A Tale of Three 45s

by Frank Shankly

In 1973, the Incredible Bongo Band recorded a cover version of a Preston Epps’ 1959 song, BONGO ROCK (The Surfaris' 1963 hit single WIPE OUT was based on this song) which became a minor hit. 

The Bongo Band's version was frequently used as a breakbeat in early hip hop, even appearing on the renowned "Ultimate Breaks and Beats" bootleg compilation series.

While WIPE OUT has been sampled and interpolated in more than 30 songs, including Frank Zappa's JOE'S GARAGE and Fat Boys' WIPEOUT.

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