18 – TEEN IDOLS

Between 1958 and 1963, a whole new crop of teen hearthrobs burst onto the scene. Rock was in a state of limbo. Little Richard had joined the ministry, Chuck Berry was in jail, Jerry Lee Lewis had lost favour with the public and Elvis Presley had been drafted. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper had died in a plane crash. Many of rock's originators were missing from the scene and TV shows like Dick Clark's "American Bandstand" were promoting squeaky clean teen idols as the new heroes. Rock - originally a youth oriented music form was now being manipulated by big business. As a result, much of the music lost its edge.

Many of the new pop stars, chosen mostly for their good looks, were starred either in TV shows or creampuff movies geared specifically to the teen market. The most common vehicles were the beach films such as those featuring Frankie Avalon and Annette. Both the music and the plot were secondary to the unending parade of bikini clad females and perfectly groomed males.

Although most of the so-called teen idols were high on looks and low on talent, several rather remarkable entertainers managed to rise above the genre, proving themselves to be much more than pretty faces. From Canada came the gifted singer/songwriter Paul Anka who became a respected international artist. Beginning as a teen idol on his parents' TV sitcom, Rick Nelson also emerged as a legitimate pop/rock original. A rhythm singer named Bobby Darin incorporated big band jazz into his style and the unique vocals of balladeer Gene Pitney put him on a par with M.O.R. frontrunner Johnny Mathis.

For the most part, the overwhelming success of the teen idols was solid proof of the power of the teenage female as the major record buying force. The teen idols lost their impact as hard rock later claimed the airwaves, but they did manage to return in one form or another especially during the 1970's with the advent of the likes of David Cassidy and John Travolta.

THE MAJOR TEEN IDOLS

EDDIE FISHER

• See The Sing Era

RICK NELSON

• Eric Hilliard Nelson (May 8, 1940 - Dec. 31, 1985)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor born in Teaneck, New Jersey.
• The second son of bandleader Ozzie Nelson and vocalist Harriet Hilliard.
• March, 1949 - Ricky and his brother David began appearing on their parents' radio program, later playing themselves on the Nelsons' TV sitcom, "Ozzie And Harriet" from 1952 to 1966.
• 1957 - Ricky branched out as a pop singer, becoming a major teen idol.
• May, 1957 - Released his debut single, "A Teenager's Romance" backed with "I'm Walking," a Fats Domino cover.
• Jan., 1958 - His debut album, "Ricky" was released, hitting #1.
• He often used The Jordanaires as his vocal backup group and ace guitarist James Burton (Aug. 21, 1939 – ).
• Nelson developed a distinctive easy going style with a rockabilly base. He became a respected singer/songwriter and charted numerous hits.
• May 8, 1961 - On his 21st birthday, changed his name from Ricky to Rick.
• Aug., 1962 - Released the ironic "Teen Age Idol" which went to #5.
• Jan. 7, 1963 - Signed a 20 year contract with Decca Records.
• May, 1966 - Began recording country rock music after The British Invasion put his career on hold.
• May, 1969 - Formed The Stone Canyon Band featuring a satisfying country rock style.
• Film appearances include "Rio Bravo"(1959), "The Wackiest Ship In The Army"(1960) and "Love And Kisses"(1965).
• Oct. 15, 1971 - After being booed at a Rock And Roll Revival concert, Nelson penned "Garden Party" in response.
• Dec. 31, 1985 - Died in a plane crash near DeKalb, Texas.
• Jan., 1987 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• His daughter is actress Tracy Nelson and twin sons Gunnar and Matthew formed the pop/rock group Nelson in 1990.
• Hits include "I'm Walking"(May, 1957)#4, "A Teenager's Romance" (May, 1957)#2, "Be-Bop Baby"(Oct., 1957)#3, "Stood Up"(Dec., 1957)#2, "Poor Little Fool"(July, 1958)#1-2 wks., "Lonesome Town" (Oct., 1958)#7, "It's Late"(March, 1959)#9, "Travelin' Man" (April, 1961)#1-2 wks., "Hello Mary Lou"(May, 1961)#9, "Teenage Idol"(Aug., 1962)#5, "For You"(Dec., 1963)#6 and "Garden Party" (July, 1972)#6.

