jrs
06-27-10, 02:39 AM
I was at a BBQ earlier on at the house of a family friend. Other people came over and a couple of them were two of The Imaginations - Phil and Pete Agtuca (both standing on the right). It was cool to meet them because I have only seen old photos/videos and heard their music. I knew who they were because my Mom told me all about the group and had played them like religiously (lol). She grew up with them practically...she went to high school with them. As well as Bobby Bloom (sitting down center), who unfortunately passed away in 1974.
http://i48.tinypic.com/20p7oso.jpg
Formed in Bellmore, Long Island, New York, USA, in 1961, doo-wop group the Imaginations consisted of Frank Mancuso (lead), Bobby Bloom (first tenor), Phil Agtuca (second tenor), Pete Agtuca (baritone) and Richard LeCausi (bass). In April 1961, Music Makers released the group's "Goodnight Baby', which featured King Curtis on saxophone. The Imaginations" second studio engagement came as back-up singers for Darlene Day, and, with studio time remaining, they also recorded two of their own songs, "Guardian Angel" and "Hey You".
http://i49.tinypic.com/2i6ngq8.jpg
When the tracks formed their second single, both sides attracted airplay, and the record was licensed to Duel Records, although too late, apparently, to allow it a chance to reach the national charts. Despite this, "Hey You", primarily through repeated radio plays, became established as one of the most popular vocal group records in the New York area throughout the early 60s. However, that impetus was stalled when Mancuso joined the air forces, and Music Makers closed down. Bobby Caupin took over on lead as the group switched to a new title, the Ebonaires. A single was recorded ("Chapel Bells") but never released. Still not dispirited, Bobby Bloom took over on lead as the group then reverted to their former name for "Wait A Little Longer Son", issued on new label Ballad Records. Again a release of genuine quality, it too was picked up for extended distribution, this time by Laurie Records. By 1963 the group had broken up, but they re-formed when producers Pete Antell and John Linde took an interest in their careers. Bloom, Phil Agtuca and LeCausi were then joined by John Governale (first tenor) and Pete Lanzetta (baritone) in the Expressions.
They Recorded...
As The Imaginations.
-I Hate To See A Little Girl Crying .Unreleased-1961.
-The Search Is Over/Goodnight Baby.Music Makers Records-1961.
-Guardian Angel/Hey You.Music Makers/Bomarc Records-1961.
-Mamma Little Baby/Wait A Little Longer Son.Ballad Records-1962
-I'll Never Let You Go/The Mystery Of You.Harvey Records-1976.
As Darlene Day & The Imaginations.
-I Love You So/Will.Music Makers Records-1961.
As The Expressions.
-To Cry/On The Corner.Parkway Records-1963.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3lF5yWLeSU
Source: White Doo Wop Collector (http://whitedoowopcollector.blogspot.com/2008/11/imaginationswait-little-longer-son.html)
http://i48.tinypic.com/20p7oso.jpg
Formed in Bellmore, Long Island, New York, USA, in 1961, doo-wop group the Imaginations consisted of Frank Mancuso (lead), Bobby Bloom (first tenor), Phil Agtuca (second tenor), Pete Agtuca (baritone) and Richard LeCausi (bass). In April 1961, Music Makers released the group's "Goodnight Baby', which featured King Curtis on saxophone. The Imaginations" second studio engagement came as back-up singers for Darlene Day, and, with studio time remaining, they also recorded two of their own songs, "Guardian Angel" and "Hey You".
http://i49.tinypic.com/2i6ngq8.jpg
When the tracks formed their second single, both sides attracted airplay, and the record was licensed to Duel Records, although too late, apparently, to allow it a chance to reach the national charts. Despite this, "Hey You", primarily through repeated radio plays, became established as one of the most popular vocal group records in the New York area throughout the early 60s. However, that impetus was stalled when Mancuso joined the air forces, and Music Makers closed down. Bobby Caupin took over on lead as the group switched to a new title, the Ebonaires. A single was recorded ("Chapel Bells") but never released. Still not dispirited, Bobby Bloom took over on lead as the group then reverted to their former name for "Wait A Little Longer Son", issued on new label Ballad Records. Again a release of genuine quality, it too was picked up for extended distribution, this time by Laurie Records. By 1963 the group had broken up, but they re-formed when producers Pete Antell and John Linde took an interest in their careers. Bloom, Phil Agtuca and LeCausi were then joined by John Governale (first tenor) and Pete Lanzetta (baritone) in the Expressions.
They Recorded...
As The Imaginations.
-I Hate To See A Little Girl Crying .Unreleased-1961.
-The Search Is Over/Goodnight Baby.Music Makers Records-1961.
-Guardian Angel/Hey You.Music Makers/Bomarc Records-1961.
-Mamma Little Baby/Wait A Little Longer Son.Ballad Records-1962
-I'll Never Let You Go/The Mystery Of You.Harvey Records-1976.
As Darlene Day & The Imaginations.
-I Love You So/Will.Music Makers Records-1961.
As The Expressions.
-To Cry/On The Corner.Parkway Records-1963.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3lF5yWLeSU
Source: White Doo Wop Collector (http://whitedoowopcollector.blogspot.com/2008/11/imaginationswait-little-longer-son.html)