The String-A-Longs were an instrumental group from Plainview, Texas, who had begun recording in Amarillo,TX as the Rock'n Rollers under their first manager Johnny Voss. Their first single was on the 'Ven' label. In the later fifties they began recording in Clovis,NM under Norman Petty. They had several releases before recording their big hit 'Wheels'. Probably their first success with a major label was when two songs were released on 'Imperial'. Their hit song 'Wheels' was produced by Norman Petty on Warwick Records. The band consisted of Richard Stephens, alternate lead guitar, Keith McCormack on rhythm guitar and Jimmy Torres on lead guitar, Aubrey de Cordova, bass guitar and Don Allen, drums.

Their biggest hit single was their first, "Wheels", in 1961 (released in 1960). Unfortunately Warwick records paid little royalty to the band and they declared bankrupty as they were being sued to avoid paying more. The writers of the song did receive their royalties including Norman Petty. The tune peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the number 8 single of 1961 according to Billboard. The track reached number 8 in the UK Singles Chart. It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. There were several cover versions, including by Joe Loss ("Wheels Cha-Cha") and Billy Vaughn.