HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" - CHAPTER 77 - UTICA'S MOUSEKETEER ANNETTE FUNICELLO DIES AT AGE 70

Famed Mouseketeer Annette Funicello was born in nearby Utica, NY on October 22, 1942. Her parents Virginia & Joseph Funicello left CNY for sunny California  when Annette was age 4. There she started performing professional at age 12 eventually becoming a very well know singer,  actress and movie stars in our youth. She was selected as one of Walt Disney's Mouseketeers on his weekday show "The Mickey Mouse Club" (1955-59) where she not only sang & danced but appeared in popular Disney segments such as "Spin & Marty."

This led to many poplar hits records as- "How Will I Know My Love" (1958), "Tall Paul " (1959), Jo Jo The Dog Faced Boy" (1959), "Lonely Guitar" (1959),"First Name Initial" (1959),  "Oh Dio Mio" (1960), "Pineapple Princess " (1960) and "Hawaiian Love Talk" (1961) that mentions Utica all graced the airwaves of both WOLF & WNDR Radio here in Syracuse.

Her amazing popularity shifted to motion pictures  "Shaggy Dog", Babes in Toyland", " many Beach Party movies with Frankie Avalon and " Monkey's Uncle" (with the Beach Boys) to name just a few.

Annette also appeared here in Syracuse. First on November 10, 1961- for a contest run by WNDR Radio called "Have Dinner With Annette" where two lucky winners had dinner with Annette and WNDR's "Dandy Dan" Leonard.  The second back in 1964 for Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars Tour at the War Memorial with Paul Anka, Duane Eddy, LaVern Baker, Bobby Rydell, Lloyd Price and Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners.

Sadly Annettte passed away in Bakersfield, Ca. on April 8, 2013 at age 70. Seeing her aways brought us back to our youth.

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" - CHAPTER 76 - MORE FAMOUS PEOPLE WHO PERFORMED OR SPOKE IN CNY (1962)

Jan 29, 1962         Ernie Davis (Heisman Trophy)   Sports O Rama

Feb 2, 1962          Gene Cornish                            3 Rivers Inn
                             Don Barber & The Dukes

Feb 8, 1962          Freddie Cannon                         3 Rivers Inn
                             Don Barber & The Dukes

Feb 21, 1962       Chubby Checker                       Sports O Rama

Apr 22, 1962       Gene Pitney                               Sports O Rama
                            Brian Hyland
                            Jean Thomas  (Moon River)
                            The Eternals (Rozzano, Simmons,  Nicotra etc)
                            The Keystones
                            Paul & The Velvets

May 7, 1962        Santo & Johnny                          3 Rivers Inn
                            Don Barber & The Dukes
                            Daquires (Mike Esposito)

May 25-June 4    Bobby Darin                                3 Rivers Inn
                           Jimmy Cavallo
                           Salt City Six

May 27, 1962     Ernie Maresca (Shout, Shout)          3 Rivers Inn
                           H.B. Barnum
                           Tico & The Triumph  (Paul Simon)
                           Ed Wool & The Nomads

June 4-9, 1962    Frankie Lymon                           3 Rivers Inn
                           Timmy Yuro
                           Eden Kane (Well I Ask Ya)
                           The Continentals (Jack Belle)

June 15, 1962     Ronnie Dio & The Prophets         Forest Hotel- Syl Beach
                           Terry & The Renegades

June 24, 1962     Shelley Fabares (Johnny Angel)  3 Rivers Inn

July 27- Aug 5    Connie Francis                            3 Rivers Inn

Aug 13, 1962     Little Eva                                     3 Rivers Inn
                           Linda Scott (I've Told Every Little Star)
                           Janie Grant (Triangle)
                           Cathy Carol (Jimmy Love)

Sept 5, 1962       Bobby Vee                                  Sports O Rama

Oct 11, 1962      Babs Tino  (Forgive Me)             Sports O Rama
                           Ronnie Dio & The Prophets

Nov 16-18          Sammy Davis Jr.                          3 Rivers Inn

Dec 31, 1962      Jay & The Americans                   3 Rivers Inn


                         

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" CHAPTER 75 - MORE FAMOUS PEOPLE WHO PERFORMED or SPOKE IN CNY (1960)

Being revised



                                           

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" - CHAPTER 74 -THE HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC ALBUM / CD SERIES CELEBRATES 42+ YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Back on a very snowy day December 1, 1970 the concept of producing a vinyl album that contained and documented our Syracuse Music History came to reality. Don Bombard (now Bob Shannon) at this time had left WOLF Radio and had shifted to my competition WNDR. Don and I teamed together many times at WOLF producing All Request Radio, a nine hour Beatles special, The WOLF Story (a history of WOLF Radio 1940- 1970), 15 hour History of Rock & Roll special, and a complete Woodstock documentary to name just a few.

