Jay and the Americans headline '60s show at Luhrs
SHIPPENSBURG - The H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University offers a rare opportunity to see three classic '60’s singing groups performing their familiar hits in one star-studded show.
Jay and the Americans
Jay and The Americans, started by four teenage boys in Sandy Yaguda’s Brooklyn basement 50 years ago, is one of the lasting success stories in rock 'n roll history. Few bands have ever reached their musical heights. From 1962 to 1971, the group charted 12 Top Ten records. With three original band members, founding member Sandy Yaguda (aka Deanne), original member Howie Kirschenbaum (aka Kane) and original member Marty Kupersmith (aka Sanders), plus the addition of Jay Reincke, the third and possibly the best "Jay" yet, they have recreated the authentic sound of their greatest hits.
Jay and The Americans’ first recording was “Tonight” (from the musical "West Side Story"); but their breakout hit song was “She Cried.” The group's next chart hit was “Only In America,” followed by top-10 hits “Come A Little Bit Closer,” “Cara Mia,” and “This Magic Moment.” These songs and many others are featured in the Jay and The Americans show, along with stories of the artists and writers who influenced this 1960s super-group.
Jay and The Americans’ recording of “Some Enchanted Evening” holds the record for most copies sold of the song. The group also recorded Neil Diamond's first hit song, “Sunday and Me.” Their recording of “Crying” pays tribute to the legendary Roy Orbison, with whom they toured, along with many other acts including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
In 2002, Jay and The Americans were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, placing them among the greatest vocal groups in rock history.
Dennis Tufano, original lead singer of The Buckinghams
Dennis Tufano, a native of Chicago, was the “Original Voice of The Buckinghams.” With Dennis’ vocals leading the way, the Chicago-based group scored with a string of five Top Ten hits in the late '60s, including the number one hit, “Kind Of A Drag," along with “Don’t You Care," “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," “Hey Baby, They’re Playing Our Song," “Susan” and “Back In Love Again."
Following his success in the Buckinghams, Tufano was part of the song writing duo "Tufano and Giammarese" and recorded three albums with Lou Adler's custom label, Ode Records (1971 to 1976). In 1978, he wrote the music and performed with Bernie Taupin, Elton John's lyricist, on Taupin's album, "He Who Rides The Tiger." He has also performed as guest vocalist and co-written with renowned composer and musician Tom Scott. With Scott as composer, Tufano performed the original title/ theme song for the long running "Family Ties" television show.
In 1982 Tufano toured with Olivia Newton-John and was featured on her HBO special in two duets. In 1995 he was invited to co-write, co-produce and perform with Bernie Taupin, Robin Le Mesurier and Jim Cregan on the Discovery Records CD "Farm Dogs, Last Stand In Open Country."
The Buckinghams were 2009 inductees into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
The Happenings
The Happenings exploded onto the national charts in May 1966 with their first single release, "See You In September." The song quickly spiraled up the charts to become an international number one record throughout the entire summer ("Entertainment" magazine recently listed "See You In September" in the top 100 summer songs of all time). The Happenings continued to be a major force in the music industry and released their next smash hit "Go Away Little Girl" with their hugely successful album "Bye, Bye, So Long, Farewell." With Bob Miranda, the lead singer of The Happenings and the voice that literally spearheaded the group into international stardom, many great releases were to follow including the classic hits, "I Got Rhythm," "My Mammy" and a string of hit albums
The Happenings performed throughout the United States, Europe and South America. Their venues included appearances on nearly every major television show in America, including "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," "The Smothers Brothers Show" and "The Merv Griffin Show." They have shared the stage with The Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, Joan Rivers, John Denver, The Drifters and The Kingston Trio.
Today the group consists of three principal members. With Bob Miranda at the helm, complemented by the outstanding musical and vocal talents of long standing members Bob Kulik and George Rizzi, the group is a powerhouse of nostalgia and contemporary material.
When you go:
Jay and the Americans
Dennis Tufano, original lead singer of The Buckinghams
The Happenings
7:30 p.m. Friday, March 18
H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center
Shippensburg University
1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg
$49, $45, $39, $35
717-477-7469 or Luhrscenter.com