Chicopee John Posted March 25, 2010 Report Share Posted March 25, 2010 Singer Johnny Maestro of rock 'n' roll, doo-wop group The Brooklyn Bridge dies in Florida 10:21 a.m. EDT, March 25, 2010 NEW YORK (AP) — Singer Johnny Maestro, who performed the 1958 doo-wop hit "16 Candles" with The Crests and enjoyed a decades-long career with The Brooklyn Bridge, has died of cancer. He was 70. Les Cauchi, a friend and original Brooklyn Bridge member, said Maestro — born John Mastrangelo — died late Wednesday in Florida. His last residence was in Cape Coral, Fla. After beginning his career in the 1950s with The Crests — one of the first interracial singing groups — Maestro joined a local New York group, The Del-Satins. It merged with a Long Island band, The Rhythm Method, to form Johnny Maestro and The Brooklyn Bridge in 1968. Hits by the rock 'n' roll and doo-wop group included "The Worst That Could Happen," which Cauchi said earned "gold record" status with a million sales. Cauchi said the group performed that song on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Other hits included "Blessed is the Rain," ''Welcome Me Love" and "You'll Never Walk Alone." Cauchi recalled that another well-known song, "Your Husband, My Wife," drew controversy when it was released in 1969 because it dealt with infidelity — a touchy topic during that era. "Johnny was a class act. He was truly a gentleman," singer Dion DiMucci said on Facebook. "He sang 'You'll Never Walk Alone' like an angel. ... We thank you for the beautiful trip you took us on. Love and peace." "Dion reached out to John over the last couple of months, when Johnny was sick, to encourage him and give him some spiritual guidance," Cauchi said. The band got its name after a manager declared it would be "harder to sell than the Brooklyn Bridge," Maestro once said. He performed at arenas, amphitheaters and casinos throughout the U.S. and Europe. "He's considered one of the premier vocalists in rock 'n' roll — and one of the nicest, most sincere perfectionists in music," said Cauchi. "Maybe now the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will recognize him," said veteran radio host, author and music historian Bruce "Cousin Brucie" Morrow. "Of all the talent, Johnny was the smoothest," said Morrow, who worked with Maestro many times. "He probably sounded more like his recordings live than any other performer. He always held true to the music and treated it with great respect." Maestro's last performance was Jan. 17, when The Brooklyn Bridge was among groups appearing at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. It was billed as "The Ultimate Doo-Wop Party." (and I talked myself out of going...........................................) ___ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calfoxwc Posted March 25, 2010 Report Share Posted March 25, 2010 He was truly a great voice, terrific person. I've watched them perform on channel 23/45 public tv several times. Just amazing he could sing later in life so beautifully. Very sad. Always loved those old songs... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicopee John Posted March 25, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2010 He was truly a great voice, terrific person. I've watched them perform on channel 23/45 public tv several times. Just amazing he could sing later in life so beautifully. Very sad. Always loved those old songs... He should be in the R&R HOF simply for his work with The Crests. Add on what he did with the Brooklyn Bridge and............................he STILL isn't in the HOF while scores of unworthy acts - truly acts - have membership to their credit. Doo Wop was a wonderful style of music. People had to actually sing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosar_For_President Posted March 25, 2010 Report Share Posted March 25, 2010 Hate that music. Not bashing the dude, he had a good voice. Just crap music. RIP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. T Posted March 25, 2010 Report Share Posted March 25, 2010 We are going through a generational change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calfoxwc Posted March 26, 2010 Report Share Posted March 26, 2010 Doo Wop was a wonderful style of music. People had to actually sing. John *************************************** GGG Beautiful, beautiful melodies. BTW, he also had a -tremendous- range. Love many of those songs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosar_For_President Posted March 26, 2010 Report Share Posted March 26, 2010 We are going through a generational change. What? Dude I listen to shit all the way back to the 30's. Billie Holiday, Cash, Miles, Waylon, Woody Guthrie, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Ledbelly, Dillon. Shit I'll even throw on some Herb Albert for a laugh. It's not about generational change it's about getting off your ass and turning off the radio. This is the most ridiculous song ever made. Genius in it's own way. Listen to the horn, lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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