MANSFIELD — The Ohio Express, a pop band known for hits such as “Yummy, Yummy, Yummy” and “Chewy, Chewy,” has released a new cover of “Love Potion No. 9” on Cleopatra Records.
The new track, produced by founding member Tim Corwin, is the band’s sixth release with Cleopatra Records, based in West Hollywood, California. Corwin, 76, also performs lead vocals on the single.
“We’re loving the millions of listeners on Spotify,” Corwin said. “Special thanks to my bandmate, Warren Sawyer, for his excellent work as engineer and mixing the record.
“We’re also celebrating the addition of saxophonist Ed Jonnet, who has joined the band.”
Originally recorded by The Clovers in 1959, “Love Potion No. 9” reached third on the Billboard Top 100 in 1964 when The Searchers covered the doo-wop song.
Ken Tighe, vice president of marketing and product management at Cleopatra Records, praised the band’s take on the classic hit.
“Tim Corwin and The Ohio Express breathe new life into ‘Love Potion No. 9’ with warmth, charm and a timeless sense of fun,” Tighe said. “It’s a heart-felt nod to a beloved classic, delivered with genuine love for the music.”
The Ohio Express, formed in Mansfield in 1967, has remained a nostalgic favorite with millions of views on YouTube and streams on Spotify for its earlier hits.
In addition to the new song release, the band is set to headline the 28th annual Heart of the City Cruise-In on Aug. 23 at the Richland County Fairgrounds. The event, which includes free admission, was moved from downtown Mansfield due to construction on the Main Street Corridor.
“We’re excited to return to one of our favorite gigs,” Corwin said. “With about 700 classic cars, summer-time food, family fun and music, what’s not to love?
“We’re also proud of the support for the Buckeye Imagination Museum and its inspiring activities for local children.”
Ary Van Harlingen, one of the organizers for the Heart of the City Cruise-In, said The Ohio Express has been involved with the cruise-in for at least 15 years.
“They’ve headlined for about four years,” he said. “Their music is in the era of the ’60s, which is the age group a lot of the car guys are in, so it’s always a good time.”
Other bands performing at the Heart of the City Cruise-In this year include The Heartbroke Band and the Sensational Soul Brothers.
More details on the event can be found at heartofthecitycruisein.com and the official Richland County Fairgrounds website.
For more on The Ohio Express, visit theohioexpress.com.