Bill Deal and the Rhondels were an American pop band formed in 1959 in Portsmouth, Virginia. The group was founded by Bill Deal, who served as the vocalist, organist, electric pianist, and bass pedal player. The band initially blended blue-eyed soul and beach music, achieving their first significant success with the single "May I" in August 1968, which peaked at number 39 in the U.S. This breakthrough was followed by several notable releases, including "I've Been Hurt" (1969), which reached number 35 in the U.S., and "What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am" (1969), which hit number 23 in the U.S. Their self-titled album was released in March 1969, featuring the title track and other popular songs like "I've Got To Be Me" and "Hey Bulldog". The band's lineup evolved over the years, with notable members including Ammon Tharp on vocals and drums, and Freddy Owens on saxophone and vocals. Tragically, Owens was murdered in 1979, which deeply affected Bill Deal. The band disbanded in 1975 but reformed later, continuing their musical legacy even after Bill Deal's death in December 2003.
