The Valentines

A trio of songbirds from Vancouver, B.C., Miki Shannon, Irene Butler, and Jay Findlay had a brief fling with fame in the winter of 1960/61 when the A-side of their novelty 45, "The Sock" b/w "Sixteen Senoritas" (Iona 1003) hit #3 in the local hit parade. Improbably, this daffy ditty concerning Elvis Presley's hosiery was authored by milkman Al Parker, writing under the pseudonym "Sipson P. Kloop." The tune's success prompted its national release (in Canada) on the Sparton label. Singing back-up, the Valentines had earlier lent their voices to Les Vogt's hit single "The Blamers" b/w "Moon Rocketin'" (Iona 1001, July 1960). Later marrying and divorcing Vogt, Butler went on to success as a country and western singer. "The Sock" is featured on the History Of Vancouver Rock, Volume 1 (Vancouver Record Collectors' Association VRCA 003, 1987). ~ Stansted Montfichet, All Music Guide