The Fleetwoods
Originally the band consisted of only Gretchen Christopher and Barbara Ellis, but Gary Troxel was asked to accompany them with jazz trumpet, later switching to vocals.[7] Their second hit, "Graduation's Here," was co-written by Ellis and Christopher, with Troxel later adding a scat line in counterpoint.[1] Though they went on to have a total of eleven hits on the Hot 100, the beginning of the end for the group came when Troxel had to fulfill his obligation to go onto active duty in the United States Navy, as he had joined the Naval Reserve in 1956.Vic Dana, who was to go on to a successful solo career,[1] replaced Troxel in the group when he was in the service, solely for live performances.Christopher was the only original member of the Fleetwoods who accepted, attended and performed, dedicating songs to each of her absent partners.