The Rivieras of LaPorte were one of the first nationally significant rock bands from Indiana.  Forming in 1962, they were originally called The Playmates but changed their name to avoid confusion; however, they chose another name that other bands used.  Commonly believed to be from South Bend, the original band members were mostly from nearby LaPorte.  

The Rivieras issued eight singles and two LP’s during their first run from 1962-1966, with “California Sun” becoming a national Top 40 hit.  All early singles and one LP were released on their own Riviera Records, distributed by Chicago label USA Records, which released their first LP, Let’s Have a Party.  The Rivieras sported a surfy garage sound popularized in California by The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean and others; many fans were surprised they were from northern Indiana rather than from California.

The band toured frequently as the result of their early radio success.  There were several personnel changes in the early days.  At the very end of their first run, the band had several tour dates but had broken up, so their manager, Bill Dobslaw, contracted with LaPorte band The Endd to perform those dates as The Rivieras.  Dobslaw took a turn as the lead vocalist during one of the personnel shifts.

The Rivieras reformed a few times through 2010.  In 2000, Norton Records released a best-of CD, along with a full length compilation of 1964 unreleased recordings entitled Let’s Stomp With The Rivieras – Unissued 1964 Recordings.  Their records have also been released in Europe.