Italian Americans and Early Rock and Roll

A Symposium Presented

The John D. Calandra Italian American Institute

and

The Catholic Newman Center

Saturday, May 10, 2003

1:30PM

Catholic Newman Center

Room 208

Student Union Building

Queens College

Admission: Free

This event was made possible by generous grants from the National Italian American Foundation and FIERI International.

In the late 1950s, young Italian American men from New York City and the surrounding areas emerged on the burgeoning rock and roll scene. Groups like the Neons, the Regents, the Mystics, and, of course, Dion and the Belmonts, to name just a few, took African American-created vocal harmony known as doo-wop and flavored it with techniques learned from bel canto-inspired singers Mario Lanza and Frank Sinatra. Music historians have dubbed this sound “Italo-Doo-Wop” or “Italo-American Rock.” Groups like the Crests, with lead singer Johnny Maestro, were a pioneering multiracial mix of Italian American, African American, and Puerto Rican performers.

At the same time, Italian Americans also entered the music industry as songwriters, producers, managers, radio disc jockeys, and record company owners.

Please join Mary O’Leary nee Aiese (Reparata and the Delrons), Vito Picone (The Elegants), Nick Santamaria (The Capris), and producer and tour manager Ray Reneri for an informal roundtable discussion about their music careers in early rock and roll.

Program

Welcome

Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa, Acting Vice President for Intuitional Development, Queens College, CUNY

Introduction:

Dr. Joseph Sciorra, Assistant Director for Academic and Cultural Programs, The John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College/ CUNY

Opening Remarks

Ed Engel, doo wop historian, Crystal Ball Records

Program Chair

Bill Tonelli, journalist

Participants

Mary O’Leary nee Aiese (Reparata and the Delrons)

Vito Picone (The Elegants)

Nick Santamaria (The Capris)

Ray Reneri (road manager)

Closing Remarks

John Runowicz, New York University

Coffee and cookies will be served before the symposium.

Directions to Queens College

By Car – The Long Island Expressway to Exit 24/Kissena Blvd.

By Public Transportation – Take the #7 train to Main Street, and then take the Q25, Q25-34, Q34, or Q17 bus. Take the E, F, G, R or V train to Forest Hills/71^st Avenue, and then take the Q75A bus.

The Student Union Building is located at the corner of Kissena Boulevard and Melbourne Avenue.

Please call (212) 642-2042 for further information.