Jan. 3, 2013 -
PRLog -- Too few of us see our childhood dreams come true. Such is not the case for Long Island Singer John Cannella. Known professionally as Johnny The Oldies Singer, Cannella had what he refers to as the "honor and privilege" to perform for the family of the man he calls his childhood idol and who he credits with inspiring his career. That man, the late great New York vocalist Johnny Maestro is a legend in the music business. "Johnny had one of the purest sounds I've ever heard in a singer says Cannella and unlike many aging vocalists he never lost it". "I had the pleasure of meeting Johnny through a mutual friend/ entertainer a few years ago." "To me it was as thrilling as having an audience with the Pope himself says Cannella." " The Maestro" as I always called him, began his career with the Crests around 1957. And I started with a group called "Destination"
in 1962.We were just a local group says Cannella. We used the underpass tunnel at the LIRR to rehearse. And we anxiously awaited the release of the Crest's next song. We used to fight over leads to his songs. I did 2nd tenor and lead. But when it came to Johnny's songs I usually won out. I would do lead to"16 Candles" and "The Angels Listened In" and" I still do those songs today "says the man who calls himself Johnny The Oldies Singer. I was shocked and saddened to hear of Johnny's passing says Cannella. "No one I know even knew he was sick. He definitely had a lot more songs left."In August of this past year Cannella got a call from a man he calls a 911 hero named Joe. Joe is a NY cop who worked the 911 scene and in my mind, says Cannella, is a true American hero. Joe was planning a party for his mother and her twin sister who are first cousins of Johnny Maestro. They had heard Cannella sing and wanted to know if he was available to appear at their party. I was blown away says Cannella. "Could I make it? WOW you better believe I can make it" Johnny (the oldies singer) recalls saying. Leading up to the day of the party I was really conflicted . Should I sing Johnny's songs or would it be too sad given that his passing was so fresh in everyone's mind. I decided not to sing his songs unless the family requested them which ultimately they did. I sang 16 Candles. It was very emotional says Cannella.I had to fight back tears and I didn't want to screw it up because the song has a big note ending. It was so wonderful to meet and speak with Johnny's family. They are a great group of people. I am so thankful to Joe not only for hiring me but also for the wonderful FIVE STAR party performance review that he posted online. To me this was the thrill of a lifetime!
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