Very nice...always a favorite song of mine. This song takes me back to a wonderful time in my life. Johnny Maestro I believe would approve of this version.. RIP Johnny
I have always loved Joel. He is incredibly versatile. And a great guy too. (we have chatted on the phone, and he sent me albums, even before he received my check/payment). Do not compare him to Johnny, admire him for his longevity, versatility, and for filling in for his great friend. Salute to you Joel:) Johnny would be happy.
Joel is not only a great singer but a very humble and loving individual he was so honored to do lead for Johnny. And he expresses this on his website. As Johnny's wife, we have been friends with Joel many many years. He is such a grateful person, and I think he was done an injustice by hiring another lead singer, who is arrogant and has a bad attitude, he put stuff on FB that should have never been posted if he had any kind of class!! Johnny had it ALL!!!!!
I was very impressed with Joel's rendition....simply amazing!!! May not have the big name of Johnny Maestro but a credit to all lead singers. Can't give enough praise for Joel's voice, Bravo!
I saw Joel Katz in person. He may be helping out to keep Johnny's music going and thanks to him for that but his voice could NEVER compare to the only voice that transcends time - and that voice, dear world, belonged only to JOHNNY MAESTRO. NO ONE can duplicate Johnny's golden voice. He is and always will be missed so much. AND, by the way, any true Johnny Maestro fan can tell the difference. When Johnny sang, his voice reachd beyond your ears. When he sang, he touched your soul.
@Debs357 You miss the point, Johnny Maestro was one in a million with a blessed voice.Joel Katz was hired for many reasons.He was Johnny's dear friend, with Johnny singing backgrounds on Joel's CD's and even produced a few.Joel's covered so many Crest songs and knows the lyrics and how to sing the songs.He even sang with the Del Satins(Les and Frank)on many club dates.Johnny Maestro handpicked his friend to help and later replace him for now in the Brooklyn Bridge.You shouldn't even compare.
@judsons I think I speak for many of Johnny's fans when I say we are grateful that Joel was able to step in and help The Brooklyn Bridge keep Johnny's music alive at several concerts. What we don't like to hear is anyone referred to as replacing Johnny, as The Maestro is irreplaceable. A better way to phrase it is to say that Joel was a guest vocalist (and he is a really good singer).
@TopazDupree And that is how Joel Katz was billed when appearing with the Brooklyn Bridge. It is also how it was billed on Joel's website. joelkatzmusic period com forward slash concertdates. The Bridge had to fulfill some dates and Joel was Johnny's personal choice to fill in.
@Debs357 One more thing, if you ever listened to Joel's CDs, especially the Crests songs side by side, I bet it would be hard for you to tell the difference. Johnny had a naturally higher tenor voice than Joel has. But the quality of tone and pitch are equally the same. There are so many singers a bit off key, or slow & speed songs up. Joel stay true to the music and has been for 40 years in all recordings, shows and concerts. Joel also sings R&B and soul music just as well.
Joel Katz is currently the guest vocalist for The Brooklyn Bridge. We love and miss Johnny Maestro, but we are glad that his good friend, Joel, is helping The Bridge honor Johnny's wish that his music be kept alive. ♫♥♫
Topaz, from the Johnny Maestro Fan Club on Yahoo (JohnnyMaestroFans)
I used to follow Joel almost every month when he was with the Platinums and later Twilight. The group also played at my friend's wedding back in 1982. There was another wedding band in attendance at the time Joel was singing. They came over to watch him and his group perform and were literally mesmerized at the quality of the performance. Tom & Fran, Sue V. (A) , Linda, Gordon, Bill (myself) thank you for the memories.
There are certain singers that are dangerous to cover. Dion would be one, and Johnny Maestro would be the other. So to say Joel Katz has nailed this song is to pay him the ultimate compliment. An incredible rendition. Bravo!!!
for me this dude and j maestro voice are so close it's like they were twins both of them are my absolute favourites they are without doubt the king's of doowop!!!!!!!!!!!
Joel Katz actually is a cousin of mine, I learned that through my grandfather... have yet to meet him, but I hear that he's a great person... I should make it a point to go to a family reunion every now and then haha!
Joel Katz goes down as one of the best doo wop voice...and follows other great Jersey groups or duos like the Four Seasons (Three Friends), and the Knockouts.
We just listend to Johnny Maestro's version of What a Surprise, and WOW, Joel Katz is just as good a singer as Johnny Maestro, and this is coming from a few old musicians.
