Except for the 1950's song, "Sixteen Candles," I am not familiar with Johnny (Mastrangelo) Maestro nor his extensive career as a "Doo Wop" artist. However, I received the following email from Ray Paszkiewicz who was obviously a dyed in the wool fan. Ray wrote:
Johnny started out during the 1950s with the Crests. Their biggest hit record was 16 Candles. They recorded such hits as My Juanita, Sweetest One, Trouble in Paradise, Step by Step, and The Angels Listened In. During the 60s, he hooked up with Del Satins and in 1968, formed the Brooklyn Bridge. They hit it big with The Worst That Could Happen, followed by Welcome Me Love, Blessed is the Rain and the anthem You'll Never Walk Alone. They sold over 10 million records.
I had the pleasure of seeing the band twice in the last few years and was intending to see them at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank on May 14th. When I called the box office for tickets, I found out that they were off the bill and Johnny was ill. I also found out it was cancer, but I still didn't think it was real serious. We're always optimistic.
He was and will always be one of my favorite performers from a great era of music. He sounded as good today as he did 50 years ago. I hope the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will recognize his talent and induct him. It's long overdue.
I am filled with sadness today, for one of the great voices of Doo Wop was silenced yesterday. Singer Johnny Maestro passed away at his home in Cape Coral, Florida. Born John Mastrangelo, he was diagnosed with cancer recently. His last performance was with his group, the Brooklyn Bridge, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.
Johnny started out during the 1950s with the Crests. Their biggest hit record was 16 Candles. They recorded such hits as My Juanita, Sweetest One, Trouble in Paradise, Step by Step, and The Angels Listened In. During the 60s, he hooked up with Del Satins and in 1968, formed the Brooklyn Bridge. They hit it big with The Worst That Could Happen, followed by Welcome Me Love, Blessed is the Rain and the anthem You'll Never Walk Alone. They sold over 10 million records.
I had the pleasure of seeing the band twice in the last few years and was intending to see them at the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank on May 14th. When I called the box office for tickets, I found out that they were off the bill and Johnny was ill. I also found out it was cancer, but I still didn't think it was real serious. We're always optimistic.
He was and will always be one of my favorite performers from a great era of music. He sounded as good today as he did 50 years ago. I hope the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will recognize his talent and induct him. It's long overdue.
No comments:
Post a Comment