People!


People! was a one-hit wonder rock band that was formed in San Jose, California in 1965. Their greatest chart success came with their summer hit single "I Love You". The song, written by The Zombies bass guitarist Chris White, rose to number one in Japan, Israel, Australia, Italy, South Africa, and the Philippines, and peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1968. At various times, band members have included Robb Levin, Geoff Levin, Albert Ribisi, John Riolo, David Anderson, Larry Norman, Gene Mason, Denny Fridkin, Tom Tucker, Bruce Thomas Eason, John Tristao, Steve Boatwright, and Rob Thomas. On October 19, 2007, People! was inducted into the San Jose Rocks Hall of Fame.
After People! broke up, Larry Norman became one of the pioneers of Christian rock music.
People! recorded an album, funded through an Indegogo campaign in May 2018. Current members include, Gene Mason, Denny Fridkin, Robb Levin, Geoff Levin, and John Tristao.

Scientology connection

After all of the band members except lead singers Norman and Mason embraced Scientology, Norman claimed other members of the band issued the ultimatum: Join Scientology or leave the band. Norman and Mason both refused. Some band members indicate that Norman was asked to leave the band because he was seen as a "Suppressive Person". Norman claimed that he was harassed by other members of Scientology. On the Jerry Bovino TV show, Eye on Aspen, brothers Robbie and Geoff Levin clarified that they kicked Larry Norman out of the group based on their interpretation of Scientology policy categorizing Larry as an anti-social personality. Levin claimed kicking out members killed their group.

Discography

Singles (45 rpm)

Title Year
US Chart is Billboard unless otherwise noted. * Record World singles chart.

Albums