with Steve Fruitman
#206
January 15, 2018
click pic to go to Campstreams page
Pop Italians
Hear this show now
Hour One – La Luna Mezzo Mare1. Enrico Caruso: La donna e mobile (Woman Is Fickle) (Giuseppe Verdi) 1908
2. Lou Christie: Lightnin’ Strikes (Lou Christie / Twyla Herbert) 1966
3. Bobby Darin: Bullmoose (Bobby Darin) 1959
4. Bobby Rydell: World Without Love (Lennon / McCartney) 1964
5. Freddy Cannon: Action (Boyce / Venet) 1965
6. Dean Martin: That’s Amore (Jack Brooks / Harry Warren) 1953
7. Johnny Rivers: The Snake (Oscar Brown Jr) 1966
8. Sonny & Cher: I Got You Babe - Live Version (Sonny Bono) 1971
9. Jim Croce: I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song (Jim Croce) 1974
10. Jimmy Durante: It’s My Nose’s Birthday (Crane, Durante and Harris) 1958
11. The Four Seasons: Big Girls Don’t Cry (Bob Crewe / B Gaudio) 1962
12. Al Caiola Orchestra: Tarantella: Funiculi-Funicula – Marianna – The Butcher Boy (Trad) 1978
13. Domenico Modugno: Volare (Franco Migliacci / Domenico Modugno) 1958
14. Lou Monte: La Luna Mezzo Mare – aka Lazy Mary: (trad) 1958
15. Rita Pavone: Remember Me (Shelly Coburn) 1964
16. The Rascals: You Better Run (Felix Cavaliere / Eddie Brigati) 1966
17. Suzie Quatro: I Wanna Be Your Man (Lennon / McCartney) 1974
18. Frank Sinatra: Fly Me To The Moon (Bart Howard) 1964Hour Two – Ital-Canadian
1. Bobby Curtola: Three Rows Over (Casassa) 1963 *
2. Parachute Club: Rise Up (Conger / Segato / Webster / Brykans / Lynne Fernie) 1983 *
3. Robbie Rox: Gentle Rental (Roberto Theodore) 1980 *
4. Paul James Band: Crazy Little Baby (James Vigna) 1984 *
5. Vic Virgili & His Laurentian Valley Boys: Rosina Polka (V Virgili) circa 1965 *
6. Luigi Sabatini: Voce ‘E Notte (E De Curtis) 1978 *
7. The Four Lads: Istanbul, Not Constantinople (J Kennedy / N Simon) 1953*
8. Rita Chiarelli: Our Love Is Over (Rita Chiarelli) 1978 *
9. Romanelli’s Orchestra: Oh Bobby! (We'll Be Happy in Our Home For Two) (Unknown) 1922 *
10. Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians w Tony Craig: Smoke Get’s In Your Eyes (Kern / Harbach) 1956 *
11. Guido D’amico: Oh Susie (Guido D’amico) 1952 *
12. Peter Donato: Cathouse Serenade (Peter Donato) 1974 *
13. Lisa Dal Bello: Hollywood (Lisa Dal Bello) 1978 *
14. Domenic Troiano: Ambush (Domenic Troiano) 1979 *
15. Mahogany Rush: Man At The Back Door (Frank Marino) 1976 *CanCon = 45%
And Now for The Particulars:
Hour One – La Luna Mezzo Mare
1. Enrico Caruso: La donna e mobile (Woman Is Fickle) (Giuseppe Verdi)
78 rpm single: Victrola 87017
Naples, Italy
Produced 1908Errico Caruso 25 February 1873 - 2 August 1921 (aged 48) Naples, Italy
On 15 March 1895 at the age of 22, Caruso made his professional stage debut at the Teatro Nuovo in Naples
In 1903, Caruso made his debut with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. He became one of the first major classical vocalists to make numerous recordings. Caruso's first recordings were recorded late in 1902. On 1 February 1904, Caruso began recording exclusively for the Victor Talking Machine Company in the United States. Caruso died before the introduction of higher fidelity, electrical recording technology in 1925. All of his recordings were made using the acoustic process, which required the recording artist to sing into a metal horn or funnel which relayed sound directly to a master disc via a stylus.2. Lou Christie: Lightnin’ Strikes (Lou Christie / Twyla Herbert)
45 Single bw Cryin’ In The Streets: MGM Records 134512
Glenwillard, PA
Joe Farrell, George Young: sax
Ray DeSio: trombone
Stan Free: piano
Lou Mauro: bass
Charlie Macy, Ralph Casale, Vinnie Bell: guitar
Buddy Saltzman: drums
Peggy Santiglia, Bernadette Carroll, Denise Ferri: bg vocals
Produced by Charles Calello 1966
Recorded September 3, 1965Lugee Alfredo Giovanni Sacco (born February 19, 1943)
