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ROCK & ROLL CALL📞📞☎️📞
SANDY YAGUDA was born in the nation of Brooklyn, NY. He grew up in a household filled with jazz, blues, and classic vocal records, soaking up everything from Bessie Smith and Ella Fitzgerald to Frank Sinatra and the Four Freshmen. His fascination with harmonies began in childhood, inspired both by his older sister’s vocal lessons and by seeing Elvis Presley and Dion and the Belmonts on TV.
While still in high school Sandy formed a group called the Harborlites.
Okay Cousins, here’s the “kicker”-
The Harborlites eventually developed into Jay and the Americans with Sandy Yaguda , Howie Kane, Kenny Vance, and lead singer John “Jay” Traynor. The group signed a deal with United Artists and cut “Tonight,” from West Side Story, as their first recording. In 1962 Jay and the Americans had their first major hit: “She Cried”.
Sandy Yaguda’s role as a backing vocalist and vocal arranger helped give Jay and the Americans their polished, dramatic blend, and tight harmonies.
Jay Traynor left the group in 1963, and Jay Black took over as lead vocalist.
During the 1960s they scored a string of singles that became staples of American pop radio, including “Only in America,” “Come A Little Bit Closer,” “Cara Mia,” and “This Magic Moment”.
In 1973 the group split due to some financial and legal problems. Sandy and fellow originals Howie Kane and Marty Sanders purchased the rights and relaunched the act, taking their catalog of hits back on the road to a new generation of oldies audiences. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002.
Sandy continued touring under the Jay and the Americans banner and is the last founding member still performing with the group.
We proudly welcome an original “American” to our broadcast. Join the Cuz as we welcome Sandy Yaguda this Saturday 2/21/26.
CB