8-16-COUSIN-BRUCIE-ARTICLE
Hey Cousins!
Our visitor this week is one of the original founding members of JAY AND THE AMERICANS -Sandy Yaguda.
Sandy was born in Brooklyn , NY and from the age of six, knew that he was going to become a musician. He watched ELVIS and Dion and the Belmonts perform – he was hooked.
I met Sandy when he formed The Harbor Lites – (Sandy, Kenny Vance and Sydell Sherman). Their first record was “Is That To Much To Ask”.
The Harbor Lites enjoyed regional success and eventually developed into Jay and the Americans- the Americans starting lineup was Jay Traynor (lead vocals), Howie Kane, Kenny Vance and Sandy Yaguda. With Jay Traynor singing lead they hit the Charts (1962) with “She Cried”.
Jay Traynor left the group and David Black was asked to join, after he agreed to adopt the name “Jay Black”. With the new Jay’s amazing vocal talent – Jay and the Americans hit the Golden Jackpot. They recorded a song originally meant for the Drifters, “Only In America”.
It became a smash hit – followed by: “Come A Little Closer” (1964), Cara Mia”(1965), “This Magic Moment”, “Let’s Lock The Door”, “This Magic Moment” and “Walking In The Rain”.
Jay and the Americans became one of the most popular and successful groups in Rock and Roll history and continue today with their latest lineup to sold out crowds.
The Cuz happily welcomes founding member Sandy Yaguda to MUSICRADIO WABC – Saturday
8/19/23.
The best music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. I will take requests and dedications live on-air! The call-in number is 800-848-9222.
It’ll be one to remember!
Listen on Saturday from 6pm-10pm! Don’t turn the radio off after my show is over because the “Saturday Nights with Tony Orlando” show comes on right after from 10pm-midnight. It is going to be an amazing night!
Hope to see you there.
-CB