At age 15 he met and befriended Twyla Herbert, a classically trained musician 20 years his senior, who became his regular songwriting partner and wrote hundreds of songs with him over the next 30 years until her death in 2009. In 1962, Sacco approached Nick Cenci with some demo tapes. Cenci liked his falsetto voice and suggested that he listen to the Four Seasons' recent hit "Sherry". The name "Lou Christie" was chosen by C & C Records at the time, before they had consulted with Sacco about the name on his record. "Lightnin' Strikes" reached #1 in the U.S. on Christie's 23rd birthday on February 19, 1966
Producer Charlie Calello (born August 24, 1938)
In the late 1950s, Calello was a member of Frankie Valli's group The Four Lovers, but left before the group was transformed into The Four Seasons. In 1962, he became the group's musical arranger. In 1965, he joined the Four Seasons' lineup as bassist, replacing Nick Massi (who was Calello's replacement in The Four Lovers five years earlier). Calello departed the group, becoming a staff arranger/producer at Columbia Records. He worked with Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Roberto Carlos, Neil Diamond, Al Kooper, Bruce Springsteen, Laura Nyro, Engelbert Humperdinck amongst others.
3. Bobby Darin: Bullmoose (Bobby Darin)
45 single bw Dream Lover: Atco Records 6140
New York City
Bobby Darin, vocals
Neil Sedaka, piano;
other details unknown
Produced by Ahmet Ertegun and Jerry Wexler - 1959
Recorded by Tom Dowd at Atlantic Studio, New York City March 5, 1959Bobby Darin (born Walden Robert Cassotto; May 14, 1936 December 20, 1973)
He started his career as a songwriter for Connie Francis (Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero). He recorded his first million-selling single, "Splish Splash", in 1958. This was followed by "Dream Lover" and "Mack the Knife". In 1990, singer Paul Anka made the speech inducting Darin into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
4. Bobby Rydell: World Without Love (Lennon / McCartney)
Cameo Records C-320
Philadelphia PA
Bobby Rydell: vocals
Other musicians not listed
Produced 1963Robert Louis Ridarelli b. Philadelphia, 1942
World Without Love was written by Paul McCartney and given to his girlfriend’s (Jane) brother Peter, of Peter and Gordon fame. Before giving the song to them, McCartney offered it to Billy J. Kramer, who rejected it. The song became a smash hit after its release in the winter of 1964. By springtime, Rydell’s version of the song also hit the charts with regional success. In Toronto CHUM radio paired the two versions together on their CHUM Chart. His most well known songs include "Wild One" and "Volare". His recording career earned him 34 Top 40 hits.
5. Freddy Cannon: Action (Boyce / Venet)
45 single: bw Beachwood City: Warner Brothers 5645
Tarzana, CA
Freddy Cannon: vocal
Glen Campbell: guitar
Leon Russell: piano
James Burton: guitar
David Gates: bass
Others unknown
Produced by Dick Glasser 1965Frederick Anthony Picariello Jr. (born December 4, 1936 Revere Mass)
Freddy grew up listening to the rhythm and blues music of Big Joe Turner, Buddy Johnson and others on the radio, and learned to play guitar. Inspired musically by Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Little Richard, he formed his own group, Freddy Karmon & the Hurricanes, which became increasingly popular in the Boston area. His record deal with Swan Records resulted in the company president, Bernie Binnick, suggesting Freddy's new stage name of "Freddy Cannon".
“Action” was the theme song of daily Dick Clark's TV show out of California called “Where the Action Is”. He made his recording debut as a singer in 1958, caught up in the rock n roll fever of the time. His third record, "Way Down Yonder In New Orleans", became a huge hit. In 1962 he had a huge hit with Palisades Park. He’s still out there performing.
