I grew up playing in a local band in Pittsburgh called "The 5 Percents" and another one called "Delafield Roe". We played at local dances and I was friends and sometimes "jammed" with Carl and John Ruffing from "The Contrails". However I notice in all of the comments that name the members of "The Contrails" there is no mention by name of the Bass Player. His name is Norman Denk and I believe he should get his due for playing one of the most famous opening bass lines to any Pittsburgh oldie.
I knew Rich Engle from school and if I am not mistaken John and Carl Ruffing (formely from the group "The Distants" were also in the making of "Someone" and "Slinky". I remember when Engle was taking lessons from Joe Negri. It is a shame that "The Contrails" didn't stay together and make more music, they were good.
Do I remember being in LOVELOVELOVE when this song was on the charts????!!?? Yes I do. I think I was in love during the sixties in The Ohio Valley (Steubenville Ohio) about 500 times. And this beautiful song was definitely an important part of memories
My sisters and I have been thinking about this song for months. We couldn't remember the name of the band that sang it but could vividly remember what the 45 looked like. We loved this song!!!!!!!!!! Living in eastern ohio we heard this song all the time and bought the 45. Couldn't remember The Contrails. My older brother remembered their name. We found it here on utube and I must of listened to it 45 times since yesterday. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!
His name is actually Richard Engel, he was the lead guitarist. He went on to become the arrainger and orchestra leader for Jimmy Beumont and Skyliners, also was a record producer.
Jack Stanizzo and Rick Engle worte it. The original lineup was Jack and Rick, John Ruffing on Drums and Karl Ruffing on the organ. My dad and uncle. I love this song and it is a big part of my family history.
sorry weirton, i looked and i couldn't find it. i know i had it at one time. did find 'turn on your love light' on shock. i may post that one down the road. maybe someone can help out with 'big thing'.
Its great to see all the sites in Pittsburgh while listening to this song, makes me miss living there. This is one of those songs they'll put to wedding videos if those photographers get a hold of it :) - Wade
Wow! I'm surprised no one has ever approached you about getting those tapes archived to CD or audio DVD. You should have it done before the tapes get too bad; if they're not too bad already. That song is a true classic, and definitely needs to be preserved.
I've always wondered if the poor sound quality was in the actual recording or the pressing. My money's always been on the pressings being the culprit.
BTW, wasn't that the studio that was right above National Record Mart?
My money is on betting that Diamond records took their "master" from a Reuben pressing of the 45. Every single copy of the Diamond label pressing that I have found has had static on the intro (in one channel only!) and this includes both styrene and vinyl pressings, including a mint promotional copy that had NEVER been played before i purchased it from a retired DJ who had multiple copies of it. I would love to hear the song off a master tape, or in a stereo remix if it were made available!
I ripped a copy from vinyl and ran it thru some software that took out the pops and clicks and boosted the dynamic range. Not perfect, but not bad. Lemme know if you want me to email you a copy
I was thinking about his song recently and decided to look online. What a pleasant surprise to find "Someone"! This song was always the last song at the Junior High dances from 67-69. I got a lot of pretty girls to dance with me when this song came on! What a great dance song!!! Thanks for posting and for sharing Jack Stanizzo's website.
So glad to finally see this on YouTube; the bridge sounds like "My Heart Cries" by Etta & Harvey. Used to have a penpal when this came out; mailed her the 45, so the Pittsburgh Sound was heard in Londonderry. (Anybody remember "This is My Love" by the Beachcombers?? It's a nearly forgotten oldie that Terry Lee played often.)
I do remember Terry Lee playing "This Is My Love". Another song Terry played a lot that I love is "All Roads Lead To Heartbreak" by The Symphonics. So many others.
Sorry but I don't recall "All Roads Lead to Heartbreak" - at least not by title alone. I tried searching for it here on YT, but evidently nobody's uploaded it. (Now there's a project for someone.)
I like "Ain't No Big Thing" by The Electrons,too. IIRC they were from West Virginia,and I'm pretty sure they did that song on Come Alive around 1967 or so.
I see that the original version by the Radiants is posted - one of those great Northern Soul Chess classics that came out a couple of years before the Electrons redid it.
