Profiles
John M. Lamberti (Founding Member)
I started enjoying this new sound, Doo Wop Harmony, when I was 12 years old in Cambria heights, Long Island. My love and enthusiasm for that sound was overwhelming and I had to sing. My very first group was with some local friends, and one friend from Rosedale, Long Island; we called ourselves The Persuasions. We sang under the lamppost, train stations; we captured that sound and imitated many popular groups.
The following year was the start of high school, where it became more exciting to sing harmony in the lunch room, in the bathroom, or in the halls with an echo. At that time I was in three groups; one in Cambria Heights, where I lived, in high school, and in Rosedale. The group in Cambria Heights was called The Prominents, and The Persuasions was the group in Rosedale, Long Island. The Prominents made records in New York City at Sanders Recording Studio. We recorded on 78's and 45's and I still have one 45 record, and the others recordings were scattered among tithe other guys.
I eventually left The Persuasions and just sang with The Prominents. We sang at some schools, at fraternity dances and at record store openings. The Prominents broke up and I formed another group in Cambria Heights called Mickey and The Belvederes; Belvedere was the model of my 1957 Ford Convertible. We sang at parties and at a place called The White Brick Inn, which was a great place for dancing and meeting other groups. There was a contest at the White Brick Inn called the battle of the groups, we entered the contest and won.
The group called The Masters were judging, and their manager liked us and wanted to manage us. Each of us won $5 and i still have mine. We went to see the manager of The Masters, but we decided not to go with him, instead, we received our break at The Brille Building in New York City, where we hit all the record companies and auditioned for them live. One record company gave us a name of Michael Perricone, a writer for Chelsea records and other major companies. We met Mike and we auditioned for him. He introduced the group to Wally Zober of Chelsea Records and changed our name to "The Fabulaires".
Today, I am proud to have started the group again and be working with a bunch of professional guys that have great harmony and are a lot of fun.
Frank Diblasi
It's kind of funny how many "Doo
Wop" artists who had some success, have in common as a result of
their infatuation with their music. What if late in life you decide to
resign to those yesteryear's of single hood? The music of the 50's and
early 60's can do that. It can alter your state of mind. It is the only sound
that has an enormous interlude with passion and romance. There is no other!
Frank was born in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn and only a
few can boast to be a graduate of "street corner harmony". It is
nakedly obvious that his roots musically are in the church choir. He found
prominence on stage performing in the Christian Confraternity Dances. It
was actually in a subway (Halsey Street and Wycoff Avenue) that he landed a
contract with United Artists. Imagine scoring a record deal while in high
school. But "The Poquels" could not match the challenge of the
British invasion's mentality. So it's lifespan crumbled. His passion was
put aside. He attended Hunter college, graduated with a teaching degree in
biology, obtained a post doctorate degree in dental medicine and specialized in
orthodontics and dental-maxillofacial orthopedics. The steady diet of education
and a successful practice enabled him to jumpstart the group Champagne
(1995-1999). It earned him another contract with KEF RECORDS, Elliot Chiprut
(owner), He wrote "Simple Simon Says". In 2000, he gave birth to
COVER II COVER, and was voted by B103 radio as the BEST DOO WOP VOCALS and
BAND. He was dubbed the "Velvet Voice" of doo wop by the legendary
John Roper of the "BOB KNIGHT FOUR". Elliot Chiprut granted Frank
another contract with KEF.
Frank is well respected in his dental profession and as a
recording artist. He bathes in a prestigious reputation by his dental colleagues
and fellow recording artists. In 2004, he was discovered by Joseph Karp and
ordained the lead singer for Joey & The Paradons (1960- Diamonds &
Pearls)
He has shared the stage with The Dupress, Johnny Maestro,
Coasters, Larry Chance & The Earls, Drifters, Lenny Coco & The Chimes,
Earl Lewis & The Channels, Emil Stuchio & The Classics, Vito Balsamo,
Kenny Vance & The Planotones, The Tokens, Eternals, Velours, Dubs- just to
name a few.
He made personal appearances and performed live on the Don K
Reed "Doo Wop shop", Mickey B's "Juke Box Review" The
Tropicana hotel in Atlantic City, The Meadowlands' Eisenhower Park Band Shell,
Westbuy Music Fair, Ronnie I's U.G.H.A. and "From the Heart
Concert" at the Nassau Coliseum.
Frank has lived up to the Brooklyn tradition. His charismatic
personality magnetically draws the audience to become deputized fans. His
talent is still untouched by the years. A lively encore is always hinted at
even before it has started, as the set closes. They will make you escape
from the present drolls of life to a more blissful peace of mind. They are
hypnotically therapeutic.
HE IS A
FABULAIRE!