6. Dean Martin: That’s Amore (Jack Brooks / Harry Warren)
45 single bw You’re The Right One: Capitol Records F-2589
Beverly Hills CA
Dick Stabile And His Orchestra
Unknow back up vocalists
Produced 1953
From the Paramount movie “The Caddy” with Jerry LewisDino Paul Crocetti - b. June 7, 1917 Steubenville, Ohio d. December 25, 1995 (aged 78) Beverly Hills CA
Martin’s father, who was a barber, was originally from Montesilvano, in Abruzzo. Dino did not speak English until he started school at the age of five. Martin then dropped out of Steubenville High School in the 10th grade because he thought he was smarter than his teachers. He bootlegged liquor, served as a speakeasy croupier, was a blackjack dealer, worked in a steel mill, and boxed as a welterweight under the name Kid Crochet. He sang with local bands, calling himself "Dino Martini" (after the Metropolitan Opera tenor, Nino Martini).
7. Johnny Rivers: The Snake (Oscar Brown Jr)
And I Know You Wanna Dance: Imperial Records LP 9307
Baton Rouge, LA
Johnny Rivers: guitar, vocal
Micky Jones: drums
Chuck Day: bass, guitar
Joe Osborn: guitar, bass
Larry Knechtel: organ
Produced by Lou Adler 1966
Recorded by Bones Howe at Whiskey A Go Go, Hollywood CAJohnny Rivers (born John Henry Ramistella; November 7, 1942)
His family moved from New York to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Rivers began playing guitar at age eight, taught by his father and uncle. While still in junior high school, he started sitting in with a band called the Rockets, led by Dick Holler, who later wrote a number of hit songs, including "Abraham, Martin and John" and the novelty song, "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron". Ramistella formed his own band, the Spades, and made his first record at 14.
On a trip to New York City in 1958, Ramistella met Alan Freed, who advised him to change his name to "Johnny Rivers" after the Mississippi River, which flows through Baton Rouge. Freed also helped Rivers gain several recording contracts. In 1964 Rivers signed a one-year contract to open at the Whisky a Go Go, on Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. Rivers was so popular that record producer Lou Adler decided to issue Johnny Rivers Live at the Whisky A Go Go, which reached #12. Rivers recalled that his most requested live song then was "Memphis"
8. Sonny & Cher: I Got You Babe - Live Version (Sonny Bono)
45 single bw All I Ever Need Is You: Kapp Records K2151
California
Cher: vocal
Sonny Bono: vocal
Al Pellegrini Orchestra
Produced by Snuff Garrett 1971
Recorded live by Angel Balestier & Nye MortonSalvatore Phillip Bono b. February 16, 1935 Detroit, MI d. January 5, 1998 (aged 62) Stateline, Nevada
Cherilyn Sarkisian b. El Centro, CA May 20, 1946
Bono began his music career as a songwriter at Specialty Records, where his song "Things You Do to Me" was recorded by Sam Cooke, and went on to work for record producer Phil Spector. One of his earliest songwriting efforts, "Needles and Pins" was co-written with Jack Nitzsche, another member of Spector's production team. Bono co-wrote "She Said Yeah", covered by The Rolling Stones on their 1965 LP December's Children.
His mother gave him the nickname "Sonny".
9. Jim Croce: I’ll Have To Say I Love You In A Song (Jim Croce)
Love Songs: TeeVee Records TVLP 78035
South Philadelphia PA
Jim Croce: guitar, vocal
Produced by Terry Cashman and Tommy West 1974
originally released on his album I Got a Name.James Joseph Croce b. January 10, 1943 South Philadelphia – d. September 20, 1973 (aged 30) Natchitoches, LA
Croce released his first album, Facets, in 1966, with 500 copies pressed. The album had been financed with a $500 wedding gift from Croce's parents, who set a condition that the money must be spent to make an album. They hoped that he would give up music after the album failed but… the album proved a success, with every copy sold. Croce performed with his wife as a duo. At first, their performances included songs by artists such as Ian & Sylvia, Gordon Lightfoot, Joan Baez, and Arlo Guthrie, but in time they began writing their own music.
Croce and five others died when their chartered Beechcraft E18S crashed into a tree during take-off from the Natchitoches Regional Airport
10. Jimmy Durante: It’s My Nose’s Birthday (Crane, Durante and Harris)
Jimmie Durante In Person: Lion Records L70053
Brooklyn NY
Ray Bargy Orchestra
Produced 1958James Francis Durante (b. Manhattan NY, February 10, 1893 d. January 29, 1980)
Legendary entertainer who dips deeply into the old vaudeville, known as “The Schnozz”.