Definitely. FYI - Maestro sang background vocals with Joel for Joel Katz and the Dymensions. Check out "My Juanita". Just like the original, that's Johnny Maestro on background falsetto tenor. But the lead on the cover version is Joel Katz. That version is so close to the original, some can't tell the difference. Joel is still singing and better than ever.
Joel was not the original singer. But this version is 10 times better. It has clarity and uses the best singers and musicians. Joel has covered many Doo Wop hits. His Joel and the Dymension CDs are still selling out on every gig he does. The best kept secret in music.
Joel Katz is one of greatest lead singers of all time. The tragedy is the average doo wop fan has never heard of him. Listen to CD Joel and the Jersey groups. He's Absolutely phenomenal.
If I were chosen to fill in for Johnny, it would be an honor. Hats off to Joel for a beautiful tune.
dougc52346 11 months ago
@dougc52346 Very true, well said.
nyimtman 6 months ago
Joel Katz is a good Doo Wopp man, he's done a lot for the sound.
hubiethesaint 11 months ago 2
What a killer voice - goosebimps.
blinko7777 1 year ago
You can't copy a Maestro. Good try. It's a good tribute to greatness. Johnny would approve and be honored.
looniespoons 1 year ago
Very nice...always a favorite song of mine. This song takes me back to a wonderful time in my life. Johnny Maestro I believe would approve of this version.. RIP Johnny
afhyatt 1 year ago
I have always loved Joel. He is incredibly versatile. And a great guy too. (we have chatted on the phone, and he sent me albums, even before he received my check/payment). Do not compare him to Johnny, admire him for his longevity, versatility, and for filling in for his great friend. Salute to you Joel:) Johnny would be happy.
LuccaBB1 1 year ago
Joel is not only a great singer but a very humble and loving individual he was so honored to do lead for Johnny. And he expresses this on his website. As Johnny's wife, we have been friends with Joel many many years. He is such a grateful person, and I think he was done an injustice by hiring another lead singer, who is arrogant and has a bad attitude, he put stuff on FB that should have never been posted if he had any kind of class!! Johnny had it ALL!!!!!
hernandobeach 1 year ago
I was very impressed with Joel's rendition....simply amazing!!! May not have the big name of Johnny Maestro but a credit to all lead singers. Can't give enough praise for Joel's voice, Bravo!
dougc52346 1 year ago 6
I saw Joel Katz in person. He may be helping out to keep Johnny's music going and thanks to him for that but his voice could NEVER compare to the only voice that transcends time - and that voice, dear world, belonged only to JOHNNY MAESTRO. NO ONE can duplicate Johnny's golden voice. He is and always will be missed so much. AND, by the way, any true Johnny Maestro fan can tell the difference. When Johnny sang, his voice reachd beyond your ears. When he sang, he touched your soul.
Debs357 1 year ago 4
@Debs357 You miss the point, Johnny Maestro was one in a million with a blessed voice.Joel Katz was hired for many reasons.He was Johnny's dear friend, with Johnny singing backgrounds on Joel's CD's and even produced a few.Joel's covered so many Crest songs and knows the lyrics and how to sing the songs.He even sang with the Del Satins(Les and Frank)on many club dates.Johnny Maestro handpicked his friend to help and later replace him for now in the Brooklyn Bridge.You shouldn't even compare.
judsons 1 year ago 3
@judsons I think I speak for many of Johnny's fans when I say we are grateful that Joel was able to step in and help The Brooklyn Bridge keep Johnny's music alive at several concerts. What we don't like to hear is anyone referred to as replacing Johnny, as The Maestro is irreplaceable. A better way to phrase it is to say that Joel was a guest vocalist (and he is a really good singer).
TopazDupree 1 year ago 3
@TopazDupree And that is how Joel Katz was billed when appearing with the Brooklyn Bridge. It is also how it was billed on Joel's website. joelkatzmusic period com forward slash concertdates. The Bridge had to fulfill some dates and Joel was Johnny's personal choice to fill in.
judsons 1 year ago
@judsons thank you for your reply I wish people would understand the circumstances behind Joel singing with the BB. Grace Maestro
hernandobeach 1 year ago
@Debs357 One more thing, if you ever listened to Joel's CDs, especially the Crests songs side by side, I bet it would be hard for you to tell the difference. Johnny had a naturally higher tenor voice than Joel has. But the quality of tone and pitch are equally the same. There are so many singers a bit off key, or slow & speed songs up. Joel stay true to the music and has been for 40 years in all recordings, shows and concerts. Joel also sings R&B and soul music just as well.
