Uploaded September 2016 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
"96 Tears", recorded by Michigan garage rock band Question Mark & the Mysterians ( "? and the Mysterians") in 1966, reached the #1 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Billboard also ranked the record as the #5 song for that year as well. The single was certified as gold and is ranked #213 on the Rolling Stone list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Band front man "?", who's legend is built on refusing to remove his sunglasses, originally wrote and titled the song "Too Many Tear Drops", but changed it to "96 Tears" stating the number 96 has a deep philosophical meaning. Known for its signature organ licks and bare-bones lyrics, it is recognized as one of the first "garage band" hits and has even been given credit for starting the punk rock movement.
"96 Tears", recorded by Michigan garage rock band Question Mark & the Mysterians ( "? and the Mysterians") in 1966, reached the #1 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Billboard also ranked the record as the #5 song for that year as well. The single was certified as gold and is ranked #213 on the Rolling Stone list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Band front man "?", who's legend is built on refusing to remove his sunglasses, originally wrote and titled the song "Too Many Tear Drops", but changed it to "96 Tears" stating the number 96 has a deep philosophical meaning. Known for its signature organ licks and bare-bones lyrics, it is recognized as one of the first "garage band" hits and has even been given credit for starting the punk rock movement.