The History of Syracuse Music- Volume 1 arrived in late January 1971. Each vinyl volume issued was limited to 500 copies. It was very unusual that two people from different competitive radio stations teamed together with one goal to document our Syracuse Music History. My one memory was asking "Dandy Dan" Leonard to be involved since he had produced many of the great records we included. Dan's response "Ron no one's going to be interested or buy an album of just local music." Well here we are 44+ years later still going. We have switched gears a bit after 14 Volumes on vinyl & cd. We currently have this new website and in the process of writing a book, to date has 5,726+ pages.

I would like to thanks the following who were there at the beginning- Jack Abert (Monterays), Chet Andrews, Don Barber,  Jack Belle, Sandy Bigtree, Don Bombard (Bob Shannon), Howie Castle, Ronnie James Dio, David "Rock" Feinstein, Mike Ferrante, Jan Fetterly, Rick Gary, Terry Golden (Madisons), Mike Greenstein, Pete Hennessey, Mark Hoffmann, Mark Kalsuga (Walt's Record Shop), "Dandy Dan" Leonard, Bob Lorenz (New Times), Sue Mackay, Chuck Mellone (The Seven), The Monterays, Larry Monty, Dave Moziak, Rick Mozzo,  Ed Murphy, Dave Murray, Dave Novak, Mickey Palumbo, John Periales, "Little Jan" Perolla, Gary Podsiedlik, David Rezak (DMR), Dave Ridgeway, Rick Ryder,  Pete Shedd, Bob Sherman (Bob Lowry), Tom Shine, Jim Sims, Bebo Singleton, Dave Stevenson (Fallen Angels), Joe Whiting, Al Wolf, WOLF Radio, WNDR Radio,  WNYS TV (now WSYR TV-9),  WCNY TV, Orange Pennysaver, Syracuse New Times, Syracuse One Stop  & The Brookside in Dewitt.

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" - CHAPTER 73 "THE MADISONS / BILLY KIDD & THE MADISONS (Chuck Roberts, Johnny Whipple, Carl Irvine, Terry Golden & Jimmy Foran ) 1960-66

This group of Westsiders was originally known as "The Impressions' and consisted of Chuck Roberts (lead singer), Jimmy Foran, Paul Hall and Doug Jones (formerly with The Dialtones). They changed their name and ventured to New York City and recorded the hit "First Time" for Madison Records in March 1961 as  Billy Kidd and The Madisons. Jones & Hall departed and were replaced by Terry Golden (Centurys) & Carl Irving (Jan & the Radiants). Chuck Roberts married and left being replaced by Johnny Velvet (Whipple).

Whipple a Central High alumnus and local early 1960's backup singer switched and sang lead releasing demo recordings with Johnny Velvet & The Revelation ("The D.T.) and Johnny Velvet & The Capitols ("I Really Love You" & Slide By") between 1960-61. The Capitols at this time included Chuck Sgroi, Frank Sgroi, Tony Licameli, John  Latocha and others. Whipple then auditioned with Billy Kidd & The Madisons who just had a national single release "First Time" for the Madison Record label. With departure of singer Chuck Roberts "The Madisons" reformed under guidance from WNDR Radio DJ "Dandy Dan" Leonard. With a new name and a new lineup that included Carl Irvine, Jimmy Foran, Terry Golden (all three Vocational High alumnis) & Johnny Whipple "The Madisons" were ready for more national attention.

And they did. This lineup ventured to New York City to record two songs written by Larry Santos and arranged by Charles Collela of the Four Seasons staff "Looking For A True Love " b/w "Cheryl Ann" that would be released by MGM Records (1965). This recording was selected by Cash Box Magazine as its "Best Bet". It received heavy air-play in Philadelphia, Buffalo, Boston, Rochester, Providence, DesMoines, Iowa Flint, Michigan, Syracuse and throughout the Northeast. The Madisons made over a dozen TV appearances including the Clay Cole Show in New York City, featured on WKBW TV in Buffalo, and Syracuse WNYS TV-9's (now WSYR TV-9) March of Dimes charity broadcast in 1965 about the same time "Looking For A True Love" was topping the charts.

The Madisons also appeared live at the famed 3 Rivers Inn (March 12-17, 1965) and weekly at the Little Brown Jug in downtown Syracuse being backed by Don Barber and The Dukes (Barber, Joe Sawmiller & Fred Winston) or The Dimensions between March- July 1965.