PAUL ANKA

• See The Great 1950's Pop Stars

BOBBY DARIN

• Walden Robert Cassotto (May 14, 1936 - Dec. 20, 1973)
• Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/actor born in The Bronx, New York.
• Played drums, bass, piano, vibraphone and guitar.
• A versatile singer with impeccable timing and creative improvisational skills.
• Stricken with rheumatic fever 5 times before the age of 12, permanently damaging his heart. He was told he would not live past the age of 13.
• 1956 - Wrote "My First Love" with music publisher Don Kirshner.
• April 7, 1956 - Signed to Decca and later dropped.
• March, 1956 - Made his TV debut with Tommy Dorsey.
• 1957 - Signed to the Atlantic subsidiary Atco.
• June, 1958 - His recording of "Splish Splash" went to #3.
• Sept., 1959 - His jazzy recording of "Mack The Knife" went to #1- 9 wks., selling over 7 million copies and winning him Record Of The Year and Best New Artist Grammys. It was originally titled "Moritat" from Kurt Weill's classic "Threepenny Opera"(1928).
• Film appearances include "Pepe"(1960), "Come September"(1961), "Hell Is For Heroes"(1962) and "Too Late Blues"(1962).
• 1960 - Married actress Sandra Dee and moved to Hollywood, California. They had a son, Dodd Mitchell Darin.
• By 1961, he was averaging $350,000 a year.
• 1962 - Signed with Capitol Records, later returning to Atlantic in 1966.
• 1963 - Received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his performance in the film, "Captain Newman, M.D."
• 1963 - Formed his own company TM Music.
• May, 1966 - Announced his marriage to Dee was over.
• 1969 - Stopped playing the nightclubs and took his new folkie act on the college circuit. Later, he returned to the clubs when the new act failed.
• Feb., 1971 - 2 artificial valves were installed in his heart.
• Dec. 20, 1973 - Died on the operating table during corrective heart surgery in Los Angeles, California.
• 1990 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Hits include "Queen Of The Hop"(Oct., 1958)#9, "Dream Lover" (April, 1959)#2, "Beyond The Sea"(Jan., 1960)#6, "You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby"(Sept., 1961)#5, "Things"(July, 1962)#3, "You're The Reason I'm Living"(Jan., 1963)#3 and "If I Were A Carpenter"(Oct., 1966)#8.

ANNETTE

• Annette Funicello (Oct. 22, 1942 – )
• Singer/actress born in Utica, New York.
• 1955 - Became a mouseketeer on TV's "The Mickey Mouse Club" and consequently, a long standing member of the Disney family.
• Starred in several films with Frankie Avalon including "Beach Party"(1963), "Bikini Beach"(1964) and "Beach Blanket Bingo" (1965).
• 1992 - Diagnosed with muscular sclerosis.
• Hits include "Tall Paul"(Jan., 1959)#7, "O Dio Mio"(Feb., 1960) #10 and "Pineapple Princess"(Aug., 1960)#11.

