Initially calling themselves "The Versatones", they played small clubs and beer bars in the Northwest. In 1959 they recorded and released two vocal tunes, "The Real McCoy" and "Cookies and Coke", but neither record charted. They met and recruited Nokie Edwards as bass player, and recorded "Walk Don't Run" with Bogle on lead, Wilson on rhythm, Edwards on bass, and Skip Moore on drums. They approached several record companies, none of whom showed any interest in signing them. With support from Don Wilson's mother, Josie, they started their own record company, "Blue Horizon Records". They self-produced the 45 RPM single of "Walk Don't Run" and promoted it themselves.

Alvin Stardust shot to stardom in the 70's. He had already had four hit singles under the name of Shane Fenton but 'My Coo Ca Choo', his debut single as Alvin Stardust, the mean and moody leather-clad persona, was massive. It became a huge international No.1 hit and spent over six months in the charts.