Nostalgia music? Think again. These three vocal groups from the early 1950s–all members of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame–bridged the big band and doo-wop eras, and shaped U.S. popular song as we know it today. The Center for the Arts (CFA) at the College of Staten Island (CSI) is honored to present “Moments to Remember”: The Four Lads, The Four Aces, and The Inkspots on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 8:00pm. Tickets are $45, $42, $39. Contact: 718-982-ARTS (2787), boxoffice@cfashows.com, or www.cfashows.com.
The Four Lads launched their career in 1950 singing in local clubs around Toronto. At the New York club, Le Ruban Bleu, Mitch Miller saw them and put them on the million-selling Johnnie Ray records “Cry” and “The Little White Cloud that Cried.” After that, the Lads were signed to their own recording contract, receiving their first gold record in 1953 for “Istanbul.” Their success story includes the sale of some 50 million singles and albums to date including “Standin’ on the Corner.” Original member Frank Busseri (bass) is joined by Don Farrar (lead tenor), Aaron Bruce (second tenor), and Alan Sokoloff (baritone).
The Four Aces came out of the Philadelphia scene; Fred Diodati has been the lead singer since 1955. He is joined on stage by Joe Giglio, Harry Heisler, and Danny Colingohas–together since the 1980s. The group recorded 11 top-selling records with such songs as “(It’s No) Sin,” “Heart and Soul,” and “Mr. Sandman.” Their biggest hits were from movie themes, including “Three Coins in a Fountain” and “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.”
From the late 1930s to the early 1950s, The Inkspots were one of the most popular and influential singing groups of the time. Originally from Indianapolis, the quartet hit their stride in New York with “If I Didn’t Care” (19 million copies sold). No original members are left, but three of the four vocalists have been with the group for 20 plus years: Harold Winley (bass singer/narrator), Sonny Hatchett (second lead/second tenor), Herman Denby (lead tenor), and Morris Dow (bartione/guitarist).
The CSI Center for the Arts is supported in part by the Richmond County Savings Foundation, a gift by the Carnegie Corporation (made possible by an anonymous donor), Con Edison, New York State (through the efforts of the Staten Island Delegation to the State Legislature), New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Northfield Savings Bank, the Nicotra Group, the SI Bank & Trust Foundation, Time Warner Cable, and by our many business and individual patrons.
“Moments to Remember” is the 17th event of the Center for the Arts’ 2006-2007 season. Located at 2800 Victory Boulevard 1P, Staten Island, the CFA is easily reached by car from I-278. For information and ticket reservations, contact: 718-982-ARTS (2787), boxoffice@cfashows.com, or www.cfashows.com.
EDITOR’S NOTE: High-resolution photography available. Contact Ken Bach at bach@mail.csi.cuny.edu or 718-982-2364.
The CFA 2006-2007 Season continues with:
Saturday, May 12 at 8:00pm – Alex Torres y Su Orquestra
Saturday, May 19 at 8:00pm – Laughter Arts Festival, featuring Dom Irrera and Bobby Collins
CSI Center for the Arts: (718) 982-ARTS or www.cfashows.com.
