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Woodbridge News
July 29, 2005
Unique Vocal Style Opened New Chapter in Pop Music History
The glory days of rock ’n’ roll are back again in Woodbridge as the Mayor’s Summer Concert Series continues August 8 with an appearance by popular 1950s’ hitmakers Frankie Lymon’s Teenagers.
The free concerts occur each Monday night through August 29 on the grass fields behind Woodbridge High School. Woodbridge Centerand ShopRite are the primary series sponsors. The Frankie Lymon’s Teenagers show is sponsored by Wachovia.
Festivities begin with a disc jockey at 6 p.m. and a 7:30 p.m. start for the concerts. Audience members are urged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, and refreshments are available in the food court.
“We are thrilled to have the Teenagers in our music series,” said Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. “This is a group with a stellar musical pedigree that helped shape the modern American pop vocal sound.”
The Washington Heights combo burst onto the national music scene in February, 1956 with the smash hit Why Do Fools Fall in Love featuring the soaring soprano of 13-year-old lead singer Frankie Lymon and a solid backing quartet of Jimmy Merchant (first tenor), Herman Santiago (second tenor), Joe Negroni (baritone) and Sherman Garnes (bass).
Before disbanding 18 months later, the Teenagers would tour North America, South America and Europe, appear in two Hollywood movies and a dozen TV shows, record an album and reach the charts eight more times with My Own True Love, I’d Rather Be Here in Your Arms, Gone with The Wind, Why Don’t You Believe Me, Have You Heard, It’s No Sin, Around The Corner and Check Yourself. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and the following year were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Teenagers’ youthful, upbeat sound registered an immediate and long-lasting influence on pop vocal groups up through the 1970s, from the Chantels, Isley Brothers and Little Anthony to the Supremes, Jackson Five and innumerable Motown ensembles. Projecting an onstage persona of innocence and exuberance, Frankie Lymon emerged as the first African-American teenage singing idol. Sadly, Lymon would die of a drug overdose in 1968 at age 25.
Today’s Teenagers keep the classic doo-wop sound alive with original member Herman Santiago, former Serenader Timothy Wilson, ex-Del Viking Dickie Harmon, and acclaimed disc jockey and original Laddins vocalist Bobby Jay. This is roots rock music at its best!
The Mayor’s Summer Concert Series not only nourishes musical appetites but helps sustain the coffers at the Woodbridge Food Bank. Concertgoers bringing non-perishable food items receive a chance to win special prizes, one chance for every item donated. “Summer months always put a strain on local food pantries,” says Mayor Pelzman. “Last year, the generous people of Woodbridge donated an incredible amount of food during the series.”
The 2005 Mayor’s Summer Concert Series schedule:
August 8 – Frankie Lymon’s Teenagers
August 15 – Brooklyn Reunion Show featuring Classics, Passions & Mystics
August 22 – Kenny Vance & The Planotones
August 29 – The Greaseband
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