judsons 1 year ago 3
He has such a good voice. Love listening to him sing
LovesDooWop 1 year ago
Joel Katz is currently the guest vocalist for The Brooklyn Bridge. We love and miss Johnny Maestro, but we are glad that his good friend, Joel, is helping The Bridge honor Johnny's wish that his music be kept alive. ♫♥♫
Topaz, from the Johnny Maestro Fan Club on Yahoo (JohnnyMaestroFans)
TopazDupree 1 year ago 9
One word - T R E M E N D O U S
bigbillee 1 year ago
I used to follow Joel almost every month when he was with the Platinums and later Twilight. The group also played at my friend's wedding back in 1982. There was another wedding band in attendance at the time Joel was singing. They came over to watch him and his group perform and were literally mesmerized at the quality of the performance. Tom & Fran, Sue V. (A) , Linda, Gordon, Bill (myself) thank you for the memories.
newjerseybt 2 years ago
wow that was great,never hear that before
ringo244 2 years ago
Dutch...you're right ! Joel is really outstanding on THIS.
SPennell 2 years ago
Joel is magnificent , especially on this recording but overall, I like Johnny as his voice holds up better across more tunes.
Again, that is only a preference, coul dunderstand someone turning that around.
If I could have been born with either of
these guys voice ... wow !
ahstc1973 2 years ago 4
There are certain singers that are dangerous to cover. Dion would be one, and Johnny Maestro would be the other. So to say Joel Katz has nailed this song is to pay him the ultimate compliment. An incredible rendition. Bravo!!!
NYDutch1968 2 years ago 5
Wow! I'm in love! Thanks for this posting!
AnitaLife27 2 years ago
Damn this is GREAT..and I don't say that often....have the Crest verions and seen them in person, but this tops it!
I never heard of Joel Katz, but I knew Mickey Katz!...met Mickey Katz's son Joel,...but he became Joel Grey!
PutOnASweater 2 years ago 3
for me this dude and j maestro voice are so close it's like they were twins both of them are my absolute favourites they are without doubt the king's of doowop!!!!!!!!!!!
garybrown57 2 years ago
Joel Katz actually is a cousin of mine, I learned that through my grandfather... have yet to meet him, but I hear that he's a great person... I should make it a point to go to a family reunion every now and then haha!
dr57doowop 3 years ago
Outstanding Voice!!!!!!
quiksilver1238 3 years ago 3
Joel Katz goes down as one of the best doo wop voice...and follows other great Jersey groups or duos like the Four Seasons (Three Friends), and the Knockouts.
alanhfrank 3 years ago 2
Just as good as Johnny Maestro's version.
kda721 3 years ago 8
Superb.I have not heard this version before.Thank you for sharing it.
sidney0212 3 years ago
We just listend to Johnny Maestro's version of What a Surprise, and WOW, Joel Katz is just as good a singer as Johnny Maestro, and this is coming from a few old musicians.
nyimtman 3 years ago 6
Comment removed
nyimtman 3 years ago
Definitely. FYI - Maestro sang background vocals with Joel for Joel Katz and the Dymensions. Check out "My Juanita". Just like the original, that's Johnny Maestro on background falsetto tenor. But the lead on the cover version is Joel Katz. That version is so close to the original, some can't tell the difference. Joel is still singing and better than ever.
judsons 3 years ago
He made good use of vibrato-technique.Remember that he was also excellent as the lead singer of the Timetones.
thebigfist 3 years ago
Joel was not the original singer. But this version is 10 times better. It has clarity and uses the best singers and musicians. Joel has covered many Doo Wop hits. His Joel and the Dymension CDs are still selling out on every gig he does. The best kept secret in music.
judsons 3 years ago 2
fantastique doowop !!! merci,merci et encore merci!!!!
fabriziodw 3 years ago
Joel Katz is one of greatest lead singers of all time. The tragedy is the average doo wop fan has never heard of him. Listen to CD Joel and the Jersey groups. He's Absolutely phenomenal.
Howieshet 3 years ago
what a great song doowop lives and breathes long live doowop
musicmaker1999 3 years ago
awesome song dowop is alive and well long live doowop
musicmaker1999 3 years ago
LONG LIVE DOO WOP !!
TopazDupree 3 years ago 3