We were delighted to be invited to the WVLT
Cruisin' 92.1 (FM) Dinner, Doo Wop and a Sock Hop at the Centertron Country
Club in Pittsgrove, NJ. Due to a long drive we arrived just as dinner
was being served. We were honored to be seated at the WVLT table.
What a surprise to learn that our friend Jimmy Merchant, an original member of
the Teenagers, was there to perform. We were taken by surprise when
Jimmy came to our table to greet us. Jimmy's a wonderful entertainer and
a fabulous artist! One of his drawings of the Teenagers hangs at our CUH
Headquarters. [See Jimmy Merchant's website from the Groups & Artists
section our Links Page.]
The MC's for the night were Lou Costello and
Dennis Burgey (the Doo Wop Cop). Both do great radio shows on WVLT.
Joey P. and His Emeralds entertained us first. They sang acappella
versions of "Tonight Could Be The Night," "So In Love," and "Daddy's Home."
We especially enjoyed their version of "Old Man River."
Quiet Storm, a rather new acappella group with
a great deal of talent, sang a long set of obscure but great R&B songs.
They delighted us with "While Walking," the Intruders' "Come Home Soon," the
Manhattans' "How Do You Say I'm Sorry," and "Never Let You Go." We loved
"People Will Say We're In Love" with Smitty doing the bass lead.
Jimmy Merchant sang the Teenagers' standards "I
Promise To Remember" and "Teenage Love." He then invited Quiet Storm to
join him on stage to sing the song he co-authored, "Why Do Fools Fall In
Love." At first he sang the song slowly, they way the Teenagers first
sang it on the street corner. He then speeded up the tune, they way the
Teenagers
recorded it with Frankie Lymon.
Joe Cleary and the Balladeers were back singing
after a long hiatus. Their regular first tenor was not with them but
veteran Philly singer Frankie Lafaro ably filled in and did a fine job.
That sang collectors' songs with their usual tight harmony. The majority
of songs were led by Joe cleary, including the Kingsmen's "Don't Say You're
Sorry," the Rainbows' "They Say," and "Count Every Star." Dave Moore led
the Harptones' "I'll Never Tell." Frankie Lafaro sang lead on his song,
"What Do I Have To Do." It was so good to see the Balladeers back and in
fine form.
The Emeralds returned for a second set.
In between the groups there was dancing. It was certainly an enjoyable
evening and we had a great time.
Charlie, Pam & Teenagers' Jimmy Merchant
Charlie, Pam, Jimmy Merchant and Eddie Natale
Jimmy Merchant, Anne Levine, Bob Bosco
MC's and WVRT DJ's (left to right) Dennis "Doo
Wop Cop" Burgey and Lou Costello
Joey P. and His Emeralds
Joey P. and His Emeralds
Quiet Storm
Jimmy Merchant entertaining the crowd
Jimmy Merchant (fourth from left) and Quiet
Storm
Joe Cleary & the Balladeers
The Balladeers
Jimmy Merchant displaying some of his art
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