Albums

Dale & Grace

The Sweethearts of the ’60s—Louisiana’s chart-topping pop duo with a haunting brush with history

Quick Intro

Dale & Grace were a Louisiana-based pop duo whose 1963 hit “I’m Leaving It Up to You” reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts during the week of President Kennedy’s assassination. Their tender harmonies and swamp pop sensibilities made them standout voices of the early ’60s, forever linked to a moment of national tragedy and musical triumph.

In-Depth Profile

Dale Houston (b. April 23, 1940 – d. September 27, 2007) was born in Seminary, Mississippi and raised in Collins. A self-taught pianist and singer, he was discovered by producer Sam Montel while performing in Baton Rouge. Grace Broussard (b. February 5, 1939) hailed from Prairieville, Louisiana and had been performing with her brother Van Broussard before teaming up with Houston.

In 1963, Montel paired the two singers and brought them into his Baton Rouge studio. Their rendition of Don & Dewey’s “I’m Leaving It Up to You” was released on Montel’s Michelle label and quickly gained traction, eventually reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The duo toured nationally with Dick Clark’s “Caravan of Stars” and were in Dallas on November 22, 1963, where they reportedly waved to President Kennedy just moments before his assassination.

Despite their success, Dale & Grace disbanded in 1965 due to personal and professional challenges. Grace returned to performing with Van Broussard, while Dale continued writing and recording until his passing in 2007. Their recordings remain iconic examples of Louisiana swamp pop blended with early rock and roll.

Signature Tracks

  • I’m Leaving It Up to You — A chart-topping ballad that captured the hearts of a generation and became a symbol of innocence lost during a national tragedy.
  • Stop and Think It Over — Their follow-up hit, reaching No. 8 on Billboard in 1964, showcasing their vocal chemistry and pop sensibility.

Notable Accomplishments & Awards

  • “I’m Leaving It Up to You” reached No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 in October 1963
  • Earned a Gold Record for over one million copies sold
  • Performed on American Bandstand and toured with Dick Clark’s “Caravan of Stars”
  • Recognized as key contributors to the Swamp Pop genre blending Louisiana and Texas influences
  • Inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame
  • Featured in Swamp Pop Museum exhibits and regional tributes
  • Grace Broussard honored in Fred’s Lounge Wall of Fame and CFMA regional programs

Bonus Notes

The duo’s eerie proximity to the Kennedy assassination has given their music a haunting historical resonance. Grace Broussard’s brother, Van Broussard, was also a prominent swamp pop artist, and Grace continued performing regionally after the duo’s breakup. Dale Houston’s funeral in 2007 included a musical tribute by Troy Shondell. Their recordings were released on Montel, Michelle, London Records, and later reissued by Dureco Benelux and Hanna-Barbera Records.