GENE PITNEY

• (Feb. 17, 1941 – )
• Singer/songwriter/arranger/pianist/drummer/guitarist born in Hartford, Connecticut.
• Nicknamed "The Rockville Rocket."
• Raised in Rockville, Connecticut.
• 1959 - Recorded with Ginny Arnell as Jamie & Jane.
• 1960 - Recorded as Billy Bryan.
• 1960 - Began recording as Gene Pitney.
• 1961 - His recording of "Every Breath I Take," produced by Phil Spector was the most expensive recording session of the year - $14,000.
• Famous for his unique vocal intonation, semi-operatic range and dramatic delivery.
• Pitney worked in The Brill Building and wrote hit songs for other artists including "Hello Mary Lou" for Rick Nelson, "He's A Rebel" for The Crystals and "Rubber Ball" for Bobby Vee.
• His boyish good looks made him a teen favourite.
• Experimented with overdubbing, recording as many as 7 vocals on one track.
• 1964 - Played piano on The Rolling Stones recording of "Little By Little."
• 1965 - Recorded "I've Got Five Dollars And It's Saturday Night" with George Jones as George And Gene.
• Extremely popular in Britain.
• Hits include "Every Breath I Take"(Aug., 1961)#42, the million selling "Town Without Pity"(Oct., 1961)#13, the million selling "(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance"(April, 1962)#4, "Only Love Can Break A Heart"(Sept., 1962)#2, "It Hurts To Be In Love"(July, 1964)#7, "I'm Gonna Be Strong"(Oct., 1964)#9 and "She's A Heartbreaker"(May, 1968)#16.
• Recommended single - "Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart"(Jan., 1989)#1 UK (with Marc Almond).

BOBBY VEE

• Robert Thomas Velline (April 30, 1943 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Fargo, North Dakota.
• 1959 - After Buddy Holly's death, Vee and his group The Shadows (which include his brother Bill on lead guitar) filled in for him on his Fargo date.
• Aug., 1959 - His first disc, "Suzie Baby," credited to Bobby Vee & The Shadows went to #77.
• Film appearances include "Play It Cool"(1962) and "Just For Fun" (1963).
• Hits include the million selling "Devil Or Angel"(Aug., 1960)#6, the million selling "Rubber Ball"(Nov., 1960)#6, "Take Good Care Of My Baby"(Aug., 1961)#1-3 wks., "Run To Him"(Nov., 1961)#2 and "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes"(Dec., 1962)#3.

BOBBY VINTON

• Stanley Robert Vinton (April 16, 1935 – )
• Singer/songwriter/trumpeter born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
• 1960 - His band was the backing group for The Dick Clark Caravan Of Stars.
• 1962 - Went solo, winning a poll as The Most Promising Male Vocalist Of The Year.
• Later, he became known as "The Polish Prince," hosting his own TV variety show.
• Hits include "Roses Are Red My Love"(June, 1962)#1-4 wks., "Blue On Blue"(May, 1963)#3, "Blue Velvet"(Aug., 1963)#1-3 wks., "There I've Said It Again"(Nov., 1963)#1-4 wks., "Mr. Lonely"(Oct., 1964)#1 and "Melody Of Love"(Sept., 1974)#3.

FREDDY CANNON

• Frederick Anthony Picariello (Dec. 4, 1939 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Lynn, Massachusetts.
• As Freddy Karmon, played guitar for groups touring in Boston.
• 1958 - Signed with Bob Crewe at Swan Records who renamed him Freddy Cannon.
• His nickname, "Boom Boom" came from the big pounding drum sound heard on most of his recordings.
• His Swan recordings featured band arrangements by Frank Slay.
• A regular guest on Dick Clark's American Bandstand.
• 1960 - His album, "The Explosive Freddy Cannon" went to #1 in the UK.
• 1963 - Appeared in the British film, "Just For Fun."
• During the 1970's, became a promotion man for Buddah Records.
• Hits include "Tallahassie Lassie"(May, 1959)#6, "Way Down Yonder In New Orleans"(Nov., 1959)#3, "Transistor Sister"(July, 1961) #35, "Palisades Park"(May, 1962)#3 and "Action"(Aug., 1965)#13.