11. The Four Seasons: Big Girls Don’t Cry (Bob Crewe / B Gaudio)
2nd Vault of Golden Hits: Philips PHS 600-221
Newark NJ
Frank Valli
Bob Gaudio
Nick Massi
Tommy De Vito
Produced by Bob Crewe 1962
LP released 1966Frankie Valli b. Francesco Stephen Castelluccio, May 3, 1934
Tommy DeVito b. June 19, 1928
Robert John "Bob" Gaudio b. November 17, 1942
Nicholas E. Macioci b. September 19, 1927 – d. December 24, 2000Four New Jersey Boys: Frankie Valli's first commercial release was "My Mother's Eyes" (as Frankie Valley) in 1953. The following year, he and guitarist Tommy DeVito formed The Variatones. They eventually became the Four Lovers but after a successful debut hit song, "You're the Apple of My Eye", they flopped around for a few years. Then, around 1960 they took the name of a local bowling alley: Four Seasons. After that they could do no wrong.
12. Al Caiola Orchestra: Tarantella: Funiculi-Funicula – Marianna – The Butcher Boy (Trad)
Italian Gold: Bruno-Dean Enterprises RBS 111
Jersey City, NJ
Al Caiola: lead guitar
Al Caiola Orchestra
Produced by Bruno-Dean Enterprises - 1978b Alexander Emil Caiola, September 7, 1920, Jersey City, NJ - November 9, 2016 (aged 96) Allendale, NJ
Mostly a session guitarist backed Frank Sinatra, Brenda Lee, Peggie Lee, Jerry Lee Lewis, Neil Sedaka, Barbara Steisand, Petula Clark & countless others. Did the guitar theme for Bonanza, Paladin & Magnificent Seven; From Russia With Love, and Lou Monte’s Lazy Mary. His guitar style was inspired by Duane Eddy.
13. Domenico Modugno: Volare (Franco Migliacci / Domenico Modugno)
45 rpm EP: Decca ?– ED 2633
Lampedusa, Sicily
Domenico Modugno: guitar, vocal
Produced 1958Domenico Modugno: b. 9 January 1928 Polignano a Mare, Apulia, Italy - d. 6 August 1994 (aged 66) Lampedusa, Sicily
The turning point of his career came in 1958 when he also participated in the Sanremo Music Festival, presenting the song "Nel blu dipinto di blu." The song won the contest and became an enormous success worldwide. It received two Grammy Awards with sales above 22 million copies, and represented Italy in the 1958 Eurovision Song Contest, where it came in third.
The song is also known as Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu (In Blue Painted In Blue).
Modugno died at the age of 66, from a heart attack
14. Lou Monte: La Luna Mezzo Mare – aka Lazy Mary: (Paolo Citorello / Lou Monte – Eng Lyrics)
45 single bw Angelique: RCA Victor ?– 47-7160
NYC
Lou Monte: vocal
Al Caola: guitar
Produced by Joe Reisman 1958"Luna mezz'o mare" (Moon amid the sea)
Louis "Monte" Scaglione b. Manhattan, NYC April 2, 1917 - d. June 12, 1989 (aged 72) Pompano Beach FL)
Hit recordings of the song in the United States have included "Oh! Ma-Ma!" by Rudy Vallée (1938, peaked at #8) and "Lazy Mary" by Lou Monte (1958, peaked at #12). Monte's version was initially banned from British broadcasts for undesirable innuendo, but has been played to a family-filled baseball stadium at almost every New York Mets home game since the mid-1990s, as the result of a fan survey. The humorous lyrics center around a young woman wondering about marriage with various tradesmen (butcher, fisherman, fireman, etc.), ensuring the song's sustained popularity at Italian wedding receptions, including the opening scene of The Godfather (1972).
Music and lyrics for this song appeared as early as 1835, in the art song "La Danza" (Tarantella Napoletana) by Gioachino Rossini and Carlo Pepoli. By 1871 in Italy, bawdier versions were circulating. In 1927, New York City's Italian Book Company arranged and recorded a version by Sicilian sailor Paolo Citorello.
