The Roots of Rockin' Roll January 26, 2008

This golden oldies spectacular features Jay and the Americans, Bill Haley's Comets, Vito Picone and The Elegants, The Fireflies, Sammy Sax and The MD's featuring Leslie Anderson -lead singer with Cleveland Still and The Dubs, pluss 10-year-old singing sensation KAYLA. Featuring 'Jay' Reincke (the third "Jay), the '60s pop group will perform such hits as 'This Magic Moment,' 'Cara Mia' and 'Come A Little Bit Closer.' The group recently bought back its rightful name in Federal Court. Also featured are three original members: Sandy Yaguda (aka Deane), Howie Kirschenbaum (aka Kane) and Marty Kupersmith (aka Sanders). Bill Haley's Comets (also called Bill Haley and His Comets or Bill Haley and The Comets) is known as the first rock and roll band. The group earned a place in The Guinness Book of World Records for selling 43 million copies of its greatest hit, 'Rock Around The Clock.' The founding father, Haley, died in 1981, but his legacy is carried on by Al Rappa, the bass player with an inimitable style who started touring with the band in 1956. Rappa acquired the rights to the name and continues to play the hits that made Haley great.