I remember hearing this for the first time as a kid in 1966 and thinking WOW.Those Pittsburgh songs are timeless.Been waiting for this one on You Tube.Thanks J.C. Great job as always. Love the background info.Conrad
I grew up playing in a local band in Pittsburgh called "The 5 Percents" and another one called "Delafield Roe". We played at local dances and I was friends and sometimes "jammed" with Carl and John Ruffing from "The Contrails". However I notice in all of the comments that name the members of "The Contrails" there is no mention by name of the Bass Player. His name is Norman Denk and I believe he should get his due for playing one of the most famous opening bass lines to any Pittsburgh oldie.
OLDHEADROCKER 2 days ago
I knew Rich Engle from school and if I am not mistaken John and Carl Ruffing (formely from the group "The Distants" were also in the making of "Someone" and "Slinky". I remember when Engle was taking lessons from Joe Negri. It is a shame that "The Contrails" didn't stay together and make more music, they were good.
pghvet66 3 days ago
Comment removed
xPMWxToM8t0 6 days ago
@xPMWxToM8t0 You're welcome. so glad you found this.
pghpookie 6 days ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Do I remember being in LOVELOVELOVE when this song was on the charts????!!?? Yes I do. I think I was in love during the sixties in The Ohio Valley (Steubenville Ohio) about 500 times. And this beautiful song was definitely an important part of memories
yasuitme 5 months ago
No flames, please, but Boy George's voice bears similarities to the lead singer here.
dogkelp 6 months ago
i didn't know they were from pittsburgh! cool, so many from my town thanks! I have an original copy on diamond
19Chuck80 9 months ago
Great song, I had this song in my head for weeks and couldn't remember who did it. Thanks for the post, from a pittsburgher
Tiremanwms 11 months ago
Memories of being a teenager!!!!!!!!! Great great song!!!!
cars8709 1 year ago
Best thing to come out of pittsburgh.
hellspit2003 1 year ago
I have this on 45
Lecherousity 1 year ago
My sisters and I have been thinking about this song for months. We couldn't remember the name of the band that sang it but could vividly remember what the 45 looked like. We loved this song!!!!!!!!!! Living in eastern ohio we heard this song all the time and bought the 45. Couldn't remember The Contrails. My older brother remembered their name. We found it here on utube and I must of listened to it 45 times since yesterday. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!
apeach710 1 year ago
His name is actually Richard Engel, he was the lead guitarist. He went on to become the arrainger and orchestra leader for Jimmy Beumont and Skyliners, also was a record producer.
steelers7thheaven 2 years ago
Jack Stanizzo and Rick Engle worte it. The original lineup was Jack and Rick, John Ruffing on Drums and Karl Ruffing on the organ. My dad and uncle. I love this song and it is a big part of my family history.
MrSmeagol123456 2 years ago
oooooh one of my favs 5*s
guanajuato1987 2 years ago
You're most welcome sweetie...knew you would like it ;)
souldiegirl 2 years ago 2
dayum! I love this Rolita!!! 5*'s!
souldiegirl 2 years ago
Thanks Souldiegirl ..Lovely song .. Nice harmonies .. and melody =} xlnt post
ELRANDY11 2 years ago
Very well done!!!
Thanx for posting.
Lionheartdays 2 years ago
CLASSIC Pittsburgh sound from late 196. Remember Clark Race spinning this one. Great days!
EarleYetter 2 years ago 2
And Terry Lee(the Magic T.L. Sound) as well
handinside 2 years ago
Never heard this one before. Sounds like the last slow dance of the night back in junior high circa '66-'68. Very nice.
TubeNumber1 3 years ago
Does anyone have the Electron's "Ain't no big thing"? I'd sure like to hear it.
weirtonoldies 3 years ago
sorry weirton, i looked and i couldn't find it. i know i had it at one time. did find 'turn on your love light' on shock. i may post that one down the road. maybe someone can help out with 'big thing'.
pghpookie 3 years ago
@pghpookie It was also released on the "Date" record label.I hd it long time ago,but lost it
handinside 1 year ago
@pghpookie "Ain't No Big Thing" by the Electrons was recently shared to the Facebook page The Pittsburgh Music hall of Fame.
