Atlantic City Weekly

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Once again, greetings and salutations. Yes, summer is in full swing, and Mother Nature didn’t mess with us this time. Memories was jam-packed the entire weekend with not only our regulars but folks from all over the country experiencing the magic of Memories in Margate. 


Lots of birthday parties, lots of bachelorette parties, too numerous to mention. And of course, nothing but stars. Freddie de Felice was well represented by sons Adrian and Mark, my man Anthony was represented by his mom and dad, and Sean and Justin were represented by two lovely ladies. And the entire Galdo clan lit up the dance floor on Saturday night. 


Of course, we can’t forget Willie Jacovini, and from Longport, the ever popular mother and daughter duo, Magdalena #1 and Magdalena #2. Magdalena #1 is one of the original Geatorettes when the Jack Daniels boys were dancing back in the day at Memories. And what can I say about Magdalena #2 except the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree? And on and on, with DJ Eddie Tully spinning along with DJ Joel Stephens. And you can hear it all on KOOL 98.3 every Friday and Saturday night, live from Memories in Margate. But now, let’s ask the Geator.


Today you played two versions of “Meanwhile Back in the Jungle.” One was the Cadets. Who was the other? You were right, it is the better version! 


— Wild Bill, New Holland, Pa.


The song is “Stranded in the Jungle” and the version you liked was the 1956 original by the Jay Hawks, although most people think the Cadets had the original version. The Jay Hawks later became the Vibrations, same group who recorded “Watusi Time” in 1961. You might also remember a song called “Peanut Butter” that came out in 1961 — again the same group, this time recording as the Marathons. 


Jerry, do you remember singing at the Gloucester City Park dances in the ’60s? My husband remembers you from there. 
— Stacey Roach, Mesa, Ariz.


Sure do. You’re talking about the very beginning of the Geator’s career when we used to have dances there. Occasionally we had some live groups, and whenever we did, I would get up and sing along to “Wine Wine Wine.” Incidentally, that was one of the first dances we ever did in Jersey back in the early ’60s. 


Do you have the lineup yet for next year’s show at the Kimmel? Most importantly, is Jay Black there? — Elaine Brutosky


We have not formulated who we’re going to have yet, but why don’t you as readers give us some of your favorite picks? Write to us at askthegeator@acweekly.com and we’ll take all your suggestions into consideration. My wish list also includes Jay Black, along with Darlene Love, Freda Payne, Candi Staton, the Trammps and Tavares.

Got a question for Jerry? Send it to AskTheGeator@acweekly.com or Geator Gold Radio, 626 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. For more info on Jerry’s appearances, go to www.geator.net — and keep on rocking, ’cause you only rock once!