I would have been 14 when Apache came out, and I heard it on the top 40 station. Now, when I was that age, I hated most of what was on the top 40 station. Instrumentals were few, and the singers were variously whiny, hoarse, nasal or chesty. Accompaniments were simple.

(Of course there were exceptions. Adult stuff such as Frank Sinatra or Doris Day was played sometimes.)

To a lot of young fans, Apache was a new experience. Instrumental, in tune, with a good melody. And the musicians weren't old guys. No wonder the song inspired a lot of young players.

I was not impressed with Apache to the point of spending a whole dollar on the 45, but when I saw the title in the OP, I remembered exactly how it goes.