Released in 1967 as the follow-up to their chart-topping hit “Kind of a Drag,” “Don’t You Care” confirmed that The Buckinghams were more than a one-hit wonder. Blending their signature horn-driven pop-rock sound with lush harmonies and emotional lyrics, the song reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing their place in the sunshine pop and brass-rock scenes of the late 1960s.
Don’t You Care
The track features tight brass arrangements, a hallmark of The Buckinghams’ sound, paired with lush strings and crisp percussion.
The vocals, led by Dennis Tufano, strike a balance between pop smoothness and emotional urgency.
Its polished production, handled by James William Guercio (who later produced Chicago), foreshadowed the sophisticated brass-rock sound that would dominate the late ’60s and early ’70s.
“Don’t You Care” was part of The Buckinghams’ golden run of Top 40 hits, which also included “Susan” and “Hey Baby (They’re Playing Our Song)”.
The song was a staple on AM radio in 1967, representing the clean-cut American pop sound that stood alongside British Invasion bands on the charts.
The Buckinghams’ fusion of pop, soul, and brass influenced later bands like Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
