[1] The original line-up of the group consisted of vocalist John Dizek (September 25, 1948 – June 27, 2017),[2] guitarist Richard McKenna, drummer Jon Small, and organist Harry Weber.

In 1966 Weber was fired from the band due to excessive drug use (found dead a few years later on a railroad track) and was replaced by Howie Arthur Blauvelt and Billy Joel on bass and keyboards respectively.

Following the demise of The Hassles, Joel and Small formed the duo Attila,[3] whilst Blauvelt later co-founded Ram Jam.

[2] Produced by Tony Michaels and Vinnie Gorman, The Hassles' eponymous debut album was released on November 21, 1967, and featured a number of cover versions of soul songs.

[4] In 1983, Billy Joel released a solo live recording of "You Got Me Hummin'" as a B-side to his hit "Tell Her About It" (available on the 12" maxi single, with the 'special remixed version' of the A-side).