Johnny Maestro Dies at 70, Lead Singer of The Crests and The Brooklyn Bridge - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 03-25-2010, 12:02 PM

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NEW YORK — Singer Johnny Maestro, who performed the 1958 doo-wop hit “16Candles” 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, amphitheatres 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.”

catlover79 · 03-25-2010, 12:17 PM

OH Nuts! · 03-25-2010, 01:23 PM

Sorry to hear this, I loved their music. Rest in Peace Johnny. You had a great voice!

Marvo301 · 03-25-2010, 06:00 PM

Johnny Maestro

MickeyMac · 03-25-2010, 06:58 PM

RIP

03-25-2010, 12:02 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,349	Johnny Maestro Dies at 70, Lead Singer of The Crests and The Brooklyn Bridge Link NEW YORK — Singer Johnny Maestro, who performed the 1958 doo-wop hit “16Candles” 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, amphitheatres 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.”
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03-25-2010, 12:17 PM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

03-25-2010, 06:00 PM	#4
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,452	Johnny Maestro
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

03-25-2010, 01:23 PM	#3
OH Nuts! Member Forum King Join Date: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 133,383	Sorry to hear this, I loved their music. Rest in Peace Johnny. You had a great voice!

03-25-2010, 06:58 PM	#5
MickeyMac Member Forum Star Join Date: Jun 18, 2008 Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Posts: 19,004	RIP