travisklein2003 3 months ago
Everyone needs to start listening to this music again. Our society is dieng
hellspit2003 3 years ago
Good job!! Thanks for the notice
AFerrieri 3 years ago
Its great to see all the sites in Pittsburgh while listening to this song, makes me miss living there. This is one of those songs they'll put to wedding videos if those photographers get a hold of it :) - Wade
rams4700 3 years ago
Oops... I meant MASTER tapes. LOL
trilogypart3 3 years ago
What I wouldn't give to get a hold of the mater tapes of this song. I'd remix it and clean it up and give it away to everyone online. A true classic.
trilogypart3 3 years ago
i still have the original masters, recorded at gateway studio, wood st, pgh
jackstanizzo
jackstanizzo 3 years ago
Wow! I'm surprised no one has ever approached you about getting those tapes archived to CD or audio DVD. You should have it done before the tapes get too bad; if they're not too bad already. That song is a true classic, and definitely needs to be preserved.
I've always wondered if the poor sound quality was in the actual recording or the pressing. My money's always been on the pressings being the culprit.
BTW, wasn't that the studio that was right above National Record Mart?
trilogypart3 3 years ago
My money is on betting that Diamond records took their "master" from a Reuben pressing of the 45. Every single copy of the Diamond label pressing that I have found has had static on the intro (in one channel only!) and this includes both styrene and vinyl pressings, including a mint promotional copy that had NEVER been played before i purchased it from a retired DJ who had multiple copies of it. I would love to hear the song off a master tape, or in a stereo remix if it were made available!
TopshelfTom 3 years ago
TopshelfTom, you make an excellent point. And you're probably right.
trilogypart3 3 years ago
Tops,
I ripped a copy from vinyl and ran it thru some software that took out the pops and clicks and boosted the dynamic range. Not perfect, but not bad. Lemme know if you want me to email you a copy
Lionheartdays 2 years ago
I was thinking about his song recently and decided to look online. What a pleasant surprise to find "Someone"! This song was always the last song at the Junior High dances from 67-69. I got a lot of pretty girls to dance with me when this song came on! What a great dance song!!! Thanks for posting and for sharing Jack Stanizzo's website.
2dayand2morrow 3 years ago
So glad to finally see this on YouTube; the bridge sounds like "My Heart Cries" by Etta & Harvey. Used to have a penpal when this came out; mailed her the 45, so the Pittsburgh Sound was heard in Londonderry. (Anybody remember "This is My Love" by the Beachcombers?? It's a nearly forgotten oldie that Terry Lee played often.)
pgh45rpms 3 years ago
I do remember Terry Lee playing "This Is My Love". Another song Terry played a lot that I love is "All Roads Lead To Heartbreak" by The Symphonics. So many others.
frightfan1 3 years ago
Sorry but I don't recall "All Roads Lead to Heartbreak" - at least not by title alone. I tried searching for it here on YT, but evidently nobody's uploaded it. (Now there's a project for someone.)
pgh45rpms 3 years ago
I remember this one too. What a great Pittsburgh sound. Still waiting on the Electrons-"Aint no big thing"-another goodie.
weirtonoldies 3 years ago
I like "Ain't No Big Thing" by The Electrons,too. IIRC they were from West Virginia,and I'm pretty sure they did that song on Come Alive around 1967 or so.
frightfan1 3 years ago
The Electrons where from Penn Hills PA. near Pittsburgh And they were on Come Alive six or seven times between 67 and 69 .
88cutty 3 years ago
Thanks for the info! I had forgotten they were a Penn Hills band. Father time is catching up with me.
frightfan1 3 years ago
I see that the original version by the Radiants is posted - one of those great Northern Soul Chess classics that came out a couple of years before the Electrons redid it.
pgh45rpms 3 years ago
I remember hearing this for the first time as a kid in 1966 and thinking WOW.Those Pittsburgh songs are timeless.Been waiting for this one on You Tube.Thanks J.C. Great job as always. Love the background info.Conrad
frightfan1 3 years ago
thanks. this one was for you. go google the contrails, you'll find jack stanizzo has a website up. check it out. some old pics, and an update.
pghpookie 3 years ago
Thanks J.C. I checked that site out and it's great!
frightfan1 3 years ago