It was a big day back on December 17, 1959 when Sports O Rama opened on Route 11 in Mattydale, NY. We first remember that fine business as the newest roller skating and archery range in Central New York, But soon area disc jockeys WOLF's Bob Dell and Andy Andrews starred bring national, regional and local recording artists in for major music and sporting events. Though the years its name would change (Dance & Skate and others) and later be vacant for many years. The property and building would be sold to Dunkin Donuts and scheduled for demolition in August 2015. The end to another fame Rock & Roll and entertainment venue that bought us many great memories though the years.
I've listed below the many national recording artists I remembered who performed at Sports O Rama. Followed by local and famous celeb's who graced the Sports O Rama stage-floor.
Gene Pitney, Del Shannon, Bobby Vee & The Shadows, Buddy Know & Rhythm Orchids, 4 Seasons, Brian Hyland, Duane Eddy, Dion, The Searchers, Dovells, Bobby Lewis, Bobby Vinton, Ral Donner, Regents (Barbara Ann), Jean Thomas (Moon River), Little Peggy March, Hot Toddys, Ersel Hickey, Dick & Dee Dee, Troy Shondell (This Time), Bobby Comstock, Ronnie Dio & The Prophets, The McCoy (Rick Derringer- Hang On Sloopy), The Seeds (Pushin To Hard), Outsiders (Time Won't Let Me), Shadows of Knight, ? and the Mysterians (96 Tears), Ron Cochran, Restrictions, Charlie Spivak Orchestra, Candi Scott, Jac-Lin Combo.
Local CNY artists included- The Sabers (Ron Lauback), Keystones (Hal Robinson), Eternals (Tom Rozzano, Freddy Simmons), The Vikings, Paul and the Velvets, Bel Larks, Little Linda, Duke Dixon & Singbillies, Jimmy Ashby & Trebletones, Eddie Williamson Orchestra and many-many more.
Other famous names include
Ernie Davis (SU Heisman Trophy Winner, Willie Moscone (World Billard & Trick Shot Champion), Frankie Frisch (National Baseball Hall of Famer), Coach Ben S.(Syracuse University Football Coach).
It's now just a great memory- Sports O Rama..you be missed, but always remembered in our rock & roll hearts....
Monday, July 27, 2015
Thursday, July 2, 2015
HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE"- CHAPTER 146 - SYRACUSE MUSIC - SONGS THAT CHARTED NO 1 ON JULY 4TH THOUGH THE 1960-80'S ALONG WITH CNY HAPPENINGS JULY 4
SYRACUSE MUSIC CHARTS # 1 RECORDS - Listing July 4th, 1959-1988
From WOLF, WNDR, BIG 50's Weekly Music Survey Sheets
1959 - Big Hunk of Love- Elvis
1960 - Mule Skinner Blues- The Fendermen
1961 - Quarter to Three- Gary "U.S". Bonds
1962 - Cry Myself to Sleep- Del Shannon
1963 - Surf City- Jan & Dean
Fooba Wooba John- Sam & The Twisters
1964 - Rag Doll- 4 Seasons
1965 - Save Your Heart For Me- Gary Lewis & The Playboys
1966 - Wild Thing - The Troggs
1967 - Ding Dong The Witch is Dead- Fifth Estate
1968 - Mama's & Papa's
1969 - In The Year 25 / 25 - Zager and Evans
1970 - How Can You Mend a Broken Heart- Bee Gees
1971 - Don't Pull Your Love - Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds
1972 - Lean on Me - Bill Withers
1973 - Playground in My Mind- Clint Holmes
Smoke on the Water- Deep Purple
1974 - Billy Don't Be a Hero- Bo Donaldson & Heywoods
1975 - Love Will Keep You Together- Captain & Tennille
1976 - Afternoon Delight - Starline Vocal Band
1977 - I'm In You - Peter Frampton
1978 - Use To Be My Girl - O'Jays
1979 - Ring My Bell - Anita Ward
1980 - Its Still Rock & Roll To Me - Billy Joel
1981 - Jessie's Girl- Rick Springfield
1984 - Dancing In The Dark- Bruce Springfield
1987 - Alone - Heart
1988 - Dirty Diana - Michael Jackson
A FEW CNY MUSIC HAPPENINGS JULY 5 THOUGHT THE YEARS
1963 - Loretta Lynn - NYS Fair Coliseum
1964 - Baron Daemon - Seneca Falls Hootnany Show
1965 - Dee Dee Sharpe w/ Ronnie Dio & Prophets- Little York Lake Park
WIlmer & The Dukes- Hewitts / Fairmount
1966 - Faron Young- Suburban Park-Manlius
1971 - Ides of March- Suburban Park- Manlius
1973 - Jimmy Cavallo- Mr Mikes
1979 - Ramones w/ Flashcubes - Uncle Sam's
1980 - The Works - Cornestone
1981- Alec Star - Lakeshore Sylvan Beach
1982 - Whizz Kidds - Lost Horizon
1983- Alec Star - Lost Horizon
SYR BANDS THAT SONGS REACHED # 1 ON RADIO CHARTS
Sam & The Twisters- June 29 & July 6, 1963
Otis & All Night Workers - Dec 4, 1965
The Sermon - Sept 3 & Sept 10, 1969
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