‘Slick, suave and a little sexy’: Herb Alpert – the unlikely kitsch 1960s act that dominated the US charts

In the midst of the 1960s rock revolution, Herb Alpert emerged as an unexpected chart-topper, leading his band Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass to unprecedented success with smooth, Latin-flavored instrumentals that captivated American audiences.

Born on March 31, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, Alpert is an American musician whose career spans over six decades. As a trumpeter, songwriter, record producer, and co-founder of A&M Records, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Chart Dominance in the Mid-1960s

In April 1966, Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass held the number two spot on the US Billboard 200 with their album Going Places. His previous record, Whipped Cream & Other Delights, was number three, even as South of the Border and The Lonely Bull ranked at numbers nine and ten respectively. This level of chart dominance was rare for the era, with only the volume Volume 2 from 1963 failing to reach the top ten—though it still peaked within the top twenty.

By the end of 1966, those four top-ten albums from April became the year’s first, third, eleventh, and fourteenth best-selling albums. The follow-up release, What Now My Love, issued in May 1966, climbed to fifth place on the charts, further cementing Alpert’s status as a dominant force in American music during the British Invasion.

Musical Style and Legacy

Alpert’s sound blended jazz with Latin influences, creating a distinctive style described as “slick, suave and a little sexy.” His instrumental hits, including “This Guy’s in Love with You” (1968) — which made him the only artist to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 as both a vocalist and an instrumentalist — and “Rise” (1979), showcased his versatility and broad appeal.

Throughout his career, Alpert has recorded 28 albums that appeared on the US Billboard 200, five of which reached number one. He has earned 14 platinum and 15 gold album certifications, sold an estimated 72 million records worldwide, and won eight Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2006, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2012, President Barack Obama awarded him the National Medal of Arts.

Beyond Music: A Multifaceted Artist

In addition to his musical accomplishments, Herb Alpert is recognized as a painter, sculptor, theatre producer, and conductor. His creative pursuits extend beyond performance into visual and theatrical arts, reflecting a lifelong dedication to artistic expression.

Now aged 91, Alpert continues to be celebrated not only for his commercial success but similarly for his influence on generations of musicians and his role in shaping the landscape of American popular music.

Key Takeaways

• Herb Alpert led Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass to chart-topping success in the mid-1960s, rivaling even the Beatles in popularity.
• In April 1966, four of his albums appeared in the Billboard 200 top ten simultaneously — a rare feat during the rock revolution.
• Alpert is the only musician to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 as both a vocalist (“This Guy’s in Love with You”) and an instrumentalist (“Rise”).
• Beyond music, he is an accomplished visual artist, sculptor, and theatre producer, with a career spanning over 65 years.
• His accolades include eight Grammy Awards, a Tony Award, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the National Medal of Arts.