Die Flippers were a veritable institution of German pop, with a catalog of hits that spans nearly five decades. Manfred Durban, Claus Backhaus, Franz Halmich, Manfred Mössner, Manfred Hehl, and Hans Springer formed the earliest incarnation of the group in the mid-size town of Knittlingen in 1964, performing as simply "Die Dancing Band." In the years to follow, the sextet emerged as one of the most popular acts on the local live circuit, landing countless chart-topping singles, albeit with numerous lineup changes. Despite the rotating membership, the band remained a chart force into the 21st century. ~ Jason Ankeny