THE BANDSTAND BOYS

FRANKIE AVALON

• Francis Thomas Avallone (Sept. 18, 1939 – )
• Singer/actor/trumpet player born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• 1956 - Singer/trumpeter for Rocco And His Saints.
• Jan., 1958 - His recording of "Dede Dinah" went to #7. The odd vocal tone on that specific recording was achieved by holding his nose.
• Achieved his initial exposure on American Bandstand. Became a teen idol and eventually came to be known as one of The Bandstand Boys.
• Appeared in a series of films with Annette including "Beach Party"(1963), "Bikini Beach"(1964) and "Beach Blanket Bingo" (1965).
• Other film appearances include "Disc Jockey Jamboree"(1957) and "The Carpetbaggers"(1962).
• Appears regularly with other Bandstand Boys Fabian and Bobby Rydell.
• Hits include "Ginger Bread"(July, 1958)#9, "Venus"(Feb., 1959)#1- 5 wks., "Bobby Sox To Stockings"(May, 1959)#8 and "You Are Mine" (March, 1962)#26.

FABIAN

• Fabiano Forte Bonaparte (Feb. 6, 1943 – )
• Singer/actor born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• 1957 - Age 14, he was discovered by Bob Marcucci, the owner of Chancellor Records. His vocal talents minimal, his appeal was based on his exceptional good looks. Fabian was the ultimate manufactured teen idol.
• 1958 - Sang with an obscure group called The Four Dates.
• Film appearances include "North To Alaska"(1960), "The Longest Day"(1962), "A Bullet For Pretty Boy"(1970) and "Disco Fever" (1978).
• 1973 - Posed nude for "Playgirl Magazine."
• Appears regularly with other Bandstand Boys Frankie Avalon and Bobby Rydell.
• Hits include "Turn Me Loose"(March, 1959)#9, "Tiger"(June, 1959) #3 and "Hound Dog Man"(Nov., 1959)#9.

BOBBY RYDELL

• Robert Louis Ridarelli (April 26, 1942 – )
• Singer/drummer born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• 1951-1954 - Drummer for Rocco And His Saints.
• 1958 - His recording of "Fatty Fatty" was a failure.
• June, 1959 - His recording of "Kissin' Time" went to #11.
• Along with Frankie Avalon and Fabian, his career took off with the exposure he received on Dick Clark's "American Bandstand."
• Vocally, he was the most accomplished of The Bandstand Boys.
• Film appearances include "Bye Bye Birdie"(1963) and "That Lady From Peking"(1970).
• Hits include "We Got Love"(Oct., 1959)#6, "Wild One"(Feb., 1960) #2, "Swingin' School"(May, 1960)#5, "Volare"(July, 1960)#4 and "Forget Him"(Nov., 1963)#4.

A SELECTED LISTING OF HITS BY OTHER TEEN POP IDOLS

• Steve Alaimo - "Every Day I Have To Cry"(Jan., 1963)#46.
• Ann-Margret - "I Just Don't Understand"(July, 1961)#17.
• Ed "Kookie" Byrnes & Connie Stevens - "Kookie, Kookie Lend Me Your Comb"(April, 1959)#4.
• Jimmy Clanton - "Just A Dream"(July, 1958)#4.
• Johnny Crawford - "Cindy's Birthday"(May, 1962)#8.
• James Darren - "Goodbye Cruel World"(Oct., 1961)#3.
• Patty Duke - "Don't Just Stand There"(June, 1965)#8.
• Eddie Hodges - "I'm Gonna Knock On Your Door"(June, 1961)#12.
• Brian Hyland - "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" (July, 1960)#1.
• Hayley Mills - "Let's Get Together"(Sept., 1961)#8.
• Paul Petersen - "My Dad"(Nov., 1962)#6.
• Teddy Randazzo - "The Way Of A Clown"(April, 1960)#44.
• Tommy Sands - "Teen-Age Crush"(Feb., 1957)#2.
• Johnny Tillotson - "Poetry In Motion"(Oct., 1960)#2.

ALSO SEE

• Chapter 19: The Great 1950'S Pop Stars
• Chapter 20: The Brill Building
• Chapter 24: American Rock And Pop Of The Sixties
• Chapter 25: The British Invasion
• Chapter 31: Rock And Pop Of The Seventies

BIBLIOGRAPHY