The Madisons had three more regional single releases- "Only A Fool" b/w "The Stagger" (both written by Larry Santos) on Jomada Records produced by WNDR's "Dandy Dan" Leonard and John Periales. They followed by signing a three-year contract with Swan Records out of Philadelphia. With Swan Records came "The Wind and The Rain" b/w "Can You Imagine It" released in June 1964. They appeared on the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars Tour that made a stop at the Syracuse War Memorial on July 9, 1964. Acts included Gene Pitney, The Shirelles, Brian Hyland, The Supremes, The Crystals, Coasters, Major Lance, Round Robin, Rip Chords and others.

Their final 45 rpm single would be "Valarie" issued on Twin Hits label (July 1966). They were backed instrumentally by Don Barber and The Dukes along with keyboard sensation Kal Dee. The Madison's then toured the Northeast and New England with national recording artists Bobby Vee, Ad-Lids (Boy from New York City) and the Exciters (Tell Him). During this time frame they were backed many times by hugely popular Syracuse band (later to be Hall of Famers) "The Monterays", who appeared on the flip side of the Twin Hits single with their first hit "I'll Be Around."

Through the years many songs by The Madisons have appeared on various artist oldies collections such as the 2005-06 Cd Philadelphia Doo Oop Sound- Swan Masters Volumes 1 & 2,  "Heavy of Doo-Oop Volume 5 on Chimp Records (2001), 'Dynamite Group Volume 12 a German release in 1997, as well as "The History of Syracuse Music" Lp & Cd series,  there are many more.

UPDATES-
Johnny Whipple departed CNY and relocated in Florida for some 15-years returning to Syracuse in the 1980's. While in the south, John also sang lead on the 45-rpm single "Soul Kind of Love" b/w "Born For You" released on Sumter Records under the name of Johnny Curtis for Sun Records owner Shelby Singleton in the early 1970's. This recording was also released in the United Kingdom. Sadly lead-singer Johnny Whipple passed away on February 28, 2013 at age 80.

Prior to the Madisons, Carl Irving rose to fame as a singer with the popular Syracuse doo-wop group "Jan & The Radiants". He is heard on the "Little Jan" recordings "Now In The Hour", "Heart & Soul", Is It True" and If You Love Me". Employment caused Carl to relocate to Western, NY. Carl Irving passed away on August 7, 2005 in Williamsville, NY near Buffalo at age 64.

The third member Terry Golden was first part of the vocal group "The Centurys" with Ed Murphy, Tip Munger, Jan Perolla, Jeff Miller and Johnny Whipple in 1962 He attended our "History of Syracuse Music Album series reunion in 1972 and passed away a few year later.

That leaves us to our friend... Jimmy Foran who I'm happy to report is still with us...we still meet having breakfast and sharing stories at the Risin & Shine Dinner on Thompson Road.

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" CHAPTER 72 - NEW RONNIE JAMES DIO PRODUCTS HIT MARKET ON MAY 28 (Update)

DIO NEWS-  May 28- Eagle Vision released the Ronnie James Dio -DVD-"Finding the Sacred Heart -Live in Philly 1986" (yes the concert with the dragon). From the original 16 mm film with remastered sound. It will be issued on DVD, Blu Ray, 2 Cds and 12inch Vinyl. Wow... how great is this.... Note- will contain special interview, featurette, music video and Behind the Scenes segment...a must for all Dio collectors around the world. 

Just to remind you, Ronnie did perform "Scared Heart" right here at the Syracuse War Memorial for family, friend and us....

.Look Back-- Remember a special vinyl picture disc of "Magica" was issued in the USA on National Record Store Day April 20. Very limited release just 500 copies made. Better get it fast, this will sell our....

Also all the "Finding The Scared Heart"- Live Philly 1986" new release items above are available from the UK and from Japan    Blue Ray #VQXD 10050, DVD 2 cd #VDBD 10129,  2 Cd Set # VQCD-10330.

(New Product on the way) Lastly "Magicia" the new special 2cd edition will be released in late June 2013.

