Wednesday, November 14, 2018

THE PRETENDERS... Bethlehem & Al-Stan records

This white group from Reading, Pennsylvania called themselves the Pretenders, and was made up of Skip Pietrobone, Mick Dianna, Kenny Shott, Sam Talarico and Dan Wisniewski. At first it was a 100% white group.

In 1961 they recorded for the Bethlehem Records label owned by by Creed Taylor and Teddy Charles the songs "The Day You Are Mine" / "Ding Dong Bells". In April 1962 the Rock & Roll Band Barry Petricoin & The Belairs with The Pretenders as harmony back up group recorded for Al-Stan Records owned by Al Zanino the sides "Pettry Little Angel" / "Anything For You" "Ding Dong Bells" though the record label only published the first song and added an instrumental theme on the other side (Come Back To Sorrento), these recordings were reissued this year on the Swan label.

After this recording Kenny and Dan left the group and black singers Al Coleman and Jerry Prentice joined (Bill Yuhas of the group the Invictors also sang with them for a brief time).

The group performed at many concerts, festivals, but did not record again and in 1964 it dissolved. Sam Telerico founded the R&B Soul group Tali & The Hustlers and in 1993 the Pretenders reunited for various performances on the revival circuit.

LISTEN...


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