.

While researching this article, this writer was amazed at where Ron Dante has been, and where he is now. If James Brown was the 'hardest working man in show business', then Dante is a close second. He's produced, sung, toured, and been involved in more music than a majority professional musicians, and yet most people wouldn't recognize him on the street. Judging from the pictures on his website, (listed below), he's also met or helped produce some of the most famous names in the business.

You can view the rather cute original video for 'Sugar Sugar' HERE. Just scroll down Dante's homepage when you get there. It's currently listed under 'Ron Dante Video'.

Learn more about this author, Robert Blevins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.