Monte's first big hit came in 1954, with the release of his version of "Darktown Strutters' Ball". In 1962, Monte would release his first million-seller, "Pepino the Italian Mouse", which was awarded a gold disc. Co-written by Ray Allen and Wandra Merrell and sung alternately in English and a pastiche of Calabrese, "Pepino the Italian Mouse"
15. Rita Pavone: Remember Me (Shelly Coburn)
45 single bw Just Once More: RCA Victor 47-8365
Turin, Italy
Rita Pavone: vocal
Teacho Wiltshire: conductor
Produced by Teacho Wiltshire 1964b. August 23 1945 Turin, Italy
In 1962 she participated in the first ("Festival of the Unknown"), a song competition for amateur artists, winning the contest which lead at a recording contract. Her first recording, La partita di pallone" ("The Soccer Game") made her a national star at 17.
In the summer of 1964 she had chart success in North America with a record sung in English titled "Remember Me", backed with "Just Once More". The song reached #26 in the United States and #16 in Canada.
In 1965, Pavone was as a guest in The Ed Sullivan Show, becoming a frequent guest there
In the United States she sang alongside Diana Ross and The Supremes, Ella Fitzgerald, Tom Jones, Duke Ellington, Paul Anka and a number of singers of the era. It is said that Elvis Presley made a painting of her after she went to Memphis and he met her at a recording studio. Barbra Streisand recorded a duet with her. Pavone sang at Carnegie Hall.
16. The Rascals: You Better Run (Felix Cavaliere / Eddie Brigati)
Time Peace The Rascals Greatest Hits: Atlantic Records SD 8190
Garfield NJ
Eddie Brigati: vocal
Felix Cavaliere: keys, bass, vocal
Gene Cornish: guitar
Dino Danelli: drums
Dave Brigati: bg vocals
Produced by Arif Mardin & Tom Dowd 1966
Compilation Album produced by The Rascals 1968
Recorded by Tom Dowd, Adrian Barber, Chris Huston & Roy CicolaEdward "Eddie" Brigati Jr. (born October 22, 1945, Garfield, New Jersey)
Felix Cavaliere (born November 29, 1942)
Dino Danelli (born 23 July 1944, Jersey City, New Jersey)
Gene Cornish b. May 14, 1944 (age 73) Ottawa, Ontario, CanadaInitially known as The Young Rascals to appease The Harmonica Rascals who objected to the name Rascals
Their first television performance was on the program Hullabaloo on 27 February 1965
You Better Run covered in 1980 by Pat Benatar
Their ‘Time Peace’ album topped the U.S. album chart and became the group's best-selling album.17. Suzie Quatro: I Wanna Be Your Man (Lennon / McCartney)
Suzi Quatro: Bell Records 1302
Michigan US
Suzi Quatro - Bass, Lead Vocals
Len Tuckey - Guitar, Slide Guitar, Backing Vocals
Alastair McKenzie - Electric Piano, Grand Piano, Mellotron, Backing Vocals
Dave Neal - Drums, Backing Vocals
Produced by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn 1973
Recorded by Pete Coleman at Audio International Studio, London
Mastered by Chris BlairSusan Kay Quatro b. June 3, 1950 Detroit MI
The family name of "Quattrocchi" was shortened by the immigration authorities because they found it too difficult to pronounce. She’s the brother of another rock star, Michael Quatro. It has been written that she was the first female bass player to become a major rock star. She was influenced at the age of six by seeing Elvis Presley perform on television.
18. Frank Sinatra w Count Basies Orchestra: Fly Me To The Moon (Bart Howard)
It Might As Well Be Swing: Reprise Records FS 1012
Hoboken NJ
Frank Sinatra: vocals
Count Basie: piano
Emil Richards: vibes
George Catlett: bass
Freddie Green: guitar
Sonny Payne: drums
Al Porcino, Don Rader, Wallace Davenport, Al Aarons, George Cohn, Harry Edison: trumpets
Henry Coker, Grover Mitchell, Bill Hughes, Henderson Chambers, Kenny Shroyer: trombones
Frank Foster, Charles Fowlkes, Marshal Royal, Frank Wess, Eric Dixon: reeds
Gerald Vinci, Israel Baker, Jacques Gosselin, Thelma Beach, Bonnie Douglas, Marshall Sosson, Erno Neufeld, Lou Raderman, Paul Shore, James Getzoff: violins
Virginia Majewski, Paul Robyn, Alvin Dinkin, Stan Harris: violas
Edgar Lustgarten, Ann Goodman: cellos
Quincy Jones: conductor & arranger
Produced by Sonny Burke 1964
Recorded by Lowell Frank at Warner Brothers Studios, Hollywood CAHour Two – Ital-Canadian
1. Bobby Curtola: Three Rows Over (Casassa)
12 Tickets To Cloud 9: Tartan Records LPTA-104
Thunder Bay, ON
Produced 1963Bobby Curtola b. April 17, 1943, Port Arthur ON (Thunder Bay) d. June 4, 2016, Edmonton
In the fall of 1959, sixteen-year-old high school student Bobby Curtola went from pumping gas at his father’s garage in Thunder Bay, Ontario, to the life of a Teen Idol. Who would have known that within a year he would go from playing in his basement band “Bobby and the Bobcats” to recording his first hit single “Hand In Hand With You”. After performing on the Bob Hope Show in 1960, the charismatic Bobby, with his handsome boy next door looks, was quickly finding himself within a whirlwind that we now refers to as “Curtolamania.”
