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ROCK & ROLL CALL ☎️📞📞
The CAPRIS are a classic American doo wop group from Ozone Park, Queens, New York, best known for their 1961 hit “There’s a Moon Out Tonight.” Formed in 1957 by a group of Italian-American teenagers, the original lineup included Mike Mincieli, Nick Santo (Santamaria), Vinnie Naccarato, John Cassese, and Frank Reina as second tenor.
Our guest this week is Frank Reina:
“Our record stayed on the shelf of the record company for a couple of years, it wasn’t released.” Frank Reina joined The Capris in 1958 after meeting the group at a church dance in Brooklyn, where his vocal talent quickly made him a key member. He sang on all of The Capris’ recordings and is known for his engaging stage presence, often involving the audience in performances.
“There’s A Moon Out Tonight” (first released in 1958) was a national hit thanks to radio exposure.
The Capris (who were originally called “The Supremes”) finally enjoyed the success that they had worked so hard for. The teenagers practiced singing in the hall of their church. According to Frank, they sounded “pretty good”.
The Capris toured and performed nationally – “There’s a Moon Out Tonight” spent 14 weeks on the charts peaking at number three. The song was ranked at number 51 on Cash Box’s Top 100 hits of 1961. “Morse Code of Love” (1982) followed “Moon Out Tonight” and once again enjoys national radio exposure.
Frank Reina remains an original member and continues to perform with the current group, helping to preserve their classic doo wop legacy.
Let’s Welcome Frank Reina to MusicRadio WABC this Saturday
June 7, 2025. CB.
