They started to play in Adrian, Michigan around 1964. The song was recorded at Shields Recording Studio in Bay City, Michigan using a Farfisa and a Vox organ. A deal was struck with Cameo to produce more pressings and eventually the song became a million seller and reached the top of the charts nationally. They took on an air of mystery. Lead singer Martinez wore sunglasses when performing, recording, or being interviewed or photographed.
Somebody enter the charts, where it peaked at number twenty-two.
Subsequent singles and an album, Action , did not have good sales. The group drifted to other labels such as Capitol, Super and Chicory and by 1968 it had run its course. It was revealed that some members of the group, including Rodriquez, Lugo, Balderrama and Serrato had been born in Texas. They completed recording another version of the original 96 Tears album in 1997 and it is slated for release in the Fall of 1997. One element that had contributed to the enormous popularity of 96 Tears had been the story about Frank Rodriguez Jr.'s use of a Farfisa organ in the recording of the song.