Jay and The Americans
JAY AND THE AMERICANS, started by four teenage boys in Sandy Yaguda’s basement in 1961, is one of the lasting success stories in Rock “N Roll history. Few bands have ever reached the musical heights of JAY AND THE AMERICANS. From 1962 – 1971, this group charted an amazing FIVE “BILLBOARD TOP 10” hits and TWELVE “TOP 20” hit records.
Comprised of founding member Sandy Yaguda (aka Sandy Deanne), original member Marty Kupersmith (aka Marty Sanders), Darren Dowler (former lead singer of Paul Revere and The Raiders) plus the addition of the astounding lead vocals of Jay Reincke and the backing of the fantastic USA band, they faithfully recreate the authentic sound of their greatest hit songs.
JAY AND THE AMERICANS first recording was “TONIGHT” (from the musical “WEST SIDE STORY”), but their breakout hit was “SHE CRIED”. Their next chart hit was “ONLY IN AMERICA “, which they followed with hit songs ‘”COME A LITTLE BIT CLOSER” and “CARA MIA”, which hit the “BILLBOARD TOP 10” during the height of the ”British Invasion”. On February 11, 1964, JAY AND THE AMERICANS opened for “THE BEATLES” on their first live concert appearance in The United States. JAY AND THE AMERICANS also performed in concert with “THE ROLLING STONES”.
The hits continued with the group holding the distinct honor of recording of Neil Diamond’s hit song “SUNDAY AND ME” and their recording of “CRYING” pays homage to the legendary ROY ORBISON, with whom they toured. The group’s version of “SOME ENCHANTED EVENING” holds the record for most copies ever sold of this musical masterpiece. The group continued their music in the late 60’s with “THIS MAGIC MOMENT”, a “TOP 10” hit, and into the early 70’s with the beautiful “WALKIN’ IN THE RAIN”. These songs are featured in JAY AND THE AMERICANS’show, along with stories of the artists and writers who influenced this 60’s super group.
In 2002, JAY AND THE AMERICANS were inducted into the VOCAL GROUP HALL OF FAME, placing them among the greatest vocal groups in Rock and Roll history.