Reviews

"In 1993 my baby brother, who was 26 at the time, was killed in a horrific automobile accident in New Jersey. We were very close, and he was all I had, and I struggled to deal with his death. I kept praying to God, "I need to know if my brother is okay, and  I need to know where he is." It was my first experience with the death of someone close to me. As the months went on and I continued to struggle, one day  I was coming home from the cemetery in New Jersey, and I had on my favorite radio station out of New York City,  CBS FM. It was a terrific oldies station. All of the sudden, the disc jockey announced a song dedication,  and he said this is "to my sister Diane from her brother Dominic." I couldn't believe it because me brother's name was Dominic and my name is Diane. Even though they're common names, I really felt that the dedication was for me from my brother, and I became very upset. The song that came on the radio was a song called, "I believe." The song talked about where he was, and that he was okay, and the people were looking out for him, and that he went astray and needed help, but he was okay. I was overwhelmed and hysterical and told my husband that he had to find the song.  I had never heard the song before hearing it that day on the radio. My  husband found a 45 record  of the song, but  I never really paid attention to who sang it. So from that day on, if I was having an unusually bad day, I would play the song and just cry and miss my brother.  An opera singer would sing it on Christmas morning as we opened gifts on TV, or  it would play on the radio on my birthday. I would hear it when I would think of my brother and be missing him on the radio.  A few years later, Larry Chance and The Earls were playing at the Moscow Fair, and I didn't really make the connection that they were the ones that sang the song that meant so much to me..."I Believe." During the  concert, Larry  came over and sat on my lap, and we sang a song together. But, I still didn't know who he was, and then he started to sing the song "I believe". I looked at my husband in disbelief and asked him to please take me out. My husband said "No,  you need to sit here and listen to this!! The group who sang this song, which you heard on the radio, and which means so much to you is here. ..this is for you."  So I sat in the audience, three rows back and listened to Larry Chance and The Earls sing, and  I just silently sobbed. I prayed one day I would get to tell him, but I didn't want to bother him.

I met Larry on August 23, 2014 in Hamlin, PA. for The 5th Annual Big Dog Daddy Fest, hosted by Eddie Pappa Vee.  I told Larry a short version of the above story.  Every time that song comes on, I know that it's a message from my brother just reminding me he is okay. He did go astray, but there are people watching over him, and it has brought me years and years of comfort.  I believe it is  definitely a supernatural message for me, for struggling through the loss of my brother.  Every time I hear that song it's a gift...and to meet Larry Chance in person was a also a gift, and to tell him my story.. was priceless."

"Thank You" sooooooooooo very much Larry. Incidently, my friend, you and the guys were "Sensational, Super, Great, and Spectacular" as A L W A Y S !!! this past Saturday Night at Lehman. Stay well Larry. Give Debbie our Love !!!

"Rock On,"
Johnny Z :)

Last night at Sullivan County Community Collage, Carol and I went to a Great Show! It was a Full House...There he was.....Mr. Larry Chance with his Earls.....He was Wonderful and Funny!! He took us back in time with some Earls tunes..He sang some other tunes and told some jokes...This man KNOWS how to connect with people! He was in Great Voice and Had all of us Rockin' and Rollin' and Doo Woppin' !! The Chanceman IS DA MAN!

Anyone who has not seen him is missing out on something Very SPECIAL! It's a wonderful evening down memory lane! When they come to your area...Get tickets! Support The Earls and all those who gave us the music that "Gave Eyes to our Ears" YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY! Thank you Larry for another A-1 evening!
ROCK ON!
ROCK ON

We'd like for Larry to have scans of the images to use on his website or for personal use. I didn't scan them all because they are a bit repetitive, so if you'd like me to scan the rest of them, I'd charge a fee per image for my time. I have a band and a full time job. It's hard to find the time as I'm sure you know!

Our request is that we get a credit for website use on his site. And that if they are going to be used in a magazine or an album or any other web site or other such thing that we get paid for them.
How does that sound?

Cheers,
PC

I wanted to thank you and the Earls for coming out to Roosevelt Park on Sunday and “wowing” our audience – it was the happiest crowd I’ve seen all summer – you had them dancing in the pit, on the lawn and in the aisles!

On behalf of the Freeholders and myself, thank you for a great afternoon of music.

Best of luck to you with the rest of your concert schedule this year –

Sincerely,

Jackie Neill

Recreation Supervisor

Middlesex County Department of Parks & Recreation

I am SGT George Sinzer and I am a member of the New York Guard a State Militia or better known now as a State Defense Force, I am writing to you just to thank you for your long standing service in music.

