The Enduring Appeal of 'Red Rubber Ball' 60 Years Later

The 1966 hit song continues to bounce back into the spotlight for The Cyrkle.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:37am by Ben Kaplan

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In April 1966, as the world faced heavy news and events, the upbeat and harmonious song 'Red Rubber Ball' by the band The Cyrkle provided a much-needed antidote. Co-written by Paul Simon and produced with the help of Beatles manager Brian Epstein, the song became a top hit that year. Now, 60 years later, The Cyrkle has reformed and released a new album featuring updated versions of their classic tunes, including the evergreen 'Red Rubber Ball'.

Why it matters

The enduring popularity of 'Red Rubber Ball' highlights how music can provide an emotional counterpoint to difficult times, offering a sense of joy and optimism. The song's ability to transcend its era and continue resonating with listeners decades later speaks to its timeless quality and the lasting impact of the band's melodic talent.

The details

In 1966, The Cyrkle, a former frat-rock band from Pennsylvania, found success with 'Red Rubber Ball,' a sunny, harmony-driven track co-written by Paul Simon. The song was released at a time when the world was facing heavy news, including the Vietnam War and the decline of iconic TV shows like 'The Flintstones.' The Cyrkle were 'discovered' by Beatles manager Brian Epstein, who appreciated their sound and helped them secure gigs opening for the Fab Four. 'Red Rubber Ball' reached #2 on the Billboard charts, providing a bright, upbeat counterpoint to the era's increasing psychedelic music. After the band disbanded following Epstein's death in 1968, the founding members, Don Dannemann and Tom Dawes, went on to become successful jingle writers. Now, 60 years later, The Cyrkle has reformed and released a new album, 'Revival,' featuring updated versions of their classic hits, including the enduring 'Red Rubber Ball'.

  • In April 1966, 'Red Rubber Ball' was released as a hit single.
  • The Cyrkle opened for The Beatles on their final live show in San Francisco in 1966.
  • After the death of Brian Epstein in 1968, The Cyrkle disbanded.
  • In 2016, The Cyrkle reformed and released a new album, 'Revival', to celebrate the 60th anniversary of 'Red Rubber Ball'.

The players

The Cyrkle

A Pennsylvania-based former frat-rock band that found success with the hit song 'Red Rubber Ball' in 1966, which was co-written by Paul Simon and produced with the help of Beatles manager Brian Epstein.

Paul Simon

The acclaimed singer-songwriter who co-wrote 'Red Rubber Ball' with The Cyrkle in 1966, shortly after his own hit song 'The Sound of Silence'.

Brian Epstein

The legendary manager of The Beatles who discovered and signed The Cyrkle, helping them secure gigs opening for the Fab Four.

Don Dannemann

A founding member of The Cyrkle who, after the band's disbandment, went on to become a successful jingle writer for major brands like Continental Airlines, 7Up, and Swanson Foods.

Tom Dawes

A founding member of The Cyrkle who, along with Don Dannemann, became a professional jingle writer after the band's split.

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What they’re saying

“To see how meaningful the song is to so many people, for so many unique reasons, even after 60 years, brings me an immediate sense of pride and joy.”

— Don Dannemann, Founding Member, The Cyrkle

What’s next

The Cyrkle is currently on tour, performing their classic hits like 'Red Rubber Ball' alongside new music from their 2016 album 'Revival'.

The takeaway

The enduring popularity of 'Red Rubber Ball' demonstrates the timeless power of upbeat, harmony-driven music to provide an emotional counterpoint to difficult times. The song's ability to resonate with listeners decades later is a testament to the melodic talent of The Cyrkle and the lasting impact of their work.