Another in a long line of great Syracuse vocalist is Don Forbes. Forbes a Syracuse native was born on December 4, 1929 and educated attending Central High School. He was the stepson of famed jazz singer and bandleader Johnny Kamels John Camerota). Don Started his singing career at age 15 and became one of the areas top commercial vocalist. He would continue his education studing voice at Syracuse University.
Don fronted his his-fathers band for parts of three years (1946-48) playing weekly at Lugi's Club Flamingo and Club Rendezous before great a big break joining the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 1952. That led Don to become narrator in the Hollywood motion picture "The Sea Around Us".
He returned to Syracuse to sing lead with his father's band the Johnny Kamels and Kamels Caravan in 1954. A year later was performing with the Johnny Francher Band. In late 1954, at age 24 he was spotted by famed bandleader Les Elgart while performing at the Hotel Syracuse. December 1954 he joined the Les Elgart Orchestra as featured vocalist.
This led Don into the recording world appearing as lead vocalist on the Elgart Bands Columbia Records albums- "For Dancers Only", "The Elgart Touch:, "More or Less", "The Happy Fella" and the 45 rpm single "Ever Since You Went Away" b/w Night Train" released January 14, 1955. The Elgart Band with Don Forbes also performed at the Hollywood Palladium (Feb 1955), the Statler Hotel in New York and back in Syracuse at the War Memorial on October 12, 1956. This event was sponsored by the Syracuse Fire Department.
Don was heard playing such Syracuse area clubs as- Lugi's, White Elephant (Canastota) , 3 Rivers Inn, Flamingo Club and Andre's Tic Toc Club,
He then became the 18th singing ringmaster for the world famous Ringling Brothers & Barnum Bailey Circus during there 1958 season. Ringling Brothers released a circus music album on Cricket Record in June 1959 with Don Forbes singing four songs (Children of All Ages, Encore, The Drums Majorette and My Heart Beats in Time To Your Music).
Don also recorded a number of 45 rpm singles for other labels including "My First Emotion" for Syracuse's Premiere Records (1959), followed by "Four Walls, No Love" on Neptune Label (1960) and "Will You Be My Only Love" for York Records (1960). He would entertain fans across the USA and in Puerto Rico playing such popular night spots as the Copacabana in New York City and the Playboy Club in Chicago (1962), During his early career Don Forbes also recorded for London and Muzico Record labels.
Forbes returned to CNY for ten days in late September 1963 showcasing his vocal talent with national recording artist Brenda Lee at Three Rivers Inn. With family still in the area Don returned again on January 19, 1966 to appear on WSYR's Denny Sullivan Gang television program.
Hi Mr. Wray, I am his only son Jay Benner. My father died in 1983 of a Brain hemorrhage. I 'am shocked at what you write about his death. That's news to me. I loved him so much. I am not a brenner I am Jay cheston Forbes. I was adopted by an a-hole who married my mom. I got to see him off an on it was always wonderful. I am very confused and upset with what you write about his death. Where do you get your facts sir ? Please get back to me if you are still with us.
ReplyDeleteFor some time I worked t the Economy Book Store at Shoppingtown, DeWitt. I presume your stepfather was Larry Brenner. Is he still alive? I recall you came into the store occasionally. I was a friend of Les Elgart and had most of his albums, including a few with Don Forbes, vocal. John Camerota, who lived on the south side of Syracuse, had some of his demo recordings but I couldn't play them on a modern phonograph. One day I brought some of Les's albums into work to show someone and at the time I didn't realize she at one time had been Don Forbes' wife. It's sort of interesting on "what goes around, comes around." I did a 100-page discography of Les and Larry Elgart. Of course they're all gone now. Les was one of the "good old boys," but Larry wasn't very friendly. Larry had two sons, Brad and Brock, by his first wife.
DeleteRichard Palmer
Railroad@twcny.rr.com
Mr. Wray I do not wish to argue with you. I only wish to find clarity about my fathers death. Its a very grey area for me since reading your article. If you can help please do so. Thank you Jay Brenner.
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