I remember the first time you came to my home town of Peekskill, NY for the Riverfront Concerts and did “Charlie Brown” and when you walked into the crowd you came to me and had me do that one chorus.  It was for me not only fun but a thrill.

Larry, someday I hope to catch you in concert again, but I don’t know if or even when that may be but when it is I look forward to it.  Your music lifts my soul when I most need a lift.  I care for my mother now as she has Alzheimer’s and your music helps me more than you could ever know.

In the wake of the 9-11-01 attacks I listened to your music to help me during the down time and to get that needed distraction that we all need most.

God bless you for your talent (which I wish I had, but I will never know that) you’re a true gift to us in uniform...

Sincerely and respectfully,

George Sinzer

SGT, NYG, MP

I think my last letter was back when I still resided in Florida and you were getting ready to play at Ruth Eckerd Hall.  Anyway, I was just flipping through the channels and came across a Doo Wop special on the New Jersey Network with you on it.  I am sorry to hear about the cancer, I hope it is still gone.  It is a difficult time in my life right now, and it was great to see and hear some of the music that brought me back to a happier time.  I know sometimes people don't realize what kind of an impact they have on other peoples lives, and I wanted to thank you.  It was good to see Ronnie's picture on the site with Jennifer O'Neill.  If he hadn't introduced me to that musical era with the album you were working on, I would have missed out on some great music (it was considered "Oldies" to me at that time!)  I hope all is well with you.  Take care, bless you.

Margaret Velders-Esposito

Just this morning I had the distinct blessing of listening to you perform on a recent (2007?) PBS-TV special.  Truthfully, it was the third time I watched the program this week. I taped it.

     Sir, I thank our Lord that He, in his mercy and wisdom, gave you a gift that has brought joy to so many, especially me. From the instant I heard you way back when; I knew your voice was anointed. The blessing continues today.

     I’ve been asked many times why I think the music of that time (romance, vocal arrangements) is still so popular. I answer because the music that served as the backdrop of my coming of age was joyful, innocent, loving, warm, sincere, and spiritual for the most part. Moreover, for me, there were specific voices, arrangements, notes, and chords that in combination made me weep. It was/is electric, breathtaking, and sometimes, it felt like I was touching God’s face. Billy Ward and the Dominos, the Flamingos, Larry Chance and the Earls all have those qualities. I believe that is because of the joy inherent in your music.

     I gave thought, too, to the music of the late 60’s and early 70’s, and while there are some artists and songs that I liked, I rarely felt a spiritual connection.  Most of the voices in harmony, the vocal groups, had been replaced by electric guitar players with voices, rather than vocal artists with a backup band, and exhibited little respect for the bond of trust and intimacy between the audience and the artist. I digress.

     Last year, I was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Because of God’s mercy, they found it before it did real damage. They only had to remove my right kidney, ureter, and some intestine. I finished chemo in April and continue quarterly checkups. I go again Friday. To date, I’ve been clean and healthy.

     My prayer is that the Lord continues to bless you, and watch over you, and heal you completely. You, and your gifted voice, provide a ministry of sorts. When you sing, “I Believe,” I know you really do. I am transported back to a choir loft.  You have been a blessing to me.

     Perhaps, as a kid who grew up in Irvington, New Jersey, now living in Tampa, I might see you perform some day. Either back in Jersey or down here. Until then, I am content to watch the video. 

     Finally, my new book, The Life and Times of Tucker Pitts: 1957-1963 will be released by Thanksgiving. It follows the antics of a young boy coming of age in New Jersey in the late 50's and early 60's. Each chapter concludes with an interview did with some of the pioneers of Rock and Roll and Motown. I would love to send you a copy.

Blessings,

Douglas Forde Simms

We were at Bethpage High School this past weekend to see your excellent performance.

I continued to hear you sing by purchasing your latest CD….

I must tell you this cd is just great….you did a great job with it…I play it over and over…

Jay Seigel said Saturday night that at our age we don’t remember why we go into the

kitchen, but we remember each and every word of our favorite songs….

Amazing….they are very very special songs to be etched into our memory for such a number of years.

Right now I am listening to your “Love Letters” one of my all time favorite songs and hearing you sing this

just brings me into another time……You are an icon legend……

We go to every show that we can be at,  and I thank you for being at the shows still entertaining us at your young age…….

We are certainly a special generation like no other......and I am so happy to be a part of it….

Hoping to see you again real soon.

