'Bandstand' Memories
Once again, greetings and salutations. And what a night! If you missed our Sweetheart Dance at the Hilton with the Five Satins, don't miss our next big event. Looks like the Bunny Hop is coming your way for Easter. Stay tuned for more details. And by the way, talking about events, it's official -- we'll be going back to the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Fla. for two dancing days: Sunday and Monday, March 9 and 10. For more info, call 866-502-7529. And now, let's ask the Geator.
I have seen pictures of the dancers waiting outside of WFIL-TV to get into American Bandstand, but was curious about where everything was inside the building. Did the Bandstand podium face the control room? -- Ryan
Yes, the Bandstand podium faced the control room, which means it faced west, as the control room faced east. The executive entrance to WFIL was farther away from 46th Street, and the studio where guests would enter was closest to 46th and Market. You would enter, make a left, and the studio was on your right.
And here's a great trivia question about Bandstand: What was the name of the candy store and soda fountain everyone would go to before and after the show? Answer at the end of the column.
I recently traveled from Boston for your fantastic concert at the Kimmel Center. Seeing such great acts backed by a full orchestra with strings was a special treat. I noticed that the Three Degrees did not perform. Is there any chance they will be on a future bill? -- Noah S.
The girls primarily work in Europe, so one of the problems in booking them is their availability. The specific problem we had at the Kimmel is that they were booked for the Jan. 26 show, but had last-minute scheduling problems getting out of London in time to make the show. We'll keep you posted on their next availability.
What is the name of the lead singer of the group that sings "In the Chapel in the Moonlight"? Is he still performing? I thought he had a great voice. Did he ever become a solo? -- Marlene M.
That's none other than Junior Pirollo, singing with the Fabulous Four, who as you may know from this column originally were the Four J's ("Rock & Roll Age"). The group had disbanded around 1958, but reunited in 1960 when Bob Marcucci asked them to accompany Fabian on the road. After the tour they recorded for Bob's Chancellor label as the Fabulous Four, releasing "Chapel in the Moonlight," then as the Four J's again on the Jamie label, with "By Love Possessed" -- which Junior originally wanted to do as a solo -- and "Here Am I Broken-Hearted." Junior still performs occasionally with the group.
Answer to trivia question: Pop Singer's at the corner of Farragut & Market streets, as soon as you got off the El.
Got a question for Jerry? Send it to AskTheGeator@atlanticcityweekly.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!
As we go to press, I am in California attending the private memorial for my dear friend Dick Clark, who wrote the introduction to my book ...
Article:
Making New Memories
Article:
Geator Stays ‘Forever Young’
Article:
Memories Is Back
Article:
Sedaka and the Globetrotters
Article:
Different Crickets
Article:
Slade (Not Spacek) as Carrie?
Article:
Annette Funicello R.I.P.
Article:
To the Fifth
Dimension
Share this Story: