The Stray Cats

The Stray Cats are a retro 50s style rockabilly band from Massapequa, Long Island, New York. The group was formed in 1979 by singer/guitarist Brian Setzer, drummer Slim Jim Phantom, and upright double bass player Lee Rocker. After starting out by performing in such legendary New York City underground punk clubs as CBGB and Max's Kansas City, the Stray Cats went to London, England in 1980 to capitalize on the 50s rock music revival that was sweeping the United Kingdom at that time. The group met musician Dave Edmunds, who offered to work with them. The band recorded their self-titled debut album on the Arista Records label in 1981. The album was a substantial success in England. Moreover, the Stray Cats had Top 10 UK pop radio chart hits with the songs "Runaway Boys," "Stray Cat Strut," and "Rock This Town" that same year. In America the band scored two Top 10 Billboard pop chart hits in 1982: The supremely boss "Stray Cat Strut" slinked its way to #3 while the rousing "Rock This Town"