All the Best,

Janet Innamorata

My name is Fr. Eddie Bernal, and I am a Catholic Priest here in San Antonio Texas at St. Benedict Church.
I am writing to thank you for all the memories, and especially for your recent work with PBS doo wop concerts.  Whenever the local PBS station has a concert fundraiser, I always buy the DVDs.  Your music is a great ministry and comfort to me.  I enjoyed your music back in the day, and more than ever now.  I especially love " I Believe."
If you all are ever in the Texas area, it would be great to see you.
God bless,
Fr. Eddie

It was WONDERFUL to see you in State College in April.  Thank you for being so gracious.  I know my husband (although he would never admit it), loved singing with you.  Your voice is just so remarkable.  We purchased the solo album and I don't think I have stopped listening to it yet.  I am not normally a jazzy kind of listener, but you really know how to knock them out of the park!!!

Hope to see you sometime real soon.  Til then, be well.

Sincerely,

Helen and Bob Wallace, Harrisburg PA

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your performance last night at SCSC in New Haven. As always, everyone was on top of their game! The only disappointment was that your time on stage was TO SHORT!!!!!!  Larry, your voice is better than ever. Your range is phenomenal. I would also like to thank you for autographing my CD. You were so gracious to do that. I'm ordering your new CD and I know it won't be a disappointment. You are consistent with each song you sing. It's guaranteed entertainment! Well, God bless all of you and I look forward to hearing AND seeing you all again soon.
Thanks again, Sandy : )

My daughter and saw you perform this past Saturday at the Strand. You were absolutely terrific and it is wonderful that you are able to sing again. Your set was so enjoyable.

I Believe was my husband's all time favorite song (he loved the oldies). He passed away recently from cancer which the doctors felt was due to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. In fact, we always played the oldies for him when he was sick. We don't know if he heard it, but we have to believe he did.

Needless to say, I cried through your beautiful song; you sounded like a gift from above. 

Thank you again.

Joan Stopa

I can only speak for myself, roy, darcy and joe , but we were  disappointed that larry chance was on for such a short time. He puts  on such an awesome  performance. ----he gets the crowd going.  Please  bring him back, 1 hr. Would be wonderful........:)           if you  don't mind some suggestions "the classics" put on a nice show.  "tony  orlando" is awesome.  Don't forget larry chance......... If we could  only pick one, it would be "larry chance"  without question.  I hope  you don't mind this email pearl.  I just felt that you would like to  know. Thank you. You are still awesome and we enjoy comingto your shows.  Give us a heads up for the next one and we will be  there.

TAKE CARE, BERNI PASCONE

 I just wanted to write and thank you again for all you and the band do.  As you know, I am a priest here in the Archdiocese of San Antonio and Pastor of St. Benedicts Catholic Church.  Last night I was having a few drinks and food with some of our parishioners at an informal Christmas  party.   All of us are over 60.  I was telling them about the DVDs I have and they wanted to listen and watch.   We put them on, and your music again touched many people there, especially 2 airborne veterans who were in the room with us, and one cancer survivor.  There was not a dry eye in the room when you shared your cancer story and dedicated "I Believe" to the member of your group.   You continue to touch so many people, people you do not even know.
I pray that you continue to do well and  I  pray you have a beautiful Christmas and  New Years.  It is still a dream of mine that someday you all will be in San Antonio or close  to San Antonio.   A few years back they had a doo wop concert here.  I got to meet Kathy Young, and that was a big thrill for me.
God bless you Larry
Fr. Eddie Bernal

I am very aware of you and your group.  In fact, I have many of your cd's.  Whenever you are in the area I bring a group and we sit about 8 rows back center.  I am also friends with you on Facebook.  You are really one talented cat especially when you do stand up on stage.  We always laugh at your jokes and wisdom.  I definitely will be including some of your tunes and even have some of your non-released recordings.  A very old dj gave me boxes of 45's that were promotional copies not for resale.  I have been digitizing them on to a hard drive and storing them for safe concerns.  These are treasures that I will never lose due to mishandling or abuse.

Your friend,

Al.......  aka Alphonic Al, aka Professor Al, aka Wax Man

Now, in all sincerity, when listening to Doo Wopp music produced by white Groups, after Dion and the Belmonts, in my mind the next most influential white Doo Wopp Pioneer Group was The Earls. Your material recorded on Rome was classic Doo wopp and not "bubble gum" sounding like many of the other white groups such as the Mystics, the Lydells, the Jamies, etc. None of the white groups possessed a lead singer having the power, range, quality, soul and showmanship of you. Further, in "Looking For My Baby", the sound successfully employed in the background ( Run Run Runado Runado Chickie Wah Wah) was a classic example of early  Black Doo Wopp nonsensical lyrics that subsequent white groups attempted to employ, although unsuccessfully. You were truly a major influence in the bridging of Black Doo Wopp harmony with white Doo Wopp harmony. You have NEVER received just recognition for your contribution to Rock and Roll vocal group harmony.

