RICK & THE MASTERS (Taba, Haral and Cameo Records)

Group from South Philadelphia.the original members were Tony"Rick"Trombetta(Lead),Frank"Tweetie"Condo(1st Tenor),Mike"Teardrops"Silenzio(2nd Tenor) and Richie Finizio(Baritone/Bass), Richie was a cousin to South Philly Legend Bob Finizio of the 4 J's.

In the early '60s, Mike "Teardrops" Silenzio needed a lead singer for the doo-wop group he was putting together. Mike attended South Philadelphia High School and he was chums with Fabian Forte, Chubby Checker, Bobby Rydell and other kids. It wasn't until after a stint in the Navy that Mike found who he was looking for .Tony "Rick" Trombetta and Rick & the Masters were born.

The group had to make a record to further its career, and it was Billy DiMuro who gave it the opportunity when he started Taba Records.  Jim Cunningham and Billy DiMuro wrote "Flame Of Love". Billy also recorded with the group doing back-up vocals on several releases under the name Billy Lynn and Billy Lane. In actuality, Billy's real name was Trombetta, one of the Tony's Brothers.

The group recorded their first 45 RPM in 1962 on the tiny Taba label_Flame Of Love/Here Comes Nancy. later released on Cameo Records.

Their second recording came out on the Haral label in 1962_Bewitched,Bothered and Bewildered/Kissin Friends.and finally their last recording in 1963 was on Cameo With the cover version of_Let It Please Be You.originally done by The Desires and the B side_I Don't Want Your Love.

LISTEN...




Rick & The Masters doing back-up vocals on several releases of Billy Lynn,Bobby Young, Bobby Rydell, DonCovay, Johnny Maestro or Lee Andrews.

Listen to Rick & The Masters with Bobby Young(Real name Bobby Trombetta,Tony's younger brother) on the 1963 Guyden Records side_Only Girl For Me.

To Listen or Download please visit;http://www.box.net/shared/islesb5ro2

LISTEN...



The group disbanded by the end of the sixties,disbanded for variuos military and family obligations but in the early 90's Frank Condo back with a new Master's group.

Back up work....

BILLY LANE...

-Space Ship Blues / Beginner In Love (Rick & the Masters). Taba Records-1961.

BILLY LYNN...

-Only One For Me / Little Pony Tail. Amy Records-1961.
-Barbara / Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone. Cr Records-1962.

BOBBY YOUNG...

-Only Girl For Me / To Each His Own (Guyden Records-1963.

BOBBY RYDELL...

-Remember Then / no group. Cameo Records-1962.
-Butterfly Baby / no group. Cameo Records-1962.
-That's My Desire . Cameo ‎LP-1962.

LEE ANDREWS with RICH & THE MASTERS7HEARTS/DREAMLOVERS...

- I'm Sorry Pillow / Gee But I'm Lonesome. Parkway Records-1963.

JOHNNY GRECO...

-Rocket Ride / Why Don't You Love Me. Pageant Records-1963.

JOHNNY MAESTRO...

-Over The Weekend / no group. Cameo Records-1963.

DON COVAY...

-Popeye Waddle / no group. Cameo Records-1963.