2. Parachute Club: Rise Up (Conger / Segato / Webster / Bryans / Fernie)
The Parachute Club: Current Records WAVE 2
Toronto ON
Billy Bryans: drums, percussion
Lauri Conger: keys, bg vocals
Margo Davidson: sax, percussion, bg vocals
Dave Gray: guitar
Julie Masi: percussion, bg vocals
Lorraine Segato: electric guitar, lead vocals, percussion
Steve Webster: bass
Debbie Griffiths: bg vocals
Produced by Daniel Lanois 1983
Recorded at Grant Ave Studios, Hamilton ON by Daniel Lanois
Mixed by Daniel Lanois w Billy Bryans & Lorraine SegatoLorraine Christine Segato (born June 17, 1956 in Hamilton, Ontario)
Segato co-wrote nearly every song the band released, including all their singles. She performed "Rise Up" at the state funeral of Jack Layton on August 27, 2011.
3. Robbie Rox: Gentle Rental (Roberto Theodore) 1980 *
Do What I Do: Quality Records SV 2069
Toronto ON
Robbie Rox: rhythym guitar, vocal
Gianni Porco: lead guitar
Mike Rozzo: bass
Johnny Catso: drums
Produced by Alan Duffy 1980
Recorded at Phase One Studios, Toronto by Mick Walsh and Lenny DeRoseRobert Theodore b. Timmins ON
started performing in Toronto as a member of Soul Reason while still in high school. After studying at York U he lived a while in Quebec, learning the culture and French. That’s where he started performing solo. Upon returning to Toronto, he decided to put a band together.
Robbie, Gianni (Porco) and Mike are Theodore brothers who were brought up in Toronto’s North York.4. Paul James Band: Crazy Little Baby (Paul James Vigna)
Almost Crazy: Lick ‘n’ Stick Records CSPS 2340
Toronto ON
Paul James: guitarsk, vocal
Gary Gray: keys, vocals
Brian Kipping: bass, vocals
Adrian Vecchiola: drums
Rob Hancock: percussion
Produced by Paul James 1984
Recorded at Comfort Sound & Kensington Sound studios, Toronto, by Doug McClement, Blair Packham, Gabe Lee and Veziborn January 18, 1951 in Toronto grew up in the Bathurst and Bloor area of Toronto
Started the band Lick'n Stick 1971. Was a backing band for Bo Diddley at the El Mocambo, 1972 became good friends did lotsa work together.
The Classic Paul James Story: Jamming with Dylan: he met Bob Dylan at one of James' Toronto club performances. Dylan decided to play with James that night, and backed James for two hours, without being identified, instead being introduced by James as "some hitchhiker from Vancouver.” Was honoured with a Maple Blues Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012
5. Vic Virgili & His Laurentian Valley Boys: Rosina Polka (Vic Virgili) *
The Great Ontario Northland: Cascade 477-7700
North Bay ON
Vic Virgili: accordion
Rene Mathieu: fiddle
Jimmy Nunner: electric guitar
Jack Thiessen: bass
Jerry Constantine: guitar
Bernie Meehan: drums
Produced by Stan Leverre circa 1965Victor Americo Italo Virgili b. 1917 d. North Bay Nov 9, 1998 (age 82).