In my humble opinion, there were 3 great black male vocal groups in the early 1940's that served as the foundation of Doo Wopp music although they sang strictly pop. They were The Mills Brothers, The Delta Rhythm Boys and the Inkspots. Their harmony would evolve by the late 1940's into Rhythm and Blues which would be exemplified by groups such as The Orioles, Ravens, Five Keys, Clovers and Dominoes. Again in my opinion, this R&B sound would begin to change after 1950 and by 1953 ultimately became Doo Wopp Music. In 1953-54, the Cadillacs, Drifters and Spaniels became among the better known early Doo Wopp Groups. Later on, the Doo Wopp Music would become more commercialized and popularized by groups such as The Teenagers, The Five Satins and Dion and the Belmonts. However, we owe all of this music to The Mills Brothers and their peers.

Hey, Larry @ gang ,I took out my collection of Pbs recordings last night, & though it been several years since i have listened to them you were a standout Group performing that, night On the (rock rhythum& doo Woo=volume 2) & to my surprise the dvd was missing from the jacket---I have the time warner collection of 10 ) of those produced by j lubinsky & j Butler..So I went on line looking for Hits from the past "I did puchase One of your Albums" "Remember Then",& a Single,''You still a standout group, & Larry You Must have been sitting in On My Doo Wop" Corner sessions, Your Riffing & Timing is Impeccable' Got to be some Collard Greens & Neckbones In your DNA... We Love you & Remember, "The Songwriter Says' The Melody lingers On & On'..So don't Quit..OK?. Scoot from Chi -Town 

Monday, Aug. 27, 2012

Custom Publication of the Bangor Daily News

Larry Chance & The Earls: Doo-Wop

                         Spanning from the late 50s into the new millennium, Larry Chance & the Earls have pleased audiences with their     flawless harmonies, ceaseless vitality and endearing dedication to their fans. The group represents the music  that helped define  rock and roll, the original doo-wop era that put the street-corner society onto the national charts.

Larry Chance was born in Philadelphia, raised in a neighborhood noted for its show-business roots that spawned such talents as Fabian, Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, Mario Lanza, Danny & the Juniors, Joey Bishop, David Brenner, and many more. It was here that Chance began his love affair with show business.

When his family moved to the Bronx, N.Y., in 1955, Chance discovered that vocal groups were found on almost every street corner. He developed one of his own in 1957 with five friends, The High-Hatters. By 1960 the group had evolved into “the Earls.” Through the years, the original members moved on to other things.

Bobby “T” Tribuzio is such a gifted drummer that one wonders if the “T” stands for “talented.” Born and raised in Little Italy in theBronx, Tribuzio was born with a drumstick in his hand. He spent most of his childhood listening to jazz and jazz drummers; Gene Krupa was a huge influence and is still his idol.

Tribuzio backed up Dion at neighborhood functions. Nightclubs were next on the agenda, when at 16 he joined a rock-and-roll group called “Richie and the Perfections.” Tribuzio joined the Earls in 1963. Never really liking the rock and roll he played before, he loved working with Chance. Tribuzio has backed up such luminaries as Chuck Berry, Bo Diddly, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Ruby and the Romantics, The Shirelles, Chubby Checker, The Flamingos, The Drifters, and Patti La Belle.

Bobby Coleman joined the Earls more recently on bass, guitar, keyboards, and vocals. Coleman is also a fine songwriter and has teamed with Chance for many compositions on recent Earls albums. Earlier in his career, Coleman also worked with the Belmonts and the Regents.

Chuck Mearizo (guitar and vocals) is a fine sound engineer and has his own recording studio in Rutherford, N.J. In fact, two of the most recent Earls albums, “Back On the Streets of the Bronx” and “Moonlight Kiss,” were recorded at his studio.

Vitto Garcia is the most recent addition to the Earls. Garcia does bass, keyboards, guitar, drums, trombone, vocals, and more. He’s also a music instructor, arranger and composer.

The group has placed many songs on the charts, including “Life Is But a Dream,” “Never, I Believe,” and the classic “Remember Then.” They’ve recorded many other classics including “Looking For My Baby,” “Eyes,” “Kissin’,” and “Cry, Cry, Cry.” An Earls performance features audience participation and comedy. Chance’s comedy talents were featured on the Imus in the Morning show, where he performed, memorably, character voices for 10 years.

Larry Chance & the Earls were very honored to be inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame on June 21, 2008, joining such notables as Colin Powell, Regis Philbin, Danny Aiello, Red Buttons, Rita Moreno, Bobby Darin and Luther Vandross. This is the highest honor the borough bestows. Larry Chance & the Earls were also very honored to be inducted into the Wildwood, New Jersey Walk of Fame in 2008.