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" CHAPTER 71 - SYRACUSE AREA MUSIC AWARDS "HALL OF FAME" CLASS OF 2013 HONORED (Updated 6/17/2013)

A overflow crowd watched the Syracuse Area Music Awards "Hall of Fame" Class of 2013 inducted on Thursday evening March 7 at the Dinosaur Bar B Que that included- John Dancks, Skip Murphy, Scott Sterling, Willie "Tatters" Mavins and band- The Seven (Chuck Sgroi, Al Ruscito, Chuck Mellone, Frank Sgroi, Chick Wheeler, Nick Russo, Tommy Forest & Tony Licameli) This years "Music Educator Award" will be presented to Joseph Spadafore. While SAMMYS " Lifetime Achievement Award" will be presented to legendary songwriter Jimmy Van Heusen. The events Master of Ceremony was "The Rebel's" Dave Frisina who was just outstanding.

Induction presenters included Joe Riposo (James Spadafore), Colin Aberdeen (Willie "Tatters" Mavins), Dave Novak (John Dancks), Ron Wray (The Seven), Jeff Jones (Scott Sterling), Mike Davis (Skip Murphy) and New Times published Bill Brod (Brook Babcock accepted for family member Jimmy Van Heusen).

In the crowd- Dave Hanlon, Gary Frenay, Colin Aberdeen, Dave Novak, John & Cathy Cadley, Mark Hoffmann, Paul Armstrong, David "Rock" Feinstein, Kate Kolb, Sandy Bigtree, Susan Royal, Todd Hobin,  Jeff Jones, Tom Emmi, John Dean, Holly Gregg, Dave Porter, Dave Frisina, Tim Fox, Mike Davis, Liz Nowak, Debbie Foley, Maria DeSantis, Jack Bocchino, Jessica Novak, Carol Thoryk-O'Leary, Chuck Sgroi, Tony Licameli, Frank Sgroi, Jeff Bishop, Tommy Forest, Tom Honan, Larry Luttinger, John Dancks, Scott Sterling, Skip Murphy,  Willie "Taters" Mavins, Scott Dixon, Bill Brod,  Joanne Troy Perry, Chris Baker, Mike Burke, Scotty Trudell, Lisa Romano. Ashley Cox, Chuck Dorgan, Brook Babcock, Senator John DeFrancisco,  Stacy Waterman along with members of the band Turnip Stampede.  This is list of just a few I noticed or stopped by to say hello.....Ron Wray 3/7/2013

Just a quick note to say thanks to all those who made the SAMMYS such a great success...Ron

Please find below Ron Wray's SAMMY's Hall of Fame Induction speech March 7, 2013  for "The Seven"

Tonight it is my honor to attach these special words to the band "The Seven", those being "Hall of Famers."

Spending many years at WOLF Radio I can still hear Jim Sims 1969 classic commercial... Tonight at Suburban Park 'The Magical", The Mystical", The Musical", The Seven...Seven..Seven.. Seven...

The Seven's roots go back to the beginning of Syracuse Rock & Roll in 1957 when Nick Russo joined Jeff Chappelle to form Syracuse's first rock & roll band "The Impalas". Chuck Mellone was an early member of Sam and the Twisters & Don Barber and the Dukes, while Chuck & Frank Sgroi, Al Ruscito & Tony Licimeli all were members of "The Capitals".

After a long stint with Jimmy Cavallo, where they became one of the tighlest rhythm sections in America, Chuck & Tony returned to Central New York and reunited with Al Ruscito & Frank Sgroi, added keyboardist Chuck Mellone, guitar-vocalist Chuck Wheeler (of Surprise Package) along with vocalist Nick Russo (who of course was later replaced by another Hall of Fame vocalist Tommy Forest of The Monterays), Then hours & hours of rehearsal time at Mellone's Chicken Coop on 7th North Street and finall they exploded onto the CNY Music scene

The Seven was born. A career that packed such CNY clubs as The Place, Captain Mac's, The Shack and jammed a record 3,000 into the Campus Inn at Suburban Park. They signed a national recording contract with Thunderbird Records released the super album "The Song is Song, the Album is Album" having two hit singles, the doubled sided 45- Song  b/w Heatwave & Tell Her Know that charted in Syracuse for a total of 19 weeks.

Their songs also graced the airwaves in Philadelphia, Buffalo, Miami, Detroit, Baltimore and New York's super stations WABC & WCBS. There East Coast tour included stops at NYC nightclubs On Gon O's & "The Bitter End" and a appearance on the popular Sunday morning TV Show "Upbeat" based out of Cleveland, Ohio. There were so many-more great moments in this bands historic musical career...but now.

It is my great honor to induct into the SAMMY'S Hall of Fame one of CNY's All-Time Super groups ...THE SEVEN....  (Ron Wray , March 7, 2013 at Dinosaur Bar B Que)

Accepting were Seven members- Chuck Sgroi, Frank Sgroi, Tony Licimeli, Tommy Forrest