Played music in North Bay, Northern Ontario area for over 50 yrs. Also a hockey player for the
North Bay Trappers. Played accordion with Curly McFarlane and His North Range Cowboys6. Luigi Sabatini: Voce ‘E Notte (E De Curtis)
Johnny Lombardi Presents Luigi Sabatini: CHIN St. Records 19782
Rome, IT / Toronto ON
Luigi Sabatini: guitar, vocal
Produced by Vittorio Coco 1978Johnny Barbalinardo Lombardi b. Toronto December 4, 1915 – d. Toronto March 18, 2002)
Toronto enterpreneur: He was lead trumpet player for the Benny Palmer Orchestra in London, a popular Ontario big band during the 1930s. He enlisted in the Canadian Army during World War II in 1942, and was soon stationed in Europe. He was Sergeant in the army, and during the war he entertained the troops with his trumpet.
He returned to Canada in 1946, and in 1948 he opened a supermarket named Lombardi's Italian Foods Ltd at 637 College Street, an area of the city which came to be known as Little Italy. A champion of multiculturalism before it was implemented as Canadian government policy, he founded the multilingual radio stations CHIN in 1966 and CHIN-FM in 1967, which now serve over 30 ethnic communities. By 1968, CHIN was broadcasting in 32 languages, with Italian language programming predominant, at 60 hours per week.
He started a record label – Bravo Records & Music – to promote Italo-Canadian singers. He also started producing Italian Nights at city venues, producing annual shows of great Italian music, first at Eaton’s Auditorium, then Massey Hall, Maple Leaf Gardens, the O’Keefe Centre (now Hummingbird) and Roy Thomson Hall.
He was also known for hosting the annual CHIN Picnics at the Canadian National Exhibition, featuring bikini contests derided by many feminists.
7. The Four Lads: Istanbul, Not Constantinople (J Kennedy / N Simon)
The Four Lads Greatest Hits: Columbia Records CL 1235
Toronto ON
Jimmy Arnold: lead vocal
Bernie Toorish: tenor vocal
Connie Codarini: bass vocal
Frank Busseri: baritone vocal
Album Produced 1968Corrado "Connie" Codarini (died April 28, 2010)
The original quartet grew up together in Toronto, Ontario, and were members of St. Michael's Choir School, where they learned to sing.
The group was known variously as The Otnorots (taken from the name "Toronto" spelled backwards) and The Jordonaires (not to be confused with a similarly named group, The Jordanaires, that was known for singing background vocals on Elvis Presley's hits). They then called themselves The Four Dukes but found out that a Detroit group already used that name, so changed it to The Four Lads.
In 1953 they made their own first gold record, "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)", which launched them to stardom and kept them busy throughout the 1950s and 1960s in the U.S. and Canada.
Today Frankie Busseri is "the Old Man" of the group, being one of the Founders, and the only remaining Original Member of The Four Lads left singing. The Four Lads have sold over fifty million singles and albums and have performed all over the world.
8. Rita Chiarelli: Our Love Is Over (Rita Chiarelli)
45 Single: Mad Iris Music WRC3-714
Hamilton ON
Rita Chiarelli: guitar, vocals
Produced 1978Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Chiarelli began performing in Ronnie Hawkins' band in the early 1980s. She subsequently spent several years in Italy. When she returned to Canada, she quickly attracted the attention of film director Bruce McDonald, who included her "Have You Seen My Shoes?" on the soundtrack to his 1989 film Roadkill.
She went on to record Cuore: The Italian Sessions, an album of Italian folksongs, at a concert in Thunder Bay, Ont, in 2006.
9. Romanelli’s Orchestra: Oh Bobby! (We'll Be Happy in Our Home For Two) (Unknown)
Music Makes the World Go ‘Round – Dance Bands From Canada 1922-1930: CAPS 001
Toronto ON
Luigi Romanelli (violin)
Nat Cassells (saxophone)
Larry Cortese (harp)
Cecil Figelski (violin)
Ben Seth (bass)
Jack Curry (piano)
Eugene Fritzley (drums)
CD Produced by Billy Pratt for Canadian Antique Phonograph Society 2000
Originally Produced HMV-Victor 216361 in 1922Luigi Romanelli b. Belleville ON Nov 29, 1885 - d. La Malbaie QC July 29, 1942
Nephew of Rocco Romanelli aka Romanelli The Great who toured with Caruso.
Brothers Don and Leo led orchestras in Toronto as well.
