The Rivieras were formed in 1962 in South Bend, Indiana by
Marty Fortson: vocals and rhythm guitar
Joe Pennell: lead guitar
Doug Gean: bass
Otto Nuss: organ
Paul Dennert: drums
The group was initially known as The Playmates, but a group with this name already existed. The group was then renamed The Rivieras, after the Buick Riviera.