Browsing Category Don’t Miss

The Belmonts

In 1957, three Roosevelt High School friends in the Bronx, Angelo D’Aleo, Fred Milano and Carlo Mastrangelo, formed a group they called The Belmonts after the street where Freddy Milano lived. They recorded for the Mohawk label that year, making their debut with the song, “Teenage Clementine.” Dion DiMucci, who lived in the neighborhood, joined the group for the recording, “We Went Away.” Moving to newly founded Laurie Records, their label debut, “I Wonder Why” went to the top of the charts. Several chart toppers followed, when “A Teenager in Love” and “When You Wish Upon a Star” elevated The Belmonts with Dion to a major worldwide act. The group became known as Dion and the Belmonts. They toured nationwide and were on the bill at the Surf Ball Room in Clearlake, Iowa, the night on which Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper lost their lives in a plane crash. Read More →

The Orlons

Fun filled dance tunes were ‘The Orlons’ specialty, making them one of the most popular groups ever to come out of Philadelphia. The group was originally called ‘Little Audrey and the Teenettes’ in the early 50’s and included sisters, Audrey, Jean and Shirley Brickley along with Rosetta Hightower and Marlena Davis. When Mama Brickley refused to let the youngest, Audrey, sing with the others in one of Philadelphia’s small clubs, she and her sister Jean quit the group. When Stephen Caldwell heard Shirley, Rosetta and Marlena singing at Overbrook High School, he brought his baritone lead to the girls’ attention. Now a quartet, the unnamed group folllowed in the footsteps of their Overbrook rivals ‘The Cashmeres’ (who later became ‘The Dovells’) by calling themselves ‘The Orlons’. Read More →

The Happenings

In May 1966, The Happenings virtually exploded onto the national charts with their first single release, “See You In September”. The song quickly spiraled up the charts to become an international #1 record throughout the entire summer. The Happenings followed that up with another smash hit “Go Away Little Girl.” But they weren’t stopping there — more great hits like “I Got Rhythm” and “My Mammy” followed, and The Happenings traveled the world, singing at large capacity concerts and appearing 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 would share the stage with such music and entertainment giants as The Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, Joan Rivers, John Denver, The Drifters, The Kingston Trio, and many more. Read More →

Randy & The Rainbows

The Sounds of Randy and the Rainbows featuring Randy Safuto started back in 1959 when they first sang under the name of the “Dialtones” (with a female lead) and had a local hit called “Till I Heard From You.” In 1962 Dom Randy Safuto formed Randy and the Rainbows with his brother Frank Safuto and three other members. Six months later they had a hit record called “Denise” which sold 3 million copies.

In 1964 they had a follow-up record called, “Why Do Kids Grow Up” which sold 800,000 copies. Then from 1965 threw 1967 recorded “Little Star”, “Happy Teenager” and “Quarter To Three”.

Because of their dedication to the music business, Randy and the Rainbows – over thirty years later – are still “extremely active” and musically sharper and more polished” then ever. Their act has been described as “clean – fast moving – utilizing very effective medleys and harmonies.” In 1998 the group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

Randy and the Rainbows have performed with Dick Clark, for various charities and telethons, at the Westbury Music Fair, Radio City, the Nassau Coliseum, Kissimee, Florida and the Inaugural Ball. They toured with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, performed at the Fox Theater, at outdoor concerts and many great clubs in and around the metropolitan area and neighboring states.

The group consists of: Randy Safuto (lead), Frank Safuto (vocals), Anthony Vara (vocals) and Charlie Rocco (vocals). Band members are: Johanna Miele (keyboards), Larry Zettwoch (guitar), Frank Nicoletti (bass guitar) and Vincent Rosa on the drums.

Sock Hop

Earn a lot for your organization or group by hosting a SOCK HOP!

Arlene Brief Entertainment will help you every step of the way. We will provide the following:

An oldies band with at least one original member
An MC/DJ who will run the sockhop and play CD’s when the band is on break
Gift items for the winners of the dance contests and the best authentic dress

Choose from: The Crests, The Dovells, Barbara Harris & the Toys, Randy and the Rainbows, Dee-Dee Sharp, The Orlons, The Happenings, The 1910 Fruitgum Company, The Tymes, Larry Chance and the Earls, etc.

Call us for pricing today!