Began working in a vaudeville troupe in 1904; toured Canada 1906. Played in theatre orchestras which made a radio broacast over CFCA in 1922. Only made two recordings.10. Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians w Tony Craig: Smoke Get’s In Your Eyes (Kern / Harbach)
Lombardoland: Decca DLP 5041
NYC
Produced 1956b. London ON 1902 - d. Houston, TX 1977
He formed the Royal Canadians in 1924 with his brothers Carmen, Lebert, and Victor, and other musicians from his hometown. That year they began a two year residency at Cleveland nightclub called The Claremont Tent. By March they made their first historic recordings for Gennett. Lombardo is remembered for almost a half-century of New Year's Eve big band remotes, first on radio, then on television. He became an American citizen in 1938.
11. Guido D’amico: Oh Susie (Guido D’amico) circa 1954 *
Aragon Records - AR-247
Nordegg / Calgary AB
Guido D’amico: vocal
Al Cherney: violin
Little Billy Stoltz: guitar
Paul Stoltz: bass
Johnny Stoltz: guitar
Eddy Stoltz: pedal steel
Produced by Al Reusch 1952b. Fernie BC - d. May 2008
Around 1950, Guido audiences in the Nordegg area began to hear this new singer, who came to be known affectionately as "The Italian Cowboy". Played the Alberta circuit for a number of years before moving to Eckville and purchasing a hotel there with his family.
12. Peter Donato: Cathouse Serenade (Peter Donato)
Peter Donato: EMI Capitol ST 6423
Toronto ON
Peter Donato: vocal, piano
Dennis Pendrith, bass
Barry Keane, drums
Michael Heydon: guitar
Bert Hermiston
David McLey
Bruce Pennycook
James Atkinson: guitar
Eric Robertson
Janis Cramer
Russ Little
Moe Koffman: sax, flute
Bob Van Ever
Produced by Eugene Martynec 1974
Recorded by Bill Seddon at Thunder Sound, Toronto & Rick Capreol at Manta Sound, Toronto
Mixed at Manta Sound by Gary Gray
Mastered by Bob Ludwig at Sterling Sound, NYC13. Lisa Dal Bello: Hollywood (Lisa Dal Bello)
Pretty Girls: Talisman Records TALI-1000
Toronto ON
Lisa Del Bello: vocals
Carlos Vega: drums
Mike Porcato, Ron Garant: basses
Steve Lukather, Al Ciner: guitars
Ron Stockart: piano
Victor Feldman: percussion, vibes
Mike Boddiker: moog
Bill Champlin, Roy Kenner, Michael McDonald, Liz Lauzanne, Lisa Del Bello: bg vocals
Produced by Bob Monaco and Al Ciner 1978
Recorded by Denis Degher with Phil Moores & Chris Gordon at Quantum Audio, Torrance CA & Conway
Recording, Hollywood; Manta Sound, Toronto
Mastered at Kendun Recorders, Burbank CAaka Dalbello b. born 22 May 1959, Toronto ON
Dalbello grew up in Weston, Toronto, and then with her family moved to Vaughan. At age 11, she began playing guitar and writing her own songs, performing at the Mariposa Folk Festival and the Fiddlers' Green club in Toronto. At the age of 14, Lisa Dal Bello (as she was then billed) made her 1974 recording debut with a 4-song EP that was recorded for CBC Radio.
Signing with MCA Records out of L.A. when she was 17, Dalbello's self-titled debut album in 1977, produced by David Foster, won her a 1978 Juno Award for Most Promising Female Vocalist of the Year. Despite her win, however, MCA dropped her from the label because the album's production had been too expensive.
14. Domenic Troiano: Ambush (Domenic Troiano) 1979 *
45 Single: Capitol Records 72804
Toronto ON
Domenic Troiano: guitar
Paul DeLong: drums
Dave Tyson: keys
Bob Wilson: bass
Produced by Domenic Troiano 1979
Recorded by Mick Jones & ? Cooper at Inception Sound, Toronto Nov 78 Jan 79Domenic Michele Antonio Troiano (Born in Modugno, Italy, January 17, 1946 – d. Toronto May 25, 2005)
15. Mahogany Rush: Man At The Back Door (Frank Marino) 1976
Mahogany Rush IV: Columbia Records WPC 34190
Montreal QC
Frank Marino: guitar, vocal
Jim Ayoub: drums
Paul Harwood, bass
Produced by Frank Marino 1976
Recorded by Billy Szawlowski and Ian Terry at Tempo Studios, MontrealFrancesco Antonio "Frank" Marino (born Montreal QC November 20, 1954)
A big Hendrix fan, Marino began persuing his career. He’s been long considered to be most under-appreaciated Canadian rock guitarist. MR put out 10 albums between 1972 and 83.
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