The Olympics were a doo-wop group formed in 1957 by lead singer Walter Ward. The group included Eddie Lewis (tenor), Charles Fizer (tenor), Walter Hammond (baritone) and Melvin King (bass) and except for Lewis were friends in a Los Angeles, California high school. Their first record was credited to Walter Ward and the Challengers ("I Can Tell" on Melatone).

After the name change, they recorded "Western Movies," (Demon Records) in the summer of 1958.

In 1960 the group recorded "(Baby) Hully Gully," which initiated the hully gully dance craze. "Big Boy Pete," which the group also released in 1960, served as inspiration for The Kingsmen's "Jolly Green Giant."

Over the next 10 years The Olympics recorded upbeat R&B songs, often about dances popular at the time.