R.I.P. Johnny Maestro
Johnny Maestro, born John Mastrangelo, was an American singer who was born in Brooklyn, New York on May 7th, 1939. He was best known as lead vocalist of the doo-wop group, The Crests. Formed in the mid-1950s, they were one of the earliest racially mixed musical acts (consisting of 3 African Americans, 1 Puerto Rican, and of course, Maestro, who was of Italian descent).
With Johnny Maestro as their lead singer, they achieved success with songs like “Six Nights a Week” and today’s song choice. In the 1960s, he joined The Brooklyn Bridge, and in 2004, he was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
On this very day, March 24th 2010, Johnny Maestro died of lung cancer (at 70 years of age). In memory of his passing, exactly 14 years ago today, I’ve chosen a classic ballad that really showcases his smooth tenor vocals. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free to use the provided link. Released in the year 1958, here’s the Crests, featuring the late JOHNNY MAESTRO, with “16 CANDLES”….