Jimmy Testa, well-known South Philly doo wop singer and
tenor for the Four J's and Fabulous Four passed away last September 20
(2010) at the age of 72. He died of heart failure as a result of
diabetes. Jimmy began singing as a teenager with the Four J's who
scored with the hit single "Rock & Roll Age" in 1958. Jimmy also
sang with the Fabulous Four who recorded on their own and also backed
Fabian.
Fabulous Four: Jimmy Testa, lower right
The tribute and benefit concert for Jimmy Testa was a
huge success. The Waterfall Room of Swan Caterers in South
Philadelphia was packed to standing room only on Wednesday February 16,
2011, a tribute to the respect and admiration people had for the late
singer. Over a dozen acts performed, including Charlie Gracie, Billy
Carlucci of the Essentials, Billy Harner, Purple Reign, JT's Emeralds, 45
RPM, Mid Life Crisis, the Soul Survivors, Mike Volpe and many more. Most of the DJ'ing and MC'ing
was done by King Arthur with help from
Lou Costello. We arrived early and still struggled to find a seat,
until assisted by a couple good friends whose help we greatly appreciated
(you know who you are). We couldn't get photos of everyone, but we
hope you enjoy the ones we present here. Some photos are courtesy of
Janet Alvarez.
Charlie Gracie
Charlie Gracie & Charlie Horner
King Arthur & Charlie Gracie
Billy Carlucci of Billy & the Essentials
Pam, Billy Carlucci & Charlie
Frank Lafaro, Charlie & Jerry Tempesta
(JT's Emeralds)
Billy Harner
Frank Cicerale, Janet Alvarez, Marian
Cicerale
JT's Emeralds
JT's Emeralds
45 RPM
Mid Life Crisis
(Photo courtesy of Dennis